Now that the new year has begun, everyone is trying to make and keep resolutions... myself included. We usually get a little overzealous when it comes to making resolutions and end up giving up within a couple weeks. So this year, I've decided that I want to make more realistic goals for the new year and actually make an effort to last longer than a few short weeks.

1. Take more photos.

Looking back on 2016, I made the realization that I didn’t take a lot of photos. I love taking pictures so it was so sad to see that I didn’t have a lot of them. So this year, I’m making it my goal to take pictures of anything and everything. I want to document happy memories, things that I find beautiful or interesting, events with people I care about, and everything else I could possibly think of.

2. Put myself first.

I have spent far too many years putting everyone else’s needs before my own in friendships, romantic relationships, and almost every kind of relationship I have with people. I get so worried about what other people think about me that I’ll put my own interests aside to make the people around me happy. This year I’m going to start putting myself first, not saying yes because I feel obligated to do so, and generally taking my own interests into consideration.

3. Take opportunities.

I’ve been blessed with some incredible opportunities in my life, which I haven’t always taken advantage of but this year I’m planning to take each and every one of them that I can. I want to study abroad, do a couple of internships, get more involved in my sorority, and do all of the things I felt like I couldn’t do last year.

4. Eat better.

This has been one of my reoccurring resolutions over the last couple years and I’ve never stuck with it. I know that I feel better whenever I drink more water and eat healthy foods, so it makes sense to actually make an effort to do that this year. This is the year to finally take care of myself and I fully intend to do so.

5. Stick to a workout routine

I actually stuck to this resolution for a while last year, but I got too lazy at one point and stopped working out a little before summer started. This year, however, I have friends who want to work out with me and I have more determination to take care of myself. I know that I need to start small and stay realistic with my goals so I don’t burn myself out and to remember to push through even when it gets tough.

Looking forward to this coming year, I feel optimistic about all of the opportunities I can take, the positive changes I’ll be making in my life, and the new adventures to come. I know every second won’t be perfect, but I can surely try to appreciate every single moment of this year. Cheers to new beginnings!