It’s that time of year- you know, when you tell yourself not to eat Chik-fil-a because you’re sure it’s why you gained the freshman 15 (definitely not that cookie dough ice cream you ate after every meal at the dining hall). You’ve resolved to eat less and work out more, maybe finally delete your Tinder account and start living in the moment. But you know, deep down, that just like every other year it won’t happen. You can blame it on the “Treat Yo Self” mentality (damn you, Tom Haverford, for my empty wallet) or you can just realize that you’re weak and you are what you are and dang it, eating ice cream and watching Netflix feels so good. But there is one resolution you can make for 2017. It won’t be easy, but change never is. It’s little, and achievable, and it will make 2017 so much better for you and everyone in it. So let’s let 2017 be the year of positivity.

Love Yourself

It starts with the little things, like losing those self-deprecating comments. When your friends text in the group chat with last minute plans, don’t respond with things like, “Give me 15 minutes, I’m ugly right now.” No, you don’t look ugly. You look beautiful, with or without makeup, with or without the new dress you just got that makes you look “so skinny”. Don’t say things like, “Wouldn’t it be nice, but I wouldn’t know because I’ll always be alone” when your friend talks about their new crush. You won’t always be alone, someone will like you for you and it will rock your world. It’s time to cut the crap and start making these little changes because you’re really only hurting yourself. It’s time to build yourself up- and don’t think that others won’t notice.

Realize You MATTER

You matter. Don’t let anyone ever tell you different. And most importantly, don’t let that little voice in your head tell you that either. Try replacing your “I’m sorry’s” with “thank you’s”. Instead of “Sorry I’m a bit late”, it’s “Thanks for waiting on me!”. Instead of “Sorry I’m such a mess”, say “Thank you for loving me unconditionally”. It will help you remember that you are someone worthy and deserving of love, and it will allow you to project positivity on those around you. Swapping negativity for gratitude is a little thing, but one that will change your 2017.

Love Others

We all can appreciate a good roasting. It’s fun, and it’s fine when the person being roasted can make fun of themselves, and see their flaws for what they are. But sometimes it goes too far. Think about what you’re saying. Even if it’s in good fun, your words will be remembered, consciously or not. There will come a time when that friend you made fun of for always wanting attention will stop asking for it at all, because she doesn’t think she’s worth it, not anymore. When your first instinct is to tear others down, remember that this year you’re going to build others up. Remember that all it takes is one tiny compliment to make someone’s day. Remember that words are important, and the ones you choose to use can change your world.

So why positivity? We saw a country divided by a polarizing election and mourned the deaths of our favorite icons now lost in all but our own memories. After a rocky year I think we can all agree that we need positivity now more than ever. Positivity is an individual change, something that we can make on a micro level, person by person, that will affect us on a macro level. It can be a chain effect. One positive person can make an impact on others, who will make a positive impact on still others, until we as a whole can be a positive people. And it isn’t hard. It’s little things, every now and then, that will let us make a difference. Keep it in the back of your mind. Don’t let yourself tear yourself down. Don’t let yourself tear others down. Let’s build each other back up.