Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014! What Will You Do With Your Life?

So, 2014 is less than a month away. Yeah, I can't believe it either. You're probably wondering 'WHERE DID THE TIME GO?!?!'. Don't worry, you're not alone.
It seemed like it was only yesterday when everyone was making Facebook posts about the end of time, and all of those shows about people that prepared their families for the apocalypse (I can only imagine how embarrassed they felt).

This messy year is nearly over, and I realized that there wasn't much I can say that I did. 2013 wasn't all that great, honestly. I feel as though it was a waste of time, and considering all of the posts and pictures I come across, so do most people.

So, I think it's fair to say, 2014 needs to be totally different. We need to do something with our lives. Time is limited, and it's only going by faster. It will never slow down. No one knows when the world will come to an end. The choices you make will determine whether or not your last years on Earth are worth something, or a waste of time.

I've decided to help you out a bit. As of right now, you can chose to make 2014 a great year. You have to be willing, though. And determined. Good times, more than likely, won't just come to you. You have to make them. I've put together a list of ideas that can help you make this next year a little less sucky, and actually do something progressive.

#1. This is the simplest of them all. Write. 

 Writing is one of the most effective ways of venting and expressing your feelings.
If you're having a crappy day, go write about it! Something exciting happened? Go write about it! There are so many things that one could write about, the choices are endless. When you write, you have the ability to document your life. There's no limitations.
You don't have to write a novel or a series, it can be a poem, a song, a short story, or diary entries. Maybe even notes in a journal.
History itself is made by writing.Through books, through ideas, and thoughts!!! You can open the doors to a whole new world if you just grab a piece of paper and a pencil.
If you would like to share some of your awesome works, there are free sites like Wattpad and Figment that allow you to make a profile and let the world read what your masterpieces!
Also, another great source of writing is blogging. 
Have you ever seen MTV's hit series 'Awkward'? Try doing what Jenna does.

 Blogging is just like having an online diary.
Writing is a great way to spend some free time. There are endless possibilities of what could happen, you never know. Maybe you'll find out you're a pro at it. Maybe you'll find yourself not as stressed out. No matter which form of it you chose, make it happen.

#2. Join a club.
If you're in school, see if there are some clubs that you might be interested in. High school is a rough place, and being part of something might make it a little better. You'll feel like you fit in. Plus, when it's time for college, the fact that you were a member of a club will help you out.

If you're not in school, try googling clubs or groups in your area. Being around people that have similar interests will be a great way to socialize and meet new people.

#3. Volunteer.
Volunteering is tremendously good for your spirit, experience, and future references.
If you have nothing to do, or maybe just a few hours to spare between school/work, go help out somewhere! When you are willing to volunteer, it shows that you are a contribution to the community and that you mind helping others.
If you're thinking about a career you want to pursue, see if there are ways you can get experience by volunteering somewhere. You will be one step ahead and prepared for what's to come.
There are many places you can volunteer at, like:

• animal shelter
• hospital
• campaignes
• activist groups
• promotions
• local events
• nursing/retirement home
• soup kitchen/ shelters for the homeless
• Goodwill
• Salvation Army
• libraries
• school
• police department
• church
• local stores/shops

 

If you can't find any places to volunteer at, just do your own community service. Try getting some food for the stray animals in your neighborhood. If there's any elderly people in your block, ask them if you could mow their lawn or clean their house. You can't imagine how much that will mean to someone.
Volunteering can present to you a lot of opportunities... and make your resume look great!

#4. Get a job!

Yeah, I said it. GO GET A JOB!!!
If you already have one, that's awesome! If you don't (and you're old enough to have one) this is a perfect way to be progressive in life, and make some extra cash!
Having a job is never a bad thing. You can start out small, like working at the mall or at a fast food restaurant. Then when you're ready and have enough skills and education requirements needed, don't be afraid to go get it! The economy has no room for slacking off. You will struggle unless you put in your share of work (or if your family is rich!). I'm not trying to put you down, but there are many people out there who are financially unstable because they procrastinate and don't take the time to just get a job. 
No matter what your record is, or how inexperienced you are, you can find a job. There will be someone to help you and give you a chance. It just takes effort. 
More and more, people forget what work ethic is. I advice you guys to not slack off in life. You are missing out on so, so much. 
Here are some ways to find a job:

• read the newspaper
• Google job hirings in your area
• spread the word to parents
• spread the word to friends/peers
• go out to each individual place you are willing to work at, and fill out an application!

You will be happy when you do. The feeling of getting your first pay check is amazing, regardless of amount. Trust me.

Besides, the world is full of ways to occupy time. If nothing I said above works for you, then find what does. Maybe it's music, or exercising, or spending time with people you love.

So, all in all, I hope you guys decide to do something meaningful next year. Whether it's something I mentioned, or not, just do it. You can't keep waiting for life to come to you, because it won't, it will only end. Another day is not guaranteed.
 
Goodluck.
Love, Nana.