1. Rethink your existence.
Everything you do is a choice. Realize that you are free. We were brought up to do, to provide, go to school, go to work and to make money. Guess what? We’re human beings not human doings. At this time in your life, realize every second you spend in a day is 100 percent your choice. You choose to wake up to go to 7:30 a.m. class. Nobody is forcing you. So quit complaining! If it doesn’t serve you, let it go. I am looking forward to using what I learn in my classes in my future. If you really don’t want to go to class, I suggest you seriously reconsider what you are doing with your life, open your heart and listen to your passions. Once you realize you are free, you can embrace happiness and practice becoming the best version of yourself.

2. Be yourself. 

It all starts with self-love. There will always be people with opinions who think you are this type of person or that type of person. What you do have the power to change is your opinion of your self. When we embrace who we are, full throttle, is when we really start to live to be the best versions of ourselves. There is something within you that nobody else has to offer. Be yourself and grace the world with your presence .

3. Love is greater than fear.

Fear means 'False Evidence Appearing Real'. I can think of too many things I do out of fear: fear of the future, fear of consequences, fear of disapproval, fear of judgment, fear of disappointment… the list goes on. I’m practicing turning this around, as I begin to do more things out of love.  My list looks something like this: love of dancing, love of yoga, love of friends, love of learning, love of trying new things, love of a good challenge. Everyone has a different list of what they love or what brings them joy. We are all beautiful and unique so, let what brings you love guide you to find the best version of your self.

4. Cure your 'disease to please'.

We don’t have to act small to get people to like us. In your attempt to please your parents, teachers, or even your friends, have you lost who you really are? In college, it is easy to fall into the party scene. Friends want you to go out with them. Don’t forget who you are in your journey to providing the most positive contribution possible to this planet.  The only person you have to please is yourself.  Letting go of relationships that no longer serve you may open doors to relationships that do serve you.

 5. There is no such thing as a mistake.

Okay, hold up. Yes, there’s definitely such a thing, but it’s really all about how you look at it. Some people look for ways to make more mistakes so that they can learn and become wise. Others, like me, will misplace her keys and a week later, lose them again. What is huge about this is, not letting it get to you. Why worry?  Why stress? There is nothing I can do in the meantime besides think, look, and keep moving forward. Complaining, crying or freaking out is not constructive.  Like I said, I'm still working on this one, but in striving to become the best version of myself, I practice noticing when stress pours over me and laughing at it  as I try to let it go and move on.

I also suggest eating plant foods. Feeding your body the medicine nature grows for us is fundamentally beneficial for your own well-being. Maybe you think my suggestions are bogus or too spiritual. But, in my journey, I have noticed as I embrace what I love, opportunities fall into my lap. So much serendipity. At the CoRec, I get to share my passions for dancing, yoga and even the amazing and delicious raw vegan cuisine in the demo kitchen! If that wasn't enough, you’re reading my article as the health fitness columnist for this newspaper and my little diary of a blog, that only my mom read, now has hundreds of followers!

Every day is the best day ever.  Or maybe it's not. Maybe it’s just how I look at it .