Every year people stay up so they can celebrate the New Year. This year I have decided to dive in and compiled a list of things to do to make my year great. My list is simple and sweet and it will make your life complete.

Step number one of having a great year: If you are not happy with who you are surrounded with, remove them. As soon as the New Year started, I knew that I had to remove all of the toxic people out of my life. There’s no reason on why someone should be bringing you down when you can be happy as a clam. Listen sis, here’s some tea: you’re in high school, no one will stick around forever.

The next step is really simple. All you have to do is smile more. According to science, if you force yourself to smile it will decrease your stress and make you somewhat happy. Or you can spend time with people who will have a good time with you. If you have trouble with finding friends, then start doing what makes you happy. Recently, I have learned that I really enjoy taking photos and painting art just like Bob Ross. If you find your muse, you will be happier.

Step number three would be to eat healthier. Now I know this sounds unpleasant – but listen to me here. 2019 is your year, eat a salad, eat some greens, and drink more water. If you do this for a whole year, you might just lose some weight, if you want to. There are plenty of other ways to lose weight, but just remember: you’re perfect just the way you are. You are a goddess. Beyonce truly has nothing on you.

Now we have to get serious. Allow yourself to have some days off for your mental health. This is a very important step for a new year. If you feel constantly drained and tired of school, take one day off and focus on doing something you want to do. For me, I would paint all day and listen to music. I would do this because I have to work all weekend long trying to save money for college. If you’re stressing about college, take a day and tour a campus, while you’re there, have fun in the town/city.  

The last step of having a great year is to love yourself. If you can’t love yourself, how can you love someone else? Avoid all of the negative comments you have about yourself. My weight was definitely the thing I struggled with the most last year. So change it around. I looked into diets and workouts and since the beginning of last year, I lost about 13 pounds. The reason it took so long is because I didn’t follow through the whole time. This year I definitely am going to lose that in a couple of months. Now with self esteem, you just have to tell yourself that you are beautiful.

All in all, by following these simple steps, you can make this year YOUR year. You got it boo. I believe in you. If Veronica Osorio can be happy from these steps, so can you. As the days go on, it’s up to you whether or not you want to better yourself. Start now.