Time offers so many good things to enjoy in life, but it is also a constant reminder of that you cannot stay youthful forever. Every woman alive would do anything to stay young forever, but unless you go on an expedition to find the fountain of youth, there is not much you can do to prevent your body's aging process.

Although aging is a natural and beautiful part of life, there are some things you can change right now in order to prevent premature aging and help your skin maintain that young, healthy glow.

Here are seven ways you are giving yourself premature wrinkles:

1. Washing your face

Clearing your face of dirt and dead skin is essential to reducing your risk of wrinkles and acne. But exfoliating too often or simply scrubbing your face down with cleansers multiple times a day can actually have the opposite effect on your complexion. When you wash your face too much, you can rob your skin of hydration. Try washing with a gentle cleanser twice a day, morning and night, and follow with a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

2. Chewing gum

When you are constantly chewing and blowing bubbles with your gum, you are stretching out your facial muscles, which can cause wrinkles in the future. Try a few mints instead of chewing pack of gum after every meal.

3. Your sleep position

If you sleep on your side and your face is most often pressed against your pillowcase, that friction can cause sleep lines. You can try finding a more comfortable position on your back to avoid premature lines.

4. Drinking soda

Along with putting you at risk for diabetes and heart disease, drinking your favorite soda every day is also causing your body to age a lot faster than it should. According to a study in the American Journal of Public Health, 5,300 subjects between the ages of 20 to 65 who drank a daily 20-ouce serving of soda for three years looked 4.6 years older than those who didn't. That is almost equivalent to the amount of premature aging smoking causes over time.

5. Applying makeup

Pulling or tugging on your eyelids to apply eyeliner or your brow bone to apply mascara is not helping your appearance as much as you might think. Stretching your skin in any unnatural way can lead to premature age lines and wrinkles, especially if you pull on the same area of skin daily. Be mindful when you are applying and removing your makeup each day.

6. Fat-free diet

If you are on a strict diet with little to no fat intake, you might not be doing your body as much of a favor as you think. Your body needs healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in nuts and fish. Without the necessary fats, your skin will not be able to keep its firm and healthy look. Be sure to incorporate at least some fat in your diet if you don't want to speed up the aging process.

7. Using soap

Soap may keep you clean, but it's only doing just that. Your skin has a delicate pH balance that acts as a barrier against toxins and pollutants. When you use certain kinds of soap, such as most bar soaps, it can interrupt your skin's natural pH balance, which can strip your skin of oils, widen pores and accentuate wrinkles. Try using a gentle cleanser with a neutral pH balance to keep your skin hydrated and protected from harm.

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Mothers are indeed the most selfless, hard-working and beautiful people on the face of the Earth. So it's no wonder we celebrate the magnificence of motherhood every May.

When searching for the perfect gift for your mother, grandmother or your wife, nothing seems to be worthy enough for these wonderful women who put everyone else's needs before their own.

If you are stumped on finding a thoughtful gift for your mother, here are seven ideas she will love:

1. A clean home

Mothers spend hours upon hours of their lives trying to maintain a clean home. Whether she's cleaning up after her children, grandchildren or even her husband, her list of things to sanitize and scrub never gets any shorter. What better way to surprise her on Mother's Day than by tackling all of her chores and leaving her home sparkling clean and lemon-scented? You could even hire a professional if you want to give her home the deep-cleaning she's always wanted.

2. Time with her family

Between work, soccer games and the endless list of obligations and tasks she needs to accomplish every day, all she truly wants is to spend quality time with the people she loves. Whether she's your mother or the mother of your children, spend the day with her, doing all of her favorite activities.

If you can't spend the day with her, make a phone call and tell her how much you love her. There is nothing more precious on this earth, than the moments you spend with your loved ones.

3. Let her sleep in

It's likely she hasn't been able to wake up without an alarm clock or children jumping on her bed for years. Give her a chance to catch up on her beauty sleep and let her sleep in for as long as her heart desires.

4. Give her "me" time

Perhaps the mother in your life is desperate for "me" time. Everyone needs a break to escape from the pressures of life every once in a while. Getting her a giftcard to the spa or treating her to a bubble bath, some nail polish, a new book and some fuzzy slippers could be the best decision you ever make.

5. Breakfast in bed

She has cooked for the entire family for years, so now is the time to return the favor. Provide all the meals throughout the day. Start out by bringing her breakfast in bed (while she's sleeping in) and give her the glorious news that she doesn't have to worry about cooking that day. She will appreciate and love you more than ever before.

6. Treat her to a night out

If her favorite band is coming to town, or a Broadway musical she's been longing to see, consider getting her tickets to go enjoy something she adores. She constantly has so much on her plate, and while she's busy keeping everyone's lives together and putting them before herself, this is a great way to allow herself to be spoiled for once- she deserves it more than anyone.

7. Something from the heart

No gift speaks louder than the ones you make yourself. Mothers cherish the thoughtfulness and hard work their children put into creating priceless gifts for them. Leave love notes around the house for her to find throughout the day, get some of her favorite family photos framed or create something that captures the essence of how much you love her.

Mother's Day is the day to spoil your mother and shower her with unconditional love and appreciation. After all she's done for you (including carrying you for nine months), she deserves only the best.

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February is a month filled with love, joy and all things pink. Though it can be a rose and chocolate-filled paradise for couples everywhere, the reality of being alone tends to smack all the single people in the face...all month long.

A fair amount of people I know absolutely loathe Valentines Day (or the whole month of February for that matter) because of how lonely they feel when watching the giddy kisses and loving gestures that surround them. And let's face it -watching Mr. Wonderful hand your best friend a bouquet of roses on Valentine's Day while you buy yourself a carton of ice cream to simultaneously eat from and sob into isn't an enjoyable pastime.

Well, for all you single people out there, here are 10 things you absolutely need to do this February 14th:

1. Realize there is nothing wrong you

Valentine's Day can flood your entire body with doubts and built up negativity, especially if you have been single for a while. You may start to wonder, "What is wrong with me?" or "I'm always going to be single because no one ever sticks around." Whatever your doubts may be telling you, ignore them. The first step in enjoying your day is to realize there is nothing wrong with you. Your time for love will come at the right place at the right time.

2. Stay off social media

You have seen the posts before: pictures of roses wives receive from their husbands, romantic candle-lit dinners and couples confessing their undying love for each other for all for their followers to see. These posts easily add envy to your list of negative emotions. Turning off social media for the day might be the best decision you can make.

3. Get a makeover

Valentine's Day is the day to color your hair, get your nails done or spend a day at the spa pampering yourself. Give yourself a break, bask in relaxation and forget all your worries for the day.

4. Serve others

The best way to forget about your problems and distract yourself is by taking time to serve those in need. Losing yourself in the service of others is a beautiful way to spend your Valentine's Day. Volunteer (or rescue a dog!) at the animal shelter, send valentines to the elderly or sick children and reach out to those who may be feeling even more lonely than you are. Service can change your perspective not only on that one day, but for the rest of your life.

5. Treat yourself

Indulge in your favorite desserts, watch your favorite movies and buy yourself something nice, because you deserve it. Show your own body how much you love and appreciate it by gifting yourself a new outfit or those new shoes that caught your eye a few weeks ago. Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to buy yourself a gift.

6. Celebrate your singleness

Get your best single friends together and celebrate being single! Go out to dinner, a concert or just stay in to play some games and watch your favorite chick flicks. Nothing feels better than being surrounded by people who know exactly how you feel.

7. Take a chance

Instead of sitting at home sulking all day, take a chance to try something new! You can choose to do something crazy like skydiving, or something as simple as trying a new recipe. It's the perfect day to escape your comfort zone and try something new. Who knows? You may find a new passion in life.

8. Set goals

Take a moment to reevaluate your life. If you are not enjoying your life to the fullest, set a few goals for the rest of the year to learn to love yourself. Make it a goal to remove toxic people from your life, break bad habits and pursue your dreams. You will see a world of difference if you work toward changing your life for the better.

9. Show love

People tend to forget each year how Valentine's Day is a day that celebrates all kinds of love, including family and friends. It is the perfect day to tell the people you love most how much they mean to you, especially if you don't show it often. Love is a beautiful and precious part of the world, and it is so easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget that while romantic love might not be a part of your life right now, there are lots of people who love you in so many other ways.

Valentine's Day is about discovering how truly loved you are by everyone in your life, and discovering your worth. A significant other does not justify your value. In order to truly love someone else, you have to learn to love and appreciate yourself first. So whatever you choose to do, make it an enjoyable, love-filled holiday, because you deserve just that.

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Mother Nature definitely has something against women, otherwise we wouldn't have to deal with seven or more days of bloating, pain, bleeding and fatigue every month. But, unfortunately, that is the price every woman pays for having been born with a uterus.

Now days, having extremely painful cramps during your period is deemed "normal," when most likely, that isn't the case at all. If you (like myself), find yourself taking sick days from work or curled in the fetal position during that special time of the month, you may have something more sinister going on than just normal cramps.

Endometriosis is a painful disorder where the tissue that lines your uterus gets wanderlust and starts to grow outside of the uterus - the pain it causes is comparable to an all out war taking place in your abdomen. Lovely.

According to the Endometriosis Foundation of America, the disorder affects over 176 million women between the ages of 12-60 worldwide. And what's worse, is that many women live with the symptoms of endometriosis for years because of misdiagnosis, or because they think their symptoms aren't a concern.

Well, I am here to shed some light on the subject. Here are seven signs you may have endometriosis:

1. Severe menstrual cramps

Sure, some women can have some minor cramping during their period and not have endometriosis, but if you experience devastatingly painful cramps that interfere with your day-to-day life each month, you may want to visit your gynocologist. Pelvic pain that particularly begins a few days before your cycle begins and continues when your period begins is a definite sign of endometriosis. The pain can also radiate through your abdomen, into your lower back and even your groin. Whatever your symptoms may be, if you experience severe pain and cramps that none of your friends seem to complain about, a professional opinion can give you some answers.

2. Gastrointestinal issues

As embarrassing as it may be, endometriosis can be the cause of the gastrointestinal problems you live with every day, particularly constipation and diarrhea. In fact, endometriosis is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or food allergies because of the similar symptoms they can cause.

3. Women in your family have it

If your sister, aunt or mother has endometriosis, your risk of developing it is doubled. Ask your relatives about their symptoms and experience with endometriosis and compare them to yours. They may be able to give you some answers, but your gynocologist will be the one who ultimately determines the diagnosis.

4. Your periods are heavy

Experiencing clotting, heavy bleeding or a period that lasts longer than seven days are all indicators of endometriosis. Pay attention to any changes regarding the duration of your period or how heavy your flow is. Endometriosis can form just a few years after your first menstrual cycle, so normal for you may not be normal at all.

5. An unpredictable cycle

When "Aunt Flow" comes knocking much too soon or doesn't seem to come on time, things may not be operating as they should be. If your cycle is less than 28 days long or comes a week or so late every month, endometriosis could be the culprit. Make a note of any changes in your cycle or any abnormalities you may experience.

6. Painful sex

Endometriosis can cause pain during intercourse, soon after or it can sometimes continue for a few days after. Although there are other causes for pain during sex, any discomfort you have should be discussed with your doctor.

7. Difficulty conceiving

Many women do not get diagnosed with endometriosis until they visit a doctor regarding infertility. According to Mayo Clinic, one-third to one-half of women who suffer from endometriosis struggle to get pregnant.

Whatever your symptoms may be, if something is not right or you aren't able to live productively and well because of your period every month, treat yourself a visit to your gynocologist. Endometriosis is a chronic disorder, but it can be treated. It's not worth it to live with pain and discomfort all while trying to be the amazing woman you are, so take a moment and get your body the answers and help it needs to keep you in top form.

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February 14th is a day filled with hearts, chocolates and enough roses to fill a dozen football fields. But, if you find yourself doing the same thing for your husband year after year on that fateful day, perhaps it's time to spice things up?

Although sweet kisses and spending time together is always romantic, here are nine ideas every wife can do for her husband to make Valentine's Day memorable:

1. Breakfast in bed

Treat and surprise your man with French toast and bacon before he even has to leave the cozy comfort of your bed. Sneak a few kisses in there as well to jumpstart your hearts to take on this day of love.

2. Heat things up

If you two would rather have a quiet night at home instead of going out tonight, share a giant blanket, turn on the fireplace and roast some s'mores together. Make this a time for cuddling and just enjoying each other's company.

3. Compliment him

Let him know just how handsome you think he is and note all the things you love about him. He surely knows how much you adore him on all other days of the year, but make him feel extra special on the day that celebrates your love.

4. Leave him valentines

If he's home for the day, hide some valentines around the house where you know he'll find them. If he's going to work for the day, leave them in his car, his wallet or even sneak some love notes and hearts in his desk the day before to shower him with love throughout the day. He will love the thoughtfulness of this gesture.

5. Be sentimental

Make the day even more special and surprising for him by recreating your first date you went on, or one of your favorite moments you've ever spent together. Or you can be extra nostalgic; cut out hundreds of hearts with lovely messages on them, gather some old photos of you two together and hang them all around the house to surprise him when he comes home.

6. Build a fort

Building a blanket fort together could lead to one of the most romantic and cozy nights of your marriage. Not only will it remind you of simpler times together, but you can spend the night snuggling in your fort while having a movie marathon, stealing kisses or having a picnic inside.

7. Plan a romantic game night

Play some of your favorite board or video games together. You can even play them with a twist; Twister, for example, can become a flirtatious, colorful game by adding matching paint colors to the colors on the mat. Playing this way will add some memories to your Valentine's Day.

8. Make him a gift

The best kind of gift to receive is one meant just for you. Get your creative juices flowing and craft something he will always treasure. Here is a video full of ideas to make the perfect gift for him.

9. Plan a surprise "getaway"

This Valentine's day, plan an overnight trip in the next town over or set up a "staycation." Before he comes home for the night, create an international atmosphere in your home; play background music from a certain country and put sayings in different languages all over. From the moment he comes through the front door, he'll be in Paris or Shanghai. You can give him "plane tickets" a "room key" and order (or cook) French or Chinese food and watch a romantic movie that fits with your theme.A night like this will be one to remember.

Whatever you choose, fill your Valentine's Day with love and appreciation for your husband, because he truly is the other half of your heart.

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Marriage is one of the important, difficult and joyful decisions you can make in life. But a strong, healthy relationship takes everyday effort from both parties and a continuous spiritual, physical and emotional connection between you and your spouse. Although many may think an ideal marriage is one without rough patches and arguments, in reality, marriage is full of confusion, heartache and humbling moments when the two of you learn from your mistakes and grow together.

During those rough patches in your relationship, whether it may be a lack of quality time together, some difficult circumstances going on in your lives or the spark between the two of you is all but exhausted, there are easy ways to turn up the heat and show him just how much you adore him.

Here are 20 ways to surprise your husband with a much-needed spark:

1. Leave him a love note

Leave your hubby a note in the bathroom, in his back pocket or wherever you know he will find it! Your touching words will mean the world to him when he discovers it.

2. Trick him into a date

This one is a bit on the sneaky side of things. Ask your husband to do some every-day task like picking up laundry detergent from the store and then surprise him by meeting him there with a pair of movie tickets or a picnic basket so you can spend some quality time together.

3. Get involved in his hobbies

Does your husband have some interests or hobbies you know nothing about? Well, now is your chance to involve yourself in one of his favorite pastimes for a day. It will mean the world to him and you may enjoy yourself more than you thought you would.

4. Breakfast in bed

This one is a classic, but it is still a powerful way to express your love and appreciation for your husband.

5. Try something new together

Be spontaneous and take a yoga or cooking class together. Do something you both know nothing about and discover the endless possibilities together.

6. Give him a list of reasons why

Make a giant list of all the reasons why you love your husband, and do something crafty with those reasons...like making him a deck of cards. Write down one reason on every card in the deck (instructions and supplies here) and make a brilliant and thoughtful gift for your man.

7. Leave him a love trail

Whether you use rose petals, candles or pieces of his favorite candy, leave him a trail to follow from the front door to a place where the two of you can be alone. He will love the mystery and the thoughtfulness of this gesture.

8. Find creative ways to tell him you love him

Spell it out with all of his favorite treats, make him heart-shaped pancakes or write it out in the snow. You can never say those three simple words enough.

9. Have an indoor picnic

Spread your favorite blanket on the floor of your living room and order take-out or make a lovely meal for the two of you to share while catching up on the details of the day.

10. Plan a surprise second honeymoon

It doesn't have to be anything extravagant or pricey, but getting away from the daily grind can be just what the two of you need to add some sparks to your marriage, even if it's just for a day.

11. Dress to impress

Get all dolled up in your favorite sparkly dress, put on some red lipstick and plan a night with him out on the town...or simply slow dance in your best dress in the comfort of your own home.

12. Romantic texts

If you find a moment of free time in your busy schedule during the day, take the time to send some loving, mushy texts or emails to your man while he's at work. It's a great way to let him know how much you miss him and that you're thinking about him while he's away.

13. Steal his car and fill up the gas tank

Ask to "borrow" his car so you can run an errand, and while you're at it, fill up his tank. He will be eternally grateful to you the next time he goes for a drive.

14. Give him a basket full of his favorite treats

Whether it be candy, CDs, gift cards or a new pair of socks. Make a gift basket or boquet filled with your hubby's favorite things. He will be grateful for your thoughtfulness and for the fact that you just proved that you know him so well.

15. Give him your heart

All in all, you are your husband's true favorite thing in the entire world. So the greatest way to make sparks is to give him your time, attention and all of your genuine love every day- and extra kisses when he needs them.

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It's a new year, which means it's the perfect time to work on learning the most important skill: the art of confidently loving yourself. When you picture a confident woman, you probably think of a lady with flawless skin, pearly white teeth and long hair without a strand out of place. Well, if you didn't already know, confidence starts from within, and not on the outside.

If you truly want to find that deeply rooted confidence in yourself, there is no better time than now. By doing these 10 things, you can effortlessly become a new you.

1. Be gracious

The first step to feeling beautiful is recognizing the beautiful things in your life. Keep a gratitude journal to recognize the blessings in your life, especially the small moments that are easily overlooked. Grateful people are easily the most attractive because their positive and wholesome outlook brightens the world around them.

2. Laugh (especially at yourself)

The most beautiful people are those who love to laugh and aren't afraid to show who they truly are. Laugh often, and when you do something silly or embarrassing, laugh about it instead of beating yourself up. Nothing screams confidence more than being comfortable with who you are, even in your goofiest moments.

3. Do beautiful things

Try, do and create the things that make you glow, whether it be buying that new dress you've been eyeing, wearing some sweet-smelling perfume, going rock climbing, listening to lovely tunes or simply serving others. Choose to indulge in whatever makes life beautiful for you.

4. Treat yourself

Take a day for yourself. Take a bubble bath, use a face mask and buy a box of chocolates just for you. The hustle and bustle of the world combined with everything else you try to take care of makes it easy to neglect your own needs. You deserve to pamper and treat yourself to the good things in life.

5. Take care of yourself

Exercise is not everyone's favorite word to hear, but it can do so much for your self-esteem. Getting enough exercise releases endorphins, which work to make you feel happy and accomplished. If you do not enjoy running (or anything else that gets your heart pumping), experiment with different types of workouts and find what's best for you. You can get great results from yoga, or even making your work out a session of jumping on a trampoline. Whatever you do, choose to stay active, because it can do wonders for your confidence.

6. Learn something new

Every person on the face of this Earth has room for improvement in their life. Discover a new hobby or take lessons to learn a skill you have always wanted to master. Dedicate your time to furthering your knowledge and skill set. Try anything that comes your way until you find what speaks to you.

7. Sparkle

Do what makes you sparkle. Dazzle friends and strangers with your smile, accessorize yourself with your favorite necklace, put on some shimmering lip gloss or try a new hair style. Whatever your preference may be, do what makes you shine.

8. Give yourself time

Make it a goal to always give yourself time, especially in the morning. Being late usually means rushing around and stressing yourself out. If you take a little time for yourself in the morning to relax and ease into your busy day, you will find the day will run smoother. Wake up and take a relaxing bath, do some yoga, meditate or read a few chapters of that book you couldn't put down the night before. When you take a moment to take in the world around you instead of dashing through it, you become a more gracious, calm and collected human being.

9. Remove toxicity

Toxic things have a nasty habit of poisoning certain areas of your life, so in this time of new beginnings, don't hold back when removing all toxins from your life. Leave negative people behind, get rid of clutter in your home and eat clean to detox your body. Toxins come in many forms, but they are all damaging in the same way. In order to feel beautiful, you must leaveall toxicity behind.

10. Be you

Be yourself; there is no one more beautiful than those who choose to love and appreciate themselves. Be the best version of yourself, whether that means being kind to everyone you meet, wearing sweat pants and a hoodie when everyone else is wearing jeans or simply standing up for what you believe in when no one else will stand with you. You are a unique individual who doesn't need to be anything less than who you truly are, and now is the time to accept and show off the beauty you have within yourself.

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From their wagging tails, smiling faces and playful barking, dogs are truly man's best friend. Despite the language barrier between dog and master, did you know there are ways they are telling you how much they love you every day? You may be missing these kind, affectionate gestures that show just how much they love, depend and cherish you for taking care of them.

Here are nine surprising ways your dog says "I love you":

1. Eye contact

Those affectionately named "puppy eyes" are actually a way your dog shows you how much he loves you. According to this study, a number of dogs were monitored while they were making eye-to-eye contact with their masters, which induced an increased release of oxytocin (usually known as the love hormone) in the dogs. When your dog is looking at you with those wide, shiny eyes, he is truly looking at something he loves.

2. Getting excited when you come home

When you come home from a long day at work and she eagerly greets you by rapidly wagging her tail and dancing around your legs wildly, she is showing how much she missed you and how glad she is that you are back. Give her a scratch behind her ears and she'll love you even more.

3. Leaning on you

Do you ever notice how your dog leans his body into yours when you're stroking him? This is a sure sign of affection and appreciation toward you. Leaning can also indicate that he wants to be comforted or is feeling a bit anxious. Whatever the reason, the act of leaning on you is a definite sign that you are his entire world.

4. Rubbing up against you

When your dog greets you, does she rub her head and nose against you? Doing so indicates that she is telling you something like, "It's good to see you!" or "Welcome back!" Other research has concluded that she rubs up against you, she is initially trying to share her scent with you and make you part of her "pack." Either way, she definitely adores you.

5. Yawning when you do

A recent study shows that yawning is contagious among people because it is a way of connecting on an empathetic level. Therefore, if your dog yawns soon after you do, he is definitely connected to you on a deep, emotional level. Next time you yawn, pay attention to what your loveable pooch does, you may be surprised just how in tune you are with each other's emotions.

6. Cuddling with you after eating

Everyone (including people who dislike dogs) knows just how important food is to dogs.By offering a tiny treat, you can get your canine companion to do anything you want them to. So, if she goes directly to you to cuddle as soon as she finishes scarfing down her dinner, this indicates just how important you are to her. You are her first thought after she's finished eating. How precious!

7. Sleeping near you

Most dogs are very particular about where they want to nap or spend the night, so if he always seems close to you when he's snoozing, this shows how loyal he is to you. Dogs like to be near their "pack" and if your bed is one of his favorite sleeping spots, there is some definite puppy love in your life.

8. Smiling at you

We all know what a smiling dog looks like: her eyes are shiny, her ears are relaxed and her whole demeanor is at ease. Your dog's body language is one of the only ways she can communicate how she is feeling. When she is in a complete state of relaxation around you, it means she feels safe, comforted and loved.

9. Sharing a favorite toy

Every dog has a toy he loves the most. If your pooch often offers his favorite toy to you, he is trying to share his most prized possession with you. And that act alone is something you should feel pretty special about.

Never take your furry friends for granted. Dogs have some of the most beautiful souls in the world. All they truly want to do is love you and be loved in return, which is a trait we could all learn from.

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It's a time of new habits, new lifestyle and new beginnings. I think we can all agree that 2016 was not the greatest year for anyone really. With so much negativity in the world, it's been hard to anchor ourselves to positivity.

Well, the good news is that 2017 is right around the corner, and although a new year doesn't necessarily mean your entire life is going to change as soon as the clock strikes midnight, it can still give you motivation and hope for good things to come during this new year.

Here are 17 quotes to give you hope for 2017:

1.

2. "There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind." -C.S. Lewis

3. "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning." -Albert Einstein

4. "To make an end is to make a new beginning." -T.S. Eliot

5. "At any given moment, you have the power to say this is not how this story will end." -Emily Dickenson

6.

7. "Only in the darkness can you see the stars." -Martin Luther King Jr.

8. "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." -J.R.R. Tolkien

9. "Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one." -Brad Paisley

10. "I believe ambition is not a dirty word, it's believing in yourself and your abilities. Imagine this: what would happen if we were all brave enough to believe in our own ability, to be a little more ambitious. I think the world would change." -Reese Witherspoon

11.

12. "I am better than I was, I'll be better than I am." -Unknown

13. "One of the most courageous decisions you'll ever make is to finally let go of what is hurting your heart and soul." -Brigitte Nicole

14. "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." -Walt Disney

15. "If you have the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed." -David Viscott

16. "Don't think about what can happen in a month. Don't think about what can happen in a year. Focus on the 24 hours in front of you and do what you can to get closer to where you want to be." -Unknown

17.

May your new year be a time for you to reflect on how much you've grown and a time for you to make plans to better yourself and your circumstances.

Happy New Year!

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Have you ever wondered what causes those butterflies in your stomach when you're darling walks into the room? Or how everything just seems to come together when things are going well in your relationship? There might be a scientific explanation for all of this. As a matter of fact, your body does some fascinating things when you're in love. Here are five:

Love is addicting

Dopamine (the pleasure hormone) is affiliated with all sorts of addictions such as gambling, drugs and even Diet Coke. When you are around your sweetheart, a certain area of your brain that controls the release of hormones like dopamine, oxytocin and adrenaline becomes active. Essentially, your love ignites pleasurable and elated responses in your brain.

In a recent study, 15 heterosexual college-aged men and women who had recently gone through a breakup had their brains monitored while they were shown pictures of their ex-lovers. During the study, the areas of the brain that are normally affiliated with cocaine addiction, pain, distress and attachment lit up on the monitor. Scientists concluded that breaking up with a love can mirror drug-withdrawal symptoms. How mind-blowing is that?

Follow your nose

Have you ever noticed that the person you love (or who you find attractive) seems to smell better than anyone else? It's not just another lovesick symptom-it's scientific. Through a study, scientists discovered that humans have a way of "sniffing out" their potential partners by means of what they call major histocompatibility genes (MHC).

Apparently, your body will naturally seek out and be more attracted to the scent of a partner who has a completely different MHC than you do. Chemicals in your body do this in order to ensure your potential offspring with this person will be able to fight as many diseases as possible because of their genetic makeup. Interesting, huh?

Cuddling is the new Tylenol

Kissing, hugging, cuddling, holding hands and any other form of physical touch with your lover releases a hormone known as oxytocin - also known as the "cuddle hormone."Studies show that this hormone has been proven to reduce pain in subjects for an extended period. Cuddling is also proven to relieve stress and anxiety as well. So, when you aren't feeling well, cuddling with your love truly is the best medicine.

Two hearts beat as one

When you're in love with someone, your hearts truly become one. This study shows that heart rates and breathing patterns synchronize in couples who are sitting in close proximity. They don't even have to be touching or holding hands for this to happen. So in truth, your mind, heart and pretty much your entire body automatically links to the most important person in your life. If that isn't the epitome of romance, I don't know what is.

You lose your mind

Have you ever looked back at one of your ex-lovers and thought to yourself, "what on earth was I thinking"? Well, in truth, you tend to lose your mind and all sense of logic when you are falling for someone. Studies have shown that apart from the raging hormones that already throw your body out of whack, your mind goes through some changes when you are in love. You mind tends to focus less, you lose sleep every night thinking about your love, your behavior becomes more daring and finally, love just makes you do some crazy things that you'll probably regret in the future. That is until about 18 months into your relationship - that's when all of those hormones and feelings start to settle down and you start thinking clearly again.

Turns out love has some serious side effects, so take advantage of them! Snuggle up when you have a headache, take a deep breath when you sniff your husband's tee shirts and don't beat yourself up too much when you regret past relationships.

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