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With a new year, comes new promises. Each year we as humans resolve to be kinder, get better grades, start trying harder, get in better shape, find love, etc. Yet, rarely any of us achieve these goals. In other cases we work hard for about a month or so, but after that it becomes too much of a commitment and we fall back into the same patterns and routines we’ve been in for years. I, for one, am truly looking forward to what this year brings. While my promises to myself and the new year tend to stay the same, I have a few changes this year. In 2016 I want to spend more time learning who I am, and helping others become who they are as well.

When we think of art, our minds typically jump straight to paintings or poetry, but art can be anything that means something to you. Personally, writing helps me to sort out my problems and help me make better decisions. Not just my own writing, but others’ as well. There is nothing better than picking up a book you greatly relate to. Over my winter break I read a book called The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. This was an inspired story about the life of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife Hadley. Many people dream of fame and fortune, I’ll admit up until reading this book I did too, but I’ve realized that so long as you’re making yourself happy and living out your dreams there is no need for wealth and prosperity.

So, 2016 is going to be the year that dreams come true and I stop watching others live their lives while I wait for mine to start. Of course I’m still young and much of my life is oppressed under my parents thumbs, but there’s no reason why I can’t begin to set goals and make a plan for my future. In this new year, I resolve to dedicate more time to my blog which will now focus on LIFE STYLE rather than just being stylish. What good does it do to dress well and feel good on the outside, when many of us are suffering on the inside? Being healthy and happy is more than putting a smile on your face and convincing others of your pleasure. I want 2016 to be the year that we learn how to be alone and enjoy our own company. Just as it’s only the beginning of the year, it’s only the beginning of our lives. There is so much to anticipate and prepare for. I know for me I’m ready to leave high school and move on, but there’s also a lot to love about the point in life I’m currently at.

As young adults, we’re limited to school and curfews. But what we chose to do with our time between and after, is entirely up to us. Just because society doesn’t always encourage our interests doesn’t mean we need to put off pursuing our dreams. Who’s to say a sixteen year old can’t write and publish a book, or develop an idea that will become a Fortune Five Hundred company? Our generation has access to so much technology and so many successful people, we are the future and there’s no reason the future can’t begin now.

Good luck to my fellow dreamers and I wish you well in the New Year. Set goals and turn your dreams into reality: don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. Cheers to making 2016 the best one yet.

2015 was a very special year for me and I’m so grateful for all the lessons I learned and the friendships I made. Thanks to everyone who helped to make 2015 so memorable. Below are pictures of my favorite memories from the year (: