A new year, new resolutions yet most of us don’t make attainable, reasonable or sustainable resolutions. Heck half the time we do it because everyone else does it- so after the hangover wears off and the holiday hours go back to normal business hours, when we are done stuffing our faces, over indulging and saying good riddance to 2017- what will you contribute to 2018? I am a large advocate of looking in the mirror and self-examination. Here are a few things you might consider as you step into a new year.

Lay off social media

Says the wedding planner who must be aware of her own social media platforms at all times. However even I “unplug” so to speak and take breaks. Why? Because it’s obvious that part of the social decay we live in right now is because social media has shredded the social fabric that makes up REAL relationships and conversations. Halt the insta-stories and snapchat and pick up the phone and call someone. Or put it down altogether and clear your head, focus on you rather than wasting time engaged in everyone else’s life- but yours!

Set boundaries

This is for your protection, not for controlling others. You can’t save the world on your own, if you suffer from FOMO- embrace the fact that you are not the end all, be all of every social situation. Don’t be afraid to say “No” when you’ve reached a limit or have too much on your plate. Set boundaries and stick to them, if you don’t then no one else will respect them either.

Ditch the sarcasm

Sure, we all like a good laugh and sarcasm usually does for us but let’s be real- sarcasm is nothing more than what you truly think but disguised as a joke when directed at someone. It’s typically not a joke and it’s not always appreciated, and some people may mistake it for insecurity and pessimism. Don’t be that person.

Cultivate generosity

Yes- the world doesn’t revolve around you. Somewhere between YOLO and taking care of oneself, we’ve forgotten how to give to others in a world that desperately needs generosity. The world tells us to take because we can, and it will even get express shipped from an Amazon drone and land on your doorstep-and that will make us happy. It won’t. Try giving and seeing the expression of gratitude on the faces of those you give too- it’s something money can’t buy.

Feel something…

Other than entitlement. Also do your best to feel your emotions and don’t run from them or distract (through binge drinking, eating, denial pick your coping mechanism) just feel them. Acknowledge that they are there, work through them (don’t become them) and as you learn to do this- you will grow. Not to mention you will develop healthier habits overall.