The New Year is a blank canvas. How you live each and every day adds paint to that canvas and it is important that when you look back at 2016, that canvas has become art. Many times we do things that people want or expect, rather than what make us happy. Here are some tips to make 2016 your best year yet.

• Do things for yourself. It sounds selfish, but there is nothing selfish about making sure you are okay. Every day when you wake up, look in the mirror and tell yourself how beautiful and amazing you are; compliment yourself. Trust me, it works!

• Compliment someone each day. Seeing the smiles that simple compliments brings to others is equally as beneficial to yourself. You have the power to positively impact someone’s day each and every day; don’t waste that power.

• Step out of your comfort zone. Do that thing that you have wanted to do or try forever but never had the courage to pursue. Life is what you make it, after all.

• Set time every day for a hobby. Give yourself 15 to 30 minutes when you get home from school to do what you love. Read a chapter or two in your newest book, work on your masterpiece, take a forty minute power nap, exercise, pet your dog, and watch Netflix. Do something to unwind.

• Get rid of what makes you anything other than happy. It is really hard to be chipper when you have other things constantly bringing you down. If you are thinking about letting someone or something go, ask yourself the following: Does it make me happy? Am I benefitting from this? Do I need this in my life?

• Smile as much as you can. It is nearly impossible to be sad when you are smiling. Even if you aren’t happy, by smiling you slowly start feel better (proven fact). If you don’t believe that, try it. Smile at yourself or at someone: ultimately you will laugh and you will feel better even if it is just for a second. Remember, smiling is contagious.

• Place positive notes all around your house. When you go to brush your teeth and a note sits on the mirror reading “Your smile is awesome”, it’s hard not to grin.

These are non-radical changes that can result in radical results.  Your happiness is a priority. Obviously bad things will happen, but allow yourself to bounce back stronger and happier than ever. Let yourself be happy; if you control your own happiness, then it can never be taken away. Let’s have a good year, Bobcats.