Seventeen words for the year of 2017. I wrote these in the early morning of January 1 and realized yesterday that there were exactly 17 words. So here are my resolutions for this year of possibility:

1. Leave my mark.

Aliza Licht's book, Leave Your Mark, is a fabulous guide to all things professional, especially in the world of social media. I read her book earlier this year when I found it on the Instagram of a fellow blogger, Molly on the Move. Not only did I include it in my senior photo shoot, but I also treasure it as a guide to personal branding and authenticity. I want to leave my mark wherever I've been and wherever I go.

2. Read and write every day.

Reading will always be my first love, and I want to make sure that this year is full of wonder and motivation. This is also the semester of writing, and it just so happens to also be my last semester at Furman. Not only will I be maintaining this blog, but I will be blogging for work, writing my senior thesis, and taking an immersion journalism class. All in all, I want a semester filled with inspiration in the form of words.

3. Savor the firsts and lasts.

Since graduation is an impending thought, I know that there will be many lasts in 2017 for me. Last first and last day of undergraduate classes, last concerts, last dances, and last experiences as a Furman student. In addition to all of those lasts, there will be firsts. First time out of college, first time in the real world, first venture into the unknown.

4. Exemplify grace.

Two of my new favorite 2016 purchases were The Cultivated Heart by The Creative Porcupine and Grace, Not Perfection by Emily Ley. I spent many a night over break curled up with these two guides, a cup of cider, and a pencil, writing and wishing for the days to come. They teach me about grace and about poise, and these two show me that grace in the face of anything is possible.

5. Encourage others.

Encouragment is a value that I love to practice and want to incorporate each and every day. I love sending motivational quotes, well wishes, and letters, and I want to make sure that that continues. This is what my mentors and role models do for me, and I'd like to be that person for others. This is why I love reading and sharing the worlds of others to encourage them and promote their value.

What are your 2017 resolutions? Are they reflective or are they tangible? Are they abstract or are they concrete? Whatever they are, I wish you the best in your endeavors, and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Lucky Strike of the Day: I returned to my absolute favorite place, Tandem, and caught up with Alexis for a delightful morning.