The new year is a time of new beginnings; a time to evaluate your life and see where you can make improvements.

We all have areas in our lives that aren't going so well. We have weaknesses; we have flaws; we have struggles.

If you want to improve yourself, here are 30 ways to declutter your life, rid yourself of the bad and become a little better.

1. Forgive someone who has wronged you

2. Reduce your daily idle time

3. Avoid waking up late each morning

4. Say no to something that is sucking away your energy

5. Log how much time you truly spend on social media each day and cut that time in half

6. Donate five items from each room of your home

7. Throw away excess soda, alcohol, energy drinks, etc.

8. Start stocking your kitchen with fresh produce instead of processed foods

9. Cut down your children's number of extracurricular activities

10. Learn how to keep a planner, and stick to it

11. Do one act of service for someone outside of your family each day

12. Add up your debts and create a plan to tackle even just one throughout the year

13. Establish a habit to focus on one good thing about your body every single day

14. Move your body daily, whether walking around the block or going up and down the stairs 10 times

15. Place some fresh plants in your home

16. Get the recommended amount of sleep each night

17. When you start to worry, ask yourself if the thing that is upsetting you will matter in the future

18. Make an appointment with your doctor for a checkup

19. Visit the dentist

20. Write in a journal about your year and your expectations for the new year

21. Pay special attention to how many times each day you compare yourself to others; be mindful of these thoughts and zap them when they come

22. Stop procrastinating projects, household chores, etc.

23. Spend time playing and talking with your kids every day

24. Don't expect perfection

25. Tell your family how much you love them

26. Pray

27. Stop being offended by every small remark

28. Let yourself be happy

29. Learn how to take criticism well

30. Remind yourself that you are worth it!

Remember the success of this upcoming year is dependent on you. Rid yourself of the things in your life that you don't need and that are tearing you down. Use this list to help you overcome struggles and become a better, happier and stronger you.

The post 30 ways to declutter your life and become a better you (all before the new year) appeared first on FamilyToday.

We live in a world full of fear. Turn on the news, open a web browser or listen to the radio and you'll hear and see stories of people's lives full of fear. The world around us is a scary place. Even in our own lives, as we go through challenges and trials, we will experience an ample amount of fear. The trials and challenges that come into our lives can be life-changing, discouraging and depressing. Luckily, we have one thing that will carry us through. We have hope.

Hope is defined as a feeling of trust, a feeling of expectation and desire for things to happen in a specific way. However, the question becomes "How do we gain hope?" What does it take to become hopeful? Here are five ways to acquire it.

Be willing to seek help

One way we acquire hope is through someone else. Sometimes it can be a person's encouraging words, a simple action or an act of service that can give us hope.

Pray

Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to ask for hope in our lives. It provides an outlet for us to express the desires of our heart. It is a way we can talk through fears and challenges, and it gives us hope that things will change and that a supreme being is listening and will provide what is best for us.

Foster your own self-worth

When you feel good about yourself, you have a more positive attitude about life, your circumstances and your relationships with others. If you are hoping for a new job or to make new friends, your self-confidence will draw others towards you. Nobody wants to be around someone who is always putting themselves down, has a negative attitude toward life and just isn't happy.

Get involved

You can attain hope by doing something. If you worry about the world around you, find a way to get involved and serve. DoSomething.org, for example, is an organization where you can sign up for various campaigns, and it offers countless ways to get involved in your community and the world around you. This organization makes it easy to find something you are passionate about and invoke change.

Believe in hope

While there are numerous ways to lose hope, especially if you look around at all the frightening and terrible tragedies going on in the world, you need to create your own hope. When you focus on the negative in life and these horrendous events taking place around the world, then you are only going to see the negative. However, if you look at the positive, then you see the good. It's all about your own perspective.

Yes, life is scary. Yes, we are going to have challenges that are going to leave us heartbroken and discouraged. But it doesn't mean things won't work out. It doesn't mean we need to dwell on the negativity. Look for the hope in your own life. Be hopeful, even when life seems hopeless.

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Sometimes the tears just come. When your life revolves around dirty diapers, long nights, mealtime battles, tough homework questions and growing pains, it's hard to remember why you are doing it. Raising a family consumes you. It changes you. It can also make you forget who you are. For many women, becoming a mother changes their identity. Their lives completely shift, and they take on totally new roles.

This happened to me. After I become a mom, I lost who I was. I remember being asked what my favorite hobby was and I thought, "Does changing diapers and picking up toys count? Because that's all I've done lately." I had completely lost myself. I exercised regularly, I practiced self-care, but I just felt lost. I felt like I didn't know who I really was anymore.

You may feel the exact same way I did. You may be facing a motherhood identity crisis and wondering how you can find and become your best self. This is what I've discovered, and it helped me. Hopefully, it can help you too.

1. Never say this four-letter word

When someone asks you what you do for a living, do you respond with "I'm JUST a mom"? You are so much more than JUST a mom. Take that four-letter word out of your daily vocabulary immediately. Be proud of who you are. You may not be a top leading businesswoman, a marathoner or even a celebrity. But you have the most influence on the young people in your home. Be proud of that. You are doing incredible work.

2. It's a process

Discovering who I was and finding myself required more than just reading a few books. It is a process. It requires continual effort every single day. However, it is your own process. How you find yourself and your identity is going to be different than someone else. Take your time and learn about yourself. Really think about your strengths, weaknesses, triggers, stressors, etc. Include all aspects of your life in this process.

3. Find three things you love about the new you

You are a mom now. The old you is gone, and you'll never be that person again. It can be difficult to grasp, but if you want to overcome your motherhood identity crisis, you must accept that fact. Embrace this new lifestyle by loving the new you. Focus on three things you love about yourself. You can choose three things at the beginning of each week and focus on those characteristics throughout the entire week. Don't choose physical attributes either. Find three things you love about the inner you.

4. You need a support system

While the journey to find yourself is your own, you need the support from others. You need your spouse and your kids to give you time to yourself and do some self-discovery. You need family members to stop you when you make a negative comment about yourself. Include your family and loved ones in this journey - you'll need the help.

5. Balance the busyness

Our day-to-day demands distract us from our full potential. They halt our progress, and we become so caught up trying to ensure everyone else's needs are taken care of way before our own. Balance the busyness in your daily life. Figure out what's distracting you and causing you to lose yourself and your identity. Once you can determine what is causing you to falter, it will be easier to take time for yourself.

Yes, it is difficult. Yes, you may cry. Yes, you may want to just give up. But you are so much more than "just" a mom. You are remarkable. You are fabulous. You are incredible. Don't ever forget that.

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Christmas is right around the corner and if you are like me, your shopping list is long. And unfortunately, as our lists become longer, our bank accounts dwindle. In 2015, the average American spent approximately $880 on gifts around the holiday. Each year, this amount is expected to increase. Instead of breaking the bank and spending hundreds of dollars on gifts this year, try one of these six do-it-yourself gifts. Who knows, your gift may just become a Christmas favorite.

1. Yard games

Yard games are simple gifts to make and fun ones to receive. There are also lots of options, which gives you the chance to find the best games for your friends or family. Yahtzee, Jenga, Koob, ring toss and ladder golf are a few simple ideas that require just a few materials and very little prep work.

2. Lego table

If you have a young boy or girl who loves Legos, you can easily create their very own Lego station this Christmas. All you need are some Lego baseplates, a little glue and a table or tray. If you want to really save some money, use an old end table or coffee table in your home, paint it and glue on the baseplates. The opportunities are endless and with just a few items, you can make an extremely inexpensive gift that your child will surely love.

3. Home décor

Many women love to decorate their homes for Christmas (and the rest of the year). For the ladies on your list, create fun signs, table centerpieces, picture frames or other home décor items that match the recipient's style and current home decor. If you don't feel the creative juices flowing, search Instagram or Pinterest for ideas.

4. Homemade crayons

Homemade crayons are an excellent idea if you're giving to a younger child. Plus, it's a cute gift that costs very little. In fact, by saving up broken crayons throughout the year (instead of throwing them away) your only cost would be to purchase a mold.

The process is extremely simple. Peel old crayons and place them in a mold of your choice (silicone baking molds are a popular option). Place the mold in an oven at low heat - you want the oven just hot enough that it starts to melt the crayons. Keep the mold in the oven for approximately 25-30 minutes and be sure to watch the crayons carefully; you don't want the crayons to become too runny. Then, pull the mold out of the oven, let the crayons cool and then gently push them out of the mold. Package them up, and you're done.

5. 12 Days of Christmas

Nobody says you must give a generic Christmas gift this year. Instead, use a little creativity and do something fun (and very specific). Put together a 12 Days of Christmas present for a friend or family member. You can do this in a variety of ways by giving food items, small gifts, gift cards, books, clothing items, etc. over 12 days. Just think about the recipient and come up with a series of items that he or she would love - that's it.

6. Homemade beard oil

A popular DIY gift for men is beard oil. This requires just a few items a carrier oil like almond oil, coconut oil, apricot oil, etc. along with some essential oils to add a scent). Additionally, you'll need a bottle to put your beard oil in. You can make the oil in just a few simple steps, but this gift may cost you a little more due to the more expensive ingredients.

Before pulling out your wallet, pull out your craft supplies, unleash your creativity and make gifts for all your loved ones this year. It will be a Christmas to remember for everyone involved.

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The holidays are a time when the world may seem jolly and wonderful but not everything is as it seems. If you aren't careful, the most wonderful time of year can quickly turn you into a Scrooge. Here are six behaviors that can quickly destroy your holiday spirit.

Being a victim

When things don't go your way, it's so easy to throw yourself a pity party and wonder "why me?" If your kids are sick, you may wonder why your holiday plans are ruined. If your budget is short, you may blame it on certain financial setbacks you had throughout the year (even though you could have saved some money each month for gifts). Stop complaining and thinking everything is someone else's fault. Instead, accept the situation for what it is and take control.

Becoming easily offended

Friends and family may say comments that can cut you deep. And once those remarks are said, it is easy to dwell on them - even start to believe them. Remember that most of these comments say more about the person than about yourself. When someone makes a comment that hurts, avoid making a rude comment back. It's difficult, but if you find yourself offended by every mean or snide remark, you'll live a life full of grudges, regrets and anger.

Pessimism

Things won't go exactly as planned, that's just a part of the holidays. But if you focus on the negative things surrounding your holidays, you won't find any joy. Instead, look for and concentrate on at least three things that are going well (and things you are grateful for) each day. There is always something good happening in your life, even if it seems difficult to find.

Overeating

The holidays are all about delicious meals, cookies, candy and desserts. And while it is important to indulge and enjoy these delicious treats, avoid overeating. Overeating will not only make you sick, but it can provide a lot of guilt, especially if you are trying to lose weight or maintain your waist line. Studies also show that overeating can have a significant impact on your body image and may eventually lead to depression and other mental illnesses. To help avoid overeating this holiday season, follow these suggestions:

• Drink lots of water.

• Choose your treats wisely. Only eat treats that you truly enjoy.

• Be mindful of your fruit and vegetable intake and make sure you eat more nutritionally dense foods than cookies and cakes.

• Stick with a fitness routine.

Feeling entitled

Maybe you had a difficult year or have taken care of all the holiday preparations, singlehandedly. In many situations, you may believe that people owe you something, that you deserve an extra present or you shouldn't have to do anything on Christmas. Feelings of entitlement can cause you to become arrogant, selfish and angry. Remember that feelings of entitlement are simply self-serving. The best way to overcome them is to serve and focus on others. Look at the joy your hard work is bringing to your family. Look for opportunities to help others in your community. Be aware of feelings of entitlement to overcome them.

Ungrateful

Gratitude is essential to a joy-filled holiday and a joyful life. In fact, individuals who express their gratitude are more patient, have better relationships, sleep better and have better mental and physical health. The holidays are a wonderful time to express your gratitude for all the big and small things in your life. If you're having a hard time, maybe try writing in a gratitude journal or try expressing gratitude for someone every day. The holidays are a perfect time to establish a habit of being more gracious.

There are countless ways you can destroy the holidays for yourself and your family. But, by being mindful of your own behavior, maintaining a positive attitude, and rejoicing in the holiday spirit, you're sure to have a jolly time.

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1. Say no

You don't have to do it all. Just say no. Prioritize the tasks that are most important, then politely decline the rest. You don't have to go to every playdate. You don't have to visit every museum or go to every library story time. Prioritize the things that matter most to you and that you actually need to do. Then say no to the rest.

2. Take some time off

This is easier said than done, but one of my favorite things to do (and one of the best ways to rejuvenate my love for motherhood) is to regularly go on a vacation without the kids. For example, my husband and I went on a four-day cruise, left my children with my parents and just spent four days relaxing. I came back rejuvenated and actually missed my kids a little bit. If you can't get away for a few days, then spend an afternoon by yourself. Hire a babysitter or let your husband take charge, and just go do something you want to do.

3. Have a "yes" day

Some of the hardest parenting days are those when you are constantly telling your child no. Usually this follows with excessive whining and tons of tears, which quickly zaps your energy and motivation. For one day, choose to only say yes to your child (within reason of course). Let them have ice cream before dinner. Let them go to the park and the zoo. Spend a day saying yes more than you say no.

4. Get enough sleep

Sleep deprivation seems mandatory if you are a parent. The nights seem so long, yet you rarely get enough rest. Sleep not only makes you grumpy and cranky, but you also have a harder time staying focused, you lack motivation to get things done around the house and you just want to stay in your sweatpants. Don't let this happen to you. If you want to be unstoppable, ask your husband, family members, neighbors or a babysitter for help. Ask your husband to handle the kids during the night so you can catch up on sleep. Over the weekend, ask him to spend time with the kids while you take an afternoon nap. Seeking help can make a huge difference.

5. Keep detailed lists

I live by my day planner. My day planner contains everything going on in my life - deadlines, due dates, community events, etc. It also includes to-do lists, lists of projects I need to complete around the house, shopping lists and gift ideas for upcoming birthdays and holidays. By writing things down right away, I'm better able to manage my household and my family. It takes just a few seconds to write an item down and can help me stay organized, prepared and just better managed.

6. Discipline

Disciplining children is definitely not a favorite thing to do as a parent, but it is a must. When you avoid it - or don't do it well - your children run all over you. They become spoiled, out of control and combative. When you are diligent and strict with your disciplining, your children understand where their boundaries lie. They are more likely to obey the rules. It may not be a fun job, but it can mean less issues later in life.

You don't need to feel worn down and beat up. You shouldn't feel like all your energy and your hard work is gone. You can come off conqueror. You can be unstoppable.

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No two marriages are the same. Every relationship and marriage is different. You and your sweetheart have distinct backgrounds and experiences that create a unique partnership. You bring various qualities and characteristics to a marriage that either help it succeed or fail miserably. However, despite these differences, there are a few things that every good marriage possesses. These five things will help you create a strong, wonderful relationship:

Time

For a strong marriage, a couple devotes time every single day to it. Both partners are willing to work for the marriage and make it a priority, even when hundreds of demands and responsibilities are nagging for their attention. In a good marriage, there are regular date nights, time spent cuddling on the couch, phone calls and text messages- just because. Each spouse prioritizes the marriage.

Service

You must be willing to help your spouse with various tasks- even if you don't want to or haven't been asked. My husband is a prime example of this. Not long after we were married, I was driving to work in a bad snow storm. My windshield wipers needed replacing for quite some time but I just never did it. Once I got to work on that snowy day, I sent my husband a text, complaining about my wipers and saying how I had to change them that evening. Once I got to my vehicle, I saw fresh footprints around my car, but I didn't think much of it.

As I drove home from work, I was amazed at how my well my wipers were suddenly working. It then dawned on me. Those fresh prints were my husband's. He drove to my office during his break to change my windshield wipers, which I could have easily done that evening.

You don't have to do large acts of service. It's the small things that make a huge difference.

Laughter

There is nothing that can turn a bad day around as quickly as true laughter. Research shows that when a couple laughs together, the relationship is stronger and the couple draws closer to one another than relationships where there is rarely laughter. In today's world, it shouldn't be hard to find things to view or hear that will make you laugh. Share with each other a funny moment that happened during the day, watch a YouTube clip or a comedy together before you go to bed. For a weekly date night, visit a comedy club.

Security

You need to feel safe in your marriage. You should never worry if your actions are going to have abusive consequences. Your spouse should be your best friend. You should feel safe whenever you are together. You should never feel like you must be careful or walk on eggshells around one another. If so, you should seek help.

Goals and dreams

If you want a long-term relationship, you both need to share common goals and dreams. You need to work together to create a future. If not, you will find your relationship moves in different directions as you pull it one way and your spouse pulls it another.

You make a marriage great with whatever you add to it. By incorporating the above five items in your relationship, you'll create a marriage that will bring you lasting happiness- no matter what obstacles are thrown your way.

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After a stressful or busy day, there is nothing better than lounging on the couch and binging your favorite TV show. However, if you want a good night's sleep, you might want to rethink your favorite habit.

A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that binge-watching is linked to poor sleep quality, fatigue and increased insomnia. Researchers say when you binge-watch your favorite TV show, you become emotionally invested in the show. You want to know what happens next, how the characters develop, how everything plays out. These feelings make you more alert and can make it harder for you to calm down and fall asleep at night. This study looked at 423 individuals, between the ages of 18 to 25.

Binge-watching is a popular pastime, especially among young adults. Research has found that 90 percent of U.S. millennials say they binge-watch regularly, and a survey by Deloitte found that on average, young adults binge-watch for a consecutive five hours. While it can be hard to stop binge-watching, it is just one of the hundreds of reasons for lost sleep. If you want to improve your sleep, you can with these tips:

1. Invest in a good mattress

Mattresses vary drastically and to get the right one for you, you need to find products designed for your sleep position, personal preference, body weight and sleeping arrangements (if you sleep with a spouse and/or animals). Not only should you invest in a proper mattress, you also need a strong foundation and one designed for your specific mattress. Do extensive research before purchasing a mattress to ensure it has everything you need to get a proper night's sleep.

2. Keep your room cool

The recommended temperature for your bedroom is between 60 to 67 degrees. This helps you sleep cool and prevents excess sweat and heat from disrupting your sleep cycles.

3. Avoid naps or excess sleep at night

While naps can be great to increase your energy, it can also make sleeping at night extremely hard. If you choose to nap, make it short and take one early in the afternoon. Additionally, avoid sleeping in several hours past your normal wake-up time. When you wake up late in the day, your body's natural sleep schedule is thrown off, making it difficult to get more sleep.

4. Journal

Many individuals complain that they can't sleep due to a racing mind. They lay down and can't shut off their mind or they wake up, stressed and anxious about various items taking place in their lives. One way to minimize this anxiety and stress is to journal every night before going to bed. Basically, do a major brain dump every night and write about your day, your anxieties, worries, upcoming activities, to-do lists, etc. Get everything down on paper so you have less information swarming around through your mind during the night.

While watching your favorite TV show isn't a bad thing, be mindful of how this one simple action can be wreaking havoc on your health.

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You messed up again. You might have said the wrong thing, burned dinner and missed paying a few bills. You make mistakes every single day and sometimes, the weight of these mistakes pile up until you feel like you just can't handle it. It is easy to become blind and feel like you just can't compete with the magnificent lives you see on Instagram and Facebook.

Take heart. We've all been there. Here are seven ways you are becoming that perfect spouse, despite your mistakes and weaknesses.

1. You are confident

Someone once said, "Don't let insecure thoughts ruin something amazing."

Sometimes we let our own insecurities stand in the way of our confidence. We begin to believe negative thoughts and we don't see who we really are. Our husbands don't want us to be down on ourselves. They can see our potential and all the wonderful things we have to offer. Find that inner confidence and you will see your potential as well.

2. You continually try to improve yourself

A perfect spouse recognizes her flaws and weaknesses and uses that knowledge to better herself. Whether you try to improve your health, spirituality, education or talents, you diligently seek ways to become a little better every single day.

3. You are supportive of your spouse

Just like you have dreams and passions, so does your spouse. Help your partner achieve their goals and ambitions, even if it means some sacrifice. Just make sure that both of you are sacrificing. Don't give up all your goals and passions for your spouse. You deserve success, too.

4. You are independent but regularly let him know he is needed

Don't rely on your spouse to do every task and project around your home. Your marriage is a partnership and will be strengthened if you both pitch in. Just remember, when your spouse helps or completes tasks, make sure to thank him.

5. You think before you speak

In the heat of the moment, you can say things you instantly regret. Some words cut deep and can be hard to bounce back from. Even in your angriest moments, think before you say anything. You may damage your relationship with just one heated discussion or one angry phrase.

6. You are real

Seriously, perfectionism is impossible. Don't try to change yourself to be the ideal spouse. Show your quirks, your talents, even your stretch marks because that is what makes you who you are. That is the reason your spouse fell in love with you, not because you make fewer mistakes than another woman.

7. You give your best - ALL THE TIME

The most important thing you can do for your marriage is to give 100 percent of your best, every day. Don't give your husband your leftover energy after long work days, tending to the kids and tackling mounds of laundry. Give it all you have plus a little more.

You don't have to change your appearance, your personality or your job to be the perfect spouse. You already are. Your spouse fell in love with you because of your character traits, the way you handle your mistakes, the way you snort when you laugh and the way you confidently go through life. You are priceless and don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise.

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We all strive for happiness because nobody likes to be miserable. But sometimes, we are the thing that's standing in our way. It isn't necessarily our circumstances that halt our joy, it is ourselves. Here are seven things you need to stop doing if you want to find true happiness.

1. You struggle to accept a situation for what it is

One large culprit to zapping our daily joy is not accepting our current situations. We focus on how we think the situation should be and why it isn't that way. Instead, we need to remember that trials (whether big or small) are the only way we can progress. Without them, we won't move anywhere in life. So, don't dwell on why a situation isn't working out how you think it should and focus on how to progress and move through it.

2. You compare yourself too much

Somebody is always going to have a bigger house, a larger budget, more toys and a nicer car. On social media you'll see families with pristine kitchens, kids who never fight and a woman who ran five miles without breaking a sweat. We let these instances - these images - make us question our own lives and all the blessings we have. You need to remember there is so much you don't see behind closed doors. While one person may seem to have their life together, behind the scenes they are fighting many battles.

3. You've become obsessive

We can easily become obsessed with an idea, a person, a thought or even a fear. Unfortunately, when we obsess over something, we let other things slip through the cracks, like our health or even our family. According to Psychology Today, "obsessions amount to the same thing in all cases: addiction."

No matter how much we obsess, it won't provide true happiness - that comes from having variety in life.

4. You live in the past

The future is a scary place because it's filled with uncertainties. The past, however, is something we're familiar with. But, you can't change the past, so why live in it? Don't dwell on a previous version of you that was thinner, had more money, a better job or younger kids. This mindset does nothing for you and takes away from all the blessings, gifts and joy the future has to offer.

5. You don't take care of yourself

Eating a healthy diet, regularly exercising, getting plenty of sleep and other healthy habits not only affect your physical well-being but your mental and spiritual well-being as well. When you take care of your body, you feel good and are more inclined to accomplish your goals. Think about some of your hardest days - could a hot shower, a long run or even a nap make you feel better? Most likely, the answer is "yes."

6. You are over-committed

While you may think you are a superhero and can handle anything that's thrown your way, the truth is you may be sacrificing your happiness. When we over-commit ourselves, we sacrifice something else in our lives for our busy schedules. This may be time with our family, sleep, taking care of our home or other obligations. Before we agree to numerous projects, we need to think about what we will be giving up.

7. You are constantly seeking approval

It is OK if people don't like you. It is OK if you aren't always the best. It really doesn't matter what other people think of us even though we may think it makes all the difference. And when we dwell on their thoughts and their feelings, that's when we lose our joy. That becomes our worry and our focus. Don't let that happen.

How do I become happy?

This question is a simple one to answer: just be you. Don't try to be someone you are not and stop comparing yourself to your neighbors and friends. Don't try to do it all or be the best because nobody is the best at everything. Don't even try to be a past version of yourself, because that person has overcome trials and grown into the person they are now.

If you want to be happy, just be you.

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