The beginning of a new year is always stressful. A lot of times we try to start over completely, but sometimes you can only change so much. This year, I am trying to do something a little different each day. The first day of the new year, I decided to brush my teeth before showering instead of doing it after like I always have. Something so simple made my day a little less routine.

Sometimes I get so bogged down in life that I am just a moving robot doing the same things over and over. I love the new year because it gives me a nice excuse to change things up. Instead of driving the same way to work, I sometimes take a different path to give me a change of scenery. Instead of getting stressed out when the line at the grocery store is incredibly long, I try to tell myself to calm down and be more optimistic about the situation. By changing my mindset, I can change my thoughts, behaviors, and my mood.

I love changing things up. It tends to make life a little less boring. It doesn't have to be anything major. You can easily change your morning routine. You can easily take a different way home. It doesn't have to be drastic. Sometimes the small changes are exactly what you need. Maybe instead of getting out of that relationship that just doesn't have that spark anymore, you can save it by spicing things up. Instead of always going to the movies, go to a park. Have a picnic by the lake instead of going out for burgers all the time.

By just starting 2017, we have an advantage. The new year gives us all an excuse to better ourselves by changing things up. So far, I have changed my morning routine, started traveling differently, gathered with old friends for a nice dinner, and even attempted to be more optimistic. I haven't mastered being optimistic, but the good news is I have 11 and a half months to try to perfect it.

This new year, I challenge you to find something interesting that you don't really do that often. The next time things seem to be robotic for you, you are bored with your life, or you just don't seem to have any energy, try finding that spontaneity in your life. Read a new book, start a craft, or try a new recipe. Again, it doesn't have to be a major change. Something that makes you happy is change enough. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you have no spontaneity. You do. Sometimes it is a little hard to see; You just have to work to find it. By doing something a little differently each day, you will find that spirit and be happier in the months to come.