Take a break from "New Year, New Me", to acknowledge the good things you have and have done in the past year.

Last year I decided to try to use my birthday to get people clean water, who usually have to walk miles with more than 40 pounds of unclean water just to survive. I realized the importance of looking at the opposite side of whatever we see. I thought it was important to not only realize how lucky I've been but realize that it is because there are others who are not as lucky, and to do what I can to help. (and we raised more than enough to get 15 people clean water for the rest of their lives!)

Last New Year's, I choose to focus on a few things as resolutions that focused on helping others. It wasn't something with a definite goal I could measure but it's something I think we can all strive to do more of. Honestly, I don't know if it had any direct effect (but I'd like to think it did) but the past year has lead me to one of the best places I've ever been in my life.

With New Year's just passing, we all go through the massive wave of hearing everyone and their "New Year, New Me". It's great to be striving to be someone better, but it's also important to look at the opposite side like I've mentioned, and acknowledge the good things you have done and the good things you've had in your life this past year.

I'm so thankful for those I have been surrounded by my entire life and especially this past year, I know I wouldn't be where I am now without all of you.

I'm also especially thankful for you, if you're still reading this. I'm asking those around me to start the year by helping someone else. I'm asking you to donate $21 for my 21st birthday, or if you can't afford $21, even $5 can make a HUGE difference in someone's life.

Whether you end up donating to this campaign or not, I'm asking you to just be more aware of the opportunities to help others and try to do what you can, you never know what difference it can make.