Happy New Year! I started 2018 off with a little break from social media and blogging. Though the respite was short, it reminded me of the importance of disengaging from technology to enjoy my surroundings.
I was filled with so many emotions at the end of last year—happiness about how the year turned out and sadness that the year was coming to an end—but the overall theme was one of gratitude. That’s why I’ve decided to take that feeling, bring it with me, and hold onto it dearly in 2018. That’s also why I’ve chosen gratitude as my word of the year (last year’s word was resilience).
When a friend asked me on January 1 what resolutions I had made for the year, I replied, ”to be happy, to be healthy, and to continue moving forward in life.” I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, as I believe any time is a good time to set new goals for yourself (also, I tend to feel like resolutions set you up for failure if you deviate from them, and who wants to start the year off on that note?). But that doesn’t mean I haven’t thought of what I’d like this year to bring or what I hope to accomplish.
Here are a few intentions that I aim to set for myself (along with a little cheat sheet about how realistic each one actually is):
Become a morning person: This has been a goal of mine for the last three decades (if you’re paying attention, that equates to my entire life). I would love to be one of those people who can wake up as the sun rises and write while sipping on a latte before work. However, if that doesn’t work out, I am perfectly content being a night owl. Chance of this happening? Slim-to-none.
Join a fitness studio: Nothing relaxes me more than an evening yoga class. The problem? I only attend one yoga class a week and need to do it more often. I have decided that 2018 will finally be the year that I invest in fitness classes. Chance of this happening? The odds are in my favor.
Be mindful: I am aware that I have a terrible habit. Yes, I’m guilty of checking my phone or glancing at Instagram when I’m in the company of others. It doesn’t bother me if someone does it in my presence, but I understand how people could feel that it is rude or distracting. From this point on, I am making a conscious effort to leave my phone in my bag when I’m out at lunch, in meetings, or with others so that they have my full undivided attention. Chance of this happening? The jury is still out.
Make my health a priority: I ended 2017 on a high note with my health. I began cooking most of my meals at home, eliminating a lot of sugar from my diet, and purchasing more organic beauty products. I took an active interest in reading about nutrition and was conscious about what I was putting in and on my body. While this is not a transformation that will happen overnight, I am looking forward to working with a more holistic health team and implementing supplements that will help me feel my best. Chance of this happening? Very realistic.
Be confident: It has taken me many years to feel comfortable in my own skin. I’m not just talking about wearing-that-crazy-outfit or putting-the-garbage-out-in-your-pajamas confident. I’m talking about being comfortable with your imperfections, judgment, and intuition. I’m talking about listening to that little voice inside that you try to ignore sometimes when it tells you to trust yourself. It’s not easy. And it takes time. But when you learn to trust yourself and be confident in your skills, strengths, decisions, and direction, you will feel like a whole new person. Chance of this happening? 100 percent!
What are you working towards this year?
Becoming a morning person is on my list every single year for the last 30 years too lol. I just can’t do it. I’ve tried just about everything…mornings just aren’t for me. I’m determined to make this the year though even if I say that every year.
I’m with you, Krystal! Becoming a morning person is so difficult. But I’ll give it another go this year.