This is the year to actually keep resolutions. Your life is important enough to put some effort into it. Here is a list of resolutions you should definitely keep. It shouldn't be too hard. The cool thing is then when you mess up, you can try again in that very moment and do a little bit better each day. This is the year for you!

1. Read more books.

Even Dr. Suess said, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." From the doctor himself! In addition to knowledge, reading develops compassion in that it allows you a thorough look into someone else's world. It is awesome. Start small, though. Read novellas instead of novels. Maybe join a monthly book club. You've got this!

2. Dance more often.

Dancing is exercise. It burns calories and makes you feel happy. Why not dance? This resolution is not about going clubbing or taking salsa lessons (unless you want to, of course). It's about tapping your toes and shaking those shoulders when Kenny Loggins finds his way on your radio. Let loose while cooking, changing diapers or getting dressed. Just like Kevin Bacon, sometimes dancing is the only solution.

3. Wear clothes you actually like.

Street fashion photographer, Bill Cunningham, famously said, "Fashion is the armor to survive everyday life." What you're putting on your body should make you feel strong and important. Fashion should not diminish your own personal sparkle or confidence. If anything, it should enhance who you are.

Buy clothes you like and get rid of the stuff that makes you feel "less than." Splurge a little!

4. Look at both at yourself and others kinder.

Advocate for yourself and those around you! We can promise that as you stick up for others and their strange choices, you will feel more peace and less frustration. That is the key to zen. Let people be and let yourself be. Everyone is on a journey, including yourself.

5. Call your loved ones more.

It's an interesting flavor of guilt that accompanies the pressure to call everyone back and carry relationships with long-distance people on the phone.

Stop.

Let it go and be okay with short frequent calls instead of having the expectation of long, relationship defining conversations.

Just pick up the phone and say, "I wanted to call to say hi and see how you are doing." Five to ten minutes. That is it. You can do it! Just check in.

6. Prioritize your health.

Sleeping between 8-9 hours a night and consistent exercise are usually the first things to fail at when it comes to resolutions. It doesn't have to be that way. Just stop buying sugar where ever you go, take the stairs instead, and get into bed by 10:30.

It may sound like a big adjustment. It is sort of magical, though, how the rest of the resolutions sort of fall into place when you're prioritizing your body. You will have more energy during the day, you will lose some weight, and you'll save money on not buying dessert. Win, win!

7. Start saving money right now.

Why isn't there money in the bank? Is it your job? Is it your significant other? Is it the bills required for existence?

Make a list of things you weekly purchases you can live without and start putting that money straight in your savings account. It seems simple but eventually, the habit will form and saving money will feel better than spending it on fries every day.

8. Limit time on social media.

Social media is great and all but when was the last time you actually worked out instead of stalked gym transformation pics?

It is important to go out there and actually live life without comparing. In limiting your time on Instagram, Facebook and the like, your self-esteem will improve and your productivity will skyrocket. Think about letting yourself check your facebook between certain hours of the day or limit the times you check it.

9. Volunteer more.

Consider volunteering in the community. Check museums, humane societies and soup kitchens. Organizations are always in need of free help and the people you will meet there are usually pretty awesome. Talk about positivity!

Start with just a couple hours a month until you find a group or organization you really care about. These hours may not be sufficient for your resume but they might have the potential to make your life a bit more outward and free.

10. Start writing in a journal.

Among hundreds of benefits to journaling, you will become aware of how awesome and interesting your life is. You'll also find yourself more grateful for the little things. If you are really taking your resolutions seriously, your life is going to explode with unexpected positivity. You will definitely want to document it.

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