This past year has made me realize a lot about myself and those around me. I also realized that I should’ve stood up for myself more and not have been as silent as I was. So, I’m making a little list for myself and whoever reads this. Please keep this in the back of your mind as the year goes on.

1. Expect the unexpected. Don’t think your life will be “status quo.” You honestly never know what can happen a year from now, or even a minute. Stay on your toes and always be ready for a challenge.
2. Don’t let anyone take advantage. Don’t let anyone pull the wool over your eyes. People usually have no idea that they are being taken advantage of, trust me I’ve been there. Know when to draw the line.
3. Never take no for an answer. If you really want something, you need to keep pushing. Don’t just give up and throw in the towel. Don’t ever accept defeat.
4. Don’t just sit and wait. There are endless amounts of opportunities out there, and you won’t achieve much if you sit and sulk. When you feel like you can’t get back up again, you’re just wasting time. Get up, brush yourself off, and just do it!
5. Put yourself out there. It can be very hard to be outgoing or just reach out in general. Whether it be in class, work, a meeting, or even just having a conversation with friends, holding something in won’t make anything better and will result in bottling things up. Be brave and speak up. You never know what could happen! Let’s be honest, wouldn’t you rather know you did it instead of always thinking, “What if?”?
6. Keep your chin up. You should always keep your chin up, if you don’t, you’ll fall deeper into whatever it is that was bugging you. It’s okay to show emotion, in fact, you should never hide anything. If you’re happy, show it! If you’re upset, get it off of your chest.
7. Stand up for yourself. No one should ever put you down, ever. If they do, feel bad for them. They must feel so bad about themselves and must be so self-conscious to the point where they feel the need to hurt someone else. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind, and stand up for what is right.
8. Have fun. You know, it doesn’t ALWAYS have to be all work and no play. Make some time to do fun activities with friends, family, and your significant other! See a movie, find a new restaurant, walk around the park with a steaming hot cup of coffee, go to the mall and try on a new shade of lipstick in MAC.
9. Take some time for yourself. This is probably the most important part of this article. You need to take a step back and have some alone time. Build on your own goals, study, read a new book, write, or pick up a new hobby. Spend at least 1-2 hours a week to yourself.
10. Create a boundary between alone time and time spent with others. There are some things that you should consider doing alone, like maybe grocery shopping or things stated above. Not like you shouldn’t enjoy doing these activities with others, but there comes a time and place to do things by yourself and then with others.
11. Stay up to date with your planner, stay organized, and balanced. This is something that you need to get into the habit of. This can help with getting things done, and help with stress.
12. Don’t overwork yourself. You have the rest of your life to work. You have a life other than just work, work, work. Do what you can, if you don’t finish, pick back up tomorrow! Don’t worry, and don’t stress. Whatever needs to get done will get done, but don’t kill yourself to get there.
13. Stay healthy. But don’t over do it. Put only good into your body, and your body will thank you. Take a yoga class, go on a run once a week, and stretch in the morning.
14. Push away stress or anything that is making you distracted in a healthy way. Work it off by running, writing, dancing, baking, or any healthy hobby that you have.
15. Maintain relationships, but don’t force anything. If you feel like someone in your life isn’t contributing to your happiness, or that they are only trying to bring your down, cut. them. off. Don’t keep a friendship that is only being worked on from one side.
16. Remember your self worth and how important you are. There is only one you, and there will only ever be one you!
17. Smile, laugh, and enjoy the ride. 

This is your year to shine. Put yourself first, have an open mind, and be positive!

xo,

D