A new year always brings an air of reflection, with the promise of new experiences and oppurtunities prompting a period of soul-searching and considering how to make the most of what is to come. Here's my 5 mantras for 2017.

I repeated this over and over again after my past sentiments. After being with the same person for over 20 years, I quickly realized that this kind of thinking wouldn't get me far. I trusted myself that if I just kept my head up and my heart open, good things would come into my life. By actually keeping your head up, smiling at people as they walk by, and keeping aware of your surroundings, you may notice something or meet someone that you potentially could have missed had your head been down. 

2. Don’t compare yourself to others.

Always be kind and be angry when you need to be. Stand up for your ideas that you believe in and don’t back down from them just because you have a different opinion. Learn to love and sound your voice when it bounces off the walls of a room full of people, because your voice has the power to change some minds. 

Finally, this what we must remind ourselves every day, because it is absolutely true. Never give up on your goals, aspirations or anything that drives you in this life, as that is the sole purpose for which we exist; to seek and fulfillment, in both the largest and smallest of quantities, and enjoy the journey along the way.