Year after year we all make very similar resolutions. I can't tell you how many years I've promised myself that I was going to start running five days out of the week. Actually, a lot of the New Year's Resolutions that I commonly hear have something to do along the lines of physical appearances. Looking your best is a positive and attractive attribute to someone, but obsessing over it makes it very unhealthy. Too many people think dropping those 20 extra pounds will make them feel better about themselves. Obviously it will boost your self confidence, but will it truly fill the void in your heart that you're trying to satisfy?

Staying in touch with old friends (and new) is a great resolution to have, especially if you're in college. The friends you made in your classes more than likely will not be in the same classes as you next semester, so it's important to maintain those friendships. I've personally grown closer to people I've known for four months than I've known for 18 years.

Start saving money instead of spending it on things that you don't really need. Start a little savings jar and reach your goal amount. Go on a vacation, buy yourself a nice little black dress, or donate your savings to charity. Too many of us spend money like it's not a big deal without realizing how privileged and blessed we truly are.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and spend your free time. We spend a great amount of time trying to better ourselves. Although this is a good thing, some of the time we spend doing that we can spend trying to help others better themselves as well. When we volunteer, it truly makes us happy. Seeing a smile on someone's face after helping them is much better than any physical gift we could ever receive.

In 2017 start putting your all into everything that you do. I think most of us can agree that 2016 was a year that wasn't the happiest or the brightest for the most part. Start expressing yourself more, tell someone you love them, and make sure that everything you do, you do it to the fullest. Make 2017 a year that you'll never forget.