A New Year is coming, and a lot of things might have happened this year. There were struggles, joys, tears, pick me ups, forgiving, grieving, heartaches, and all of the above. But hopefully, much of what has happened has led you to grow as a person. May they have been happy or sad experiences, hopefully they are things that allowed for you to learn. Life is hard. I know it. But blessed are you to start a New Year. Embrace it.

I think one thing that many of us forget about is prioritizing. Here are a few things you can do for this new year. Yeah, admit it, we all have our New Years Resolutions. But really, shouldn't we be striving to achieve something each day we wake up?

1. Journal

There is nothing like writing. It cleanses the soul--seriously. Perhaps you feel inspired and want to write a poem. Or maybe it's just a few words a day. It's all up to you. Maybe your way of venting is by writing. Or perhaps you want to tell your story. There is nothing wrong with that! One of my favorite quotes is "If you see the book you want on the shelf...write it!"- Beverly Cleary Journaling helps keep track of your thoughts, and look deep within you. It may help you think clearly and re assess yourself, what is going on around you, your actions, etc.

2. Read more

I know reading is not everyone's most favorite thing to do--but seriously it is so awesome. Reading is incredibly soothing and calming. Pick a genre, or think about that certain book or series you have been wanting to read for the longest time. Take some time this new year and get to reading it. Reading is awesome when you have time to yourself after busy days. One thing you can do is instead of picking up your phone for social media, read instead! Reading allows you to expand your vocabulary, to learn more, and enter a new world.

3. Listen more

When someone is talking to you, make sure you are actually listening. This seems rather redundant, but how many times do we just say "uh huh" or "yeah". Listen and answer with intent. Be thoughtful with your words, listen with care, and remember what things people said! It will mean a lot to the other person. Treat others the way you would want to be treated!

In another way, listening will involve trust as well. Trust in the words of your elders, your family, friends, people who you love you. Listen to advice and wisdom given to you, for some have lived experiences that you have not.

4. Advocate

Speak your damn mind. Really. Be mindful of what is going on around you. What is happening to others. Be a leader, take action and be wise. Be the voice for those who don't have one. Be strong and believe in yourself, in what you say and do. When you see someone getting hurt, stand up for them. When people are trying to hurt you in any shape or form, stand up, and make sure they hear you. When I say this, I mean in a fashion in which you will not lower yourself to be a person who inflicts hurt, but the opposite, educates and loves! Love on others when you advocate.

5. Remain Faithful

Believe in humanity. Believe in the love and kindness of others, but at the same time do not be naive. Be smart and humble and faithful to yourself as well.

6. Let Anger Go

It will only sink you. Why choose anger when there is forgiveness, and happiness. When there is love and clarity. Let go of that grudge, and live in peace.

7. Appreciate

You ever realize how many wonderful people you have actually come across with in this life and realize you may not thank others enough for just being them? For being so awesome? Tell others how much they mean to you. Thank others, smile at others, be polite. Be appreciative of all that you have. Love on your loved ones. Tell your family and friends how much you love them whenever you get the chance. Help whenever you get the chance. When you really appreciate people, it's nice to show them how much you care by what may seem the simplest of actions, but actually go a long way.

8. Conquer Fears

Sometimes fear pushes you. It makes you realize your potential when you do face them, because fear is a liar. It tell you you can't do things, or this will happen. But it won't. Trusting your gut and letting fear run you over are two very different things. It'll be okay.

9. Stay Focused

Stay true to your goals and dreams, and don't let others get you down and tell you you can't do things or get you off track. Work hard. Your future self will thank you later. Promise.

10. Self Love

Think positive thoughts. Exercise and eat healthy. Get in the habit and create maybe a skin care routine. Don't dye your hair as much. Only you know your body and mind and know what is right. Create a better sleeping schedule. Self love can go many ways. Maybe it means creating more time for yourself, or creating a new style.

11. Kindness...Kindness...Kindness!

Always be kind. There is not excuse to not be. You are not more nor less than anyone else. No matter socioeconomic status, race, religion, job position, NOTHING! Everyone deserves kindness, even those that we would think don't deserve it. In reality, those are the people that actually need it the most.

12. Reduce Social Media Usage

Guilty. I use way too much social media too my liking. Feel bored? We pick up the phone. When we wake up, we pick up my phone and scroll through the feed. Phones are handy when awaiting important phone calls or emails, or talking to friends and family, but it's not healthy when we use social media excessively. There is a world outside of this screen. Everything must be to a moderate and healthy extent. Social media sometimes makes you compare your life to others or sucks you into this world of likes and all of that. Trust me. Log off for a while, and you will instantly see changes in your mood, focus and mindset!

13. Concentrate on what really matters

There will be instances in life in which you realize, you know what this is petty, or when you realize the true value of things. Don't waste you time, for time is precious.

14. LEARN

Learn whenever you get the chance. Learn by exploring, by meeting new people, by reading, listening, or simply by experience. Always achieve to be a better person than you were yesterday. Grow and strive to expand your horizon!

Guess what. You can change. You can improve. You can grow. You can be the person you aspire to be, the person you admire, the person you would like to hang around. Love your self endlessly. Take initiative. Be a leader, not a follower. These things seem cliche, I know. But gosh darn it, do it. For your own sake, do it. There will be experiences in your life that will make you realize how truly valuable life is--how fragile it is. You got this one life. Own it please. Cherish it and those around you. Soak up the sun, be adventurous, and stop being sour if need be. This New Year is full of possibilities, that's the beauty of it.