New year, new me- just kidding. Well, for the most part.

As we approach January 1st, it seems like the whole world is waiting for something better to come along- something new and life changing. A new year symbolizes new beginnings, right? This is our chance to change and improve upon something from the year before.

We have our expectations and then the reality of it. Most do not stick to their resolutions, even though this year is different. We make resolutions like losing weight, where we sign up for a gym membership and eventually stop going. The gym starts to clear out as we approach the next year and the gym regulars breathe a sigh of relief.

Moral of the story: we like to change outwardly instead of introspectively because it is what society (ie. our friends, family, acquaintances) sees. It's our image. The image that we sacrifice our real self for so that we can hide in fear that we'll be rejected by others.

We consistently like to change and make new of how the world sees us, it's rare to realize that we ourselves need to be fixed. In order to fix a problem, you have to acknowledge that there is one.

This year, I'm only making one resolution and it's one that I plan on keeping. My new year's resolution (not only for 2017 but the following years) is to continually work on myself.

My resolution does not restrict myself at a year, but offers never-ending possibilities so that I can ultimately become a better human being, person, friend, sister, student, etc.

No one is perfect and by acknowledging that I am not perfect will allow me to open myself up to even better, brighter possibilities.

I will start by reflecting on the past- with the willful knowledge that I cannot change it and that I can only learn from it. I learned that people are uncontrollable and no one else is to blame for their actions, however, I can change the outcome of their actions and what I can do despite that. Although I cannot control everything else happening around me, I can control how I choose to react and deal with people and the situations at hand.

After reflecting, I realize that I now know what I want and hope to improve upon. The only way this new year will be different is if I make the changes that are the stepping stones. I will change my negative outlook and stop my bad habits. I will learn from my regrets and mistakes so that I can move forward.

It is not selfish to put work into yourself first, but only healthy. Join me on this new year's resolution and become better.

Learn to acknowledge the past, live in the present and work towards a better future for yourself.