When New Years comes around everyone feel ambitious and the healthy grocery items seem to leave the shelves a little quicker than normal. The gym or recreational centers become a little more crowded after work or during lunch breaks. The to-do lists grow longer and longer and you do all you can to change habits.

Working on road rage, limiting the cookies eaten each day, saying thank you more often, and making sure those that need to feel appreciated. The typical resolutions all come out and sure some of the more surface level and cliche ones last a month or so as patterns and research say it takes 21 days to make or break a habit.

This coming year, I want to challenge those reading this to put the idea of an "open-mindset" at the top of your resolutions. Open to new ideas and new adventures. Experience new cultures you haven't been open to in past years and be open to other thoughts and opinions. One of the biggest lessons I have learned in life is there are two sides to all stories and that the first step of being open to even listen to another side is a major step forward.

The idea of being open to new interests. The ones your close friends and family are interested in can accidentally become interests you enjoy. You never know though until you dip your toes in what others see or do.

Now, there's no need to crazy and jump off a cliff if you're scared to death to do so but travel somewhere new or learn I Love You in as many languages as you can remember. Be open to hearing the other side of the story. To cross the line of comfort.

This resolution can be one that gradually is improved on. You can catch yourself in any situation and each time open up to the ideas a little more. It can be one that can see growth and doesn't need to be watched on a scale or a budget excel sheet. Although those can be great resolutions to have goals for… it is nice every once in a while to create a more positive and open lifestyle.

This is different for everyone and some may disagree with what they open up to, but you never know until you try.