1. Set goals, not expectations.
Does that make sense? Maybe not, but what I mean is to set goals for yourself – but make them realistic and attainable. Should you dream big? Heck yeah. But in this New Year, don’t set your expectations so high that if you don’t reach them, you’ll find yourself crushed. Dream big and set realistic goals – either way, you’re going places!!
2. Laugh every single day… even if sometimes it’s at yourself.
It is pretty impossible to not have a good time laughing. It is absolutely one of my favorite things, and I’m super pumped at the thought of everything 2016 will bring to give me a good laugh. I’m 100% convinced that any day can be made better with a moment that makes you laugh until you cry. So in this New Year, do your best to find something to laugh at every single day – whether it’s Parks and Rec memes on Pinterest (guilty.) or something silly you did at work – if it brings a smile to your face and an ache to your abs, I’d say you’re doing it right.
3. Don’t be afraid to say goodbye to people who bring you down.
Yes. Yes, yes, yes. If 2015 taught me anything, it’s this. Absolutely. You are not obligated to keep people in your life who you don’t want there. Life is way too short to keep people around who make you miserable just so you can avoid hurting some feelings. Maybe it’s harsh, but sometimes, life calls for being a little harsh. So if someone’s bringing you down in 2016, don’t be afraid to pull the plug.
4. Drink more water.
Do I sound like your mom yet?? (cause I definitely sound like mine….) But really, this is one of my New Year’s Resolutions because in our fast paced world, we’re all so caffeine-obsessed that a little – or a lot – of water could really do us some good. So if you want to feel better in 2016, find yourself some H2O!
5. Spend more time looking at your friends and family than at your phone.
Seems pretty self-explanatory, but here’s my two cents – Our world is so technology driven and the innovation we’ve experienced in the last couple of decades is truly incredible. But face-to-face contact provides a level of joy and comfort that you could never find inside a battery-powered rectangle – So in 2016 have family time, have friend time, and save phone time for alone time!
6. Find your happy place.
I think it is so important to have somewhere you can go that feels like just your place. Somewhere that feels like home, even when maybe you’re miles away from actual home. So find a retreat, a sanctuary, a quiet corner. Wherever it is, find somewhere in 2016 that really just makes you happy.
7. Embrace your bad days.
It’s silly to fantasize that every day will be met with rainbows and sunshine. Some days, everything just goes completely wrong. But as cliche as it may sound, those bad days really do make you appreciate the good ones. Embrace the bad days and make them better – remember that things are never really as bad as they may seem. So if you wake up to rain, grab your umbrella and galoshes and trudge on.
8. Don’t let your past overshadow your future.
History is history for a reason. In the New Year, you’ll gain nothing from acting out of longing for “how things used to be.” If things are different now, that’s okay – find a way to make different become better.
Along those same lines, don’t let who you were overshadow who you’ll be. Mistakes you’ve made are in the past, don’t look back. Remember that a New Year provides you with a clean slate – be who you want to be this year, not who last year says you were.
9. Remember your worth.
My goodness, I don’t care who you are, what you look like, how old you are, if you’re a boy, girl, black, or white: you are worth SO MUCH. You were put on this earth by the Creator of the UNIVERSE and He made you in His image. Don’t let someone who doesn’t know you or doesn’t care about you tell you who you are. Step into to 2016 with the attitude of an heir – You are a child of a King and you are worth more than words can describe.
10. Be joyful in all things
On good days and on bad days.
In sickness, in health, in sorrow, in happiness.
When your heart is broken, when you overflow with love.
When the answer is no, when the answer is yes.
In all things, be joyful because a joyless heart is such a tragedy.
Regardless of what 2016 brings you, be joyful and know that tomorrow the sun will rise and the possibilities that accompany that are infinite.
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Hard to believe this year has already come and gone! So very thankful for all of you who read, I feel so blessed to know at least a few people out there want to hear what I have to say :)
Praying for a safe and happy New Year for all of you!!
Bring it on, 2016!!!!
Samantha Reynolds 
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