It’s finally 2018. As we begin this new year, a world of opportunity is opened to us: endless adventures, lessons to learn, people to meet, places to see. This is the year. Practice self-love. Make your dreams come true. Grow. Work hard. Enjoy the small stuff. This year is yours. In honor of the new year, here are five things that can hopefully help you have a happy 2018:

1. Know Who You Are
Spend some time with yourself. It’s not so much about finding yourself as it is about creating yourself. Don Clifton, the Grandfather of Positive Psychology once said, “Everyone on the planet can do at least one thing better than ten thousand other people. That’s the good news. The bad news? Most people have no idea what that one thing is.” We all have special strengths. It is nothing less than our duty in life to discover what those are and act on them. This year, try things you’ve never done before. You might discover a hidden talent or passion. You won’t know until you try!

2. Dream!
What’s your biggest dream? I want you to imagine it in your mind. Got it? Good. Now, what’s stopping you from making that a reality? Most hurdles are made up in our heads. It’s time to kick them over and continue on to the places you were meant to go. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it. Yes, the road may be long, and there will be challenges. But you can do it. Even the smallest step towards your dreams is still a step in the right direction.

3. Reconnect with Friends and Family
As children, we are natural-born imagineers. We imagine traveling to space, being professional athletes, or performing on Broadway. But after enough naysayers put down our dreams, many of us have a hard time rekindling them. Be careful who you spend your time with. Spend time with people who lift you up and help you grow. Positive people will be honest and encouraging, and help you achieve your dreams!

4. Ask for Help
This is a challenge for many of us. But when it comes down to it, in life, we are all really just walking each other home. We are here to help each other, but none of that can happen if we don’t ask for it. The great thing about friends and family is that we don’t always have to face things alone. We have others helping us along our way. So if you need help, ask for it. You’d be surprised at how many people care and are willing to lend you a hand.

5. Have Fun!
There are opportunities all around us. Enjoy the journey. Revel in the little things and have fun with your life. At the end of the day, that’s what really counts.

Happy 2018 and best of luck!