I'm going to be thankful for every living breathing moment. I am going to get in great shape. I am going to get my look together. I am going to have the best year. Each year my resolutions always sound something like this. They repeat and repeat, looming over my head and never being fully fulfilled. I refuse to end another year with the disappointment of not fulfilling my previous resolutions. Instead, I'd like to look back on a year with the satisfaction that I lived it truly and fully. In an effort to do this, I decided to ditch the resolutions.

A favorite yoga instructor of mine always starts class with a mantra: a statement or slogan repeated frequently. She likes to pick simple words that target her ultimate goals in life: peace, faith, gratitude. My mantra came to me through none other than my Instagram feed. Call me crazy but it's meant to be. I think your mantra will come to you when the timing is right. Maybe it won't be at the start of the new year. But it will come. For the upcoming year, 2017, this will be my mantra:

“This is your life. Do what you want and do it often.

If you don't like something, change it.

If you don't like your job, quit.

If you don't have enough time, stop watching TV.

If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love.

Stop over-analysing, life is simple.

All emotions are beautiful.

When you eat, appreciate every last bite.

Life is simple.

Open your heart, mind and arms to new things and people, we are united in our differences.

Ask the next person you see what their passion is and share your inspiring dream with them.

Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself.

Some opportunities only come once, seize them.

Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating.

Life is short, live your dream and wear your passion.”

-Holstee Manifesto

In my mantra, there are many words that provide different definitions of one key concept: simplicity. By making a list of resolutions each year, I make things complicated for myself. I feel like I have to live up to those in order to live the best year possible. So instead of a list, I will follow a simple mantra. A quote that guides my everyday life and everyday choices. A quote that will guide me down the path of 2017.