Every 'New Year' many of us set resolutions for ourselves that are totally unrealistic. For myself, I set the resolution of being truly happy within and being kind to those who aren't exactly the easiest people to get along with. But, guess what? I've already failed multiple times. We get our hopes up when our resolutions fall through and we get bummed out over it. My hope is that this 'New Year' you set hopes instead of resolutions.

1. I hope you take risks.

Take the class you know could damage your GPA. Join a sorority. Reach out to someone hurting and share the Gospel with them. Cut your hair. Tell that boy you like him. But take a risk. Learn from your failures. Stop playing it safe.

2. I hope you dance.

Dance through your anxiety. Dance out that failing test grade. Dance when your friend gets her heartbroken... or when yours gets broken. Dance after you've eaten a pint of ice cream. Dance in public. Because life may not always be the party we hoped for, but while we're here, let's dance.

3. I hope you celebrate.

Celebrate that 4.0. Celebrate won football games. Celebrate when God answers that prayer you've been praying for the past year. Celebrate when your parents' marriage is fixed. Celebrate the break ups. Celebrate on Saturday nights and on Sunday mornings. Celebrate wing night at Tucks. Celebrate the new year. Celebrate every tiny victory.

4. I hope you love... and love hard.

Love your friends. Love your family. Love your dogs. Love this earth. But, most importantly love yourself and love hard.

5. I hope you'll forgive.

Forgive that boy who cheated on you. Forgive the friend who turned their back on you. Forgive that teacher for not giving you the grade you wanted. Forgive the boy who broke your heart. Forgive your parents. But most importantly, forgive yourself. Forgiving yourself is as important as forgiving others. Guilt is toxic! Reliving the mistake over and over again is toxic. Love yourself and please, forgive yourself.

6. I hope you refuse toxicity.

Run as far away as you can from negativity. Some people are just toxic people, but that doesn't mean they're bad people. You're allowed to outgrow those people. Do not allow anyone to cause you pain.

7. I hope you do better.

Be a better person. Be the reason someone changes their life. Do better than that Saturday night you don't remember. Find a better guy than your ex was. Treat your friends better. Treat your parents better. Be stronger. Show compassion to the difficult person in your life. Rise above. Be so engulfed in your own success that you forget the bad things.

8. But most importantly, I hope that at the heart of whatever you are looking for, you find Jesus there.

Know Him. Love Him. Seek Him. Everything else WILL fall into place.

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.