A lot of people choose to use a new year as a time to start fresh with a clean slate. Whether it be letting go of past grudges, hitting the gym, or vowing to cut back on wine consumption, we all tend to make resolutions that only last a couple of months. Here are a few resolutions that are easy to stick to and will help you make the most out of 2017:
1. LESS NEGATIVITY
Take this as an opportunity to start spreading more love to those around you. Life is too short for hate and negativity, and it's best to take advantage of the time you've been given and make a positive impact in someone's life. It's literally SO easy to be a nice person.
2. MORE SELF LOVE
The key to happiness is loving yourself first. Don't be afraid to be a little selfish this year, you deserve it. Be confident, wear whatever you want to wear, and be whoever you want to be. Look in the mirror and remind yourself that you're a bad bitch. THIS IS YOUR YEAR.
3. MAKE OTHERS FEEL GOOD
Make a conscious effort to spread love to the people in your life. Although someone may already know how you feel about them, remind them. Don't be afraid to spread the love. Tell your mom she's beautiful. Tell your significant other how much they mean to you. These little things mean so much more than you realize.
4. BE HONEST
Be honest with yourself, as well as everyone else. Be upfront about how you feel. Stop wasting someone else's time just because you're unsure of how you feel. If everyone would stop beating around the bush in 2017, a lot less feelings would be hurt in the long run. JUST BE MORE HONEST ABOUT HOW YOU FEEL.
5. SMILE MORE
This seems so simple, but it really does make a difference. Smiling more really does make you feel better (trust me, I thought it was dumb until I tried it), and it makes you seem more approachable and friendly. Plus, someone who is having a bad day might see you looking happy, and it could make them feel better, too. After all, smiling is representative of a healthy, happy you.
6. DO MORE OF WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY
Speaking of happiness, do more of what makes you feel that way. Whether it be bubble baths or chocolate or shopping or working out, incorporate more of what makes you feel good into your daily life. You deserve it.
7. STOP APOLOGIZING
You don't owe anyone anything. You don't have to apologize for being yourself. I'm guilty of overusing the phrase "sorry I'm being annoying". This year, don't apologize for being yourself. Don't apologize for anything you do to better yourself.
8. BE THANKFUL
Start thanking people more. Show how much you appreciate those you have in your life. Simply saying "thank you" means so much.
9. STOP FEELING GUILTY
Stop making yourself feel bad about how other people treat you. Just because someone doesn't realize your value, doesn't mean that it isn't there. Don't feel guilty when people leave. Don't feel guilty for working on yourself.
10. STOP MAKING EXCUSES
If you want to eat healthier, do it. If you want to eat Taco Bell every day, do it. Stop making excuses and start living YOUR life the way YOU want to live it.