Admit it, after finals we start the lists. The lists of "How This Year Will Be Better" or "Bikini Ready For 2016" the time of year you promise yourself you will make a change. You buy the books on how to paint, you buy the organic fruits for your new cleanse, or you even break up with your boyfriend holding you back. Yet around January 10th (or even before) when your mom tells you how nice it was to let your 6 year old brother paint the canvas that you actually painted, or you can't stand to take another sip of your "cleansing juice", or you are finding yourself crying and wishing you had that new years kiss. The resolutions sound good, but usually we set unrealistic ones. Even if they are basic, you can achieve them. If they are helping you, it doesn't matter how small they are.
1. Breathe
I know this doesn't sound like a resolution, and you are thinking how your body does that naturally for you. But remember that meltdown you had right before your last final? Or remember how you lashed out at your mom over something really minor? Breathe. Remember to take a deep breath. Whether it is when you feel yourself starting to get angry, or when that person comes in at work with a major problem two minutes before closing, or even just before you go to bed. Just remember to breathe.
2. Eat Better
I'm not saying don't take that piece of cake, but maybe take a slightly smaller piece. I am definitely not saying don't drink that glass of wine with your best friend, but maybe just don't drink the whole bottle this time. When you are ordering at Chik-Fil-A get the side of fruit with your chicken nuggets instead of fries. Little changes, can make a big difference.
3. Dream Big
Because why not? You only have one life to live, so live it. If you want to go to the moon, put it in your agenda. You can do anything that you put your mind to.
4. Be There
I know you're tired, but you cancelled on your friend last time. Go and catch up with friends. Come home an extra weekend next semester, and surprise your parents. Being there can sometimes be the best thing you can be.
5. Do What You Love
And don't you dare let anyone's judgement get in the way of that. So what that your passion doesn't make as much as a doctor? So what if you miss out on a party because you have that big exam in your major the next morning? It's okay to love what you do. If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.
6. Let It Go
As much as I hate to admit it for once I am not singing Frozen. Let the emotions go. I know your friend really pissed you off before break, but let it go. Like I said before you only live once, so do you want to spend that life being mad at someone you love? I know that look in the library from the girl at school scolding at your outfit choice hurt. Believe me I know. But, let it go. No ones opinion matters but your own.
7. Relax
I know this is a lot easier said than done. But make time for yourself. I know the bills are stacking up, but go get that pedicure. You need it, you deserve it.
8. Challenge Yourself
I am not saying go out and run a marathon when you haven't gotten up from the couch since you got home for break, but I am saying go to the gym a couple more times a week (or even period). I know you have that favorite restaurant where you get the same thing you love every time, but let your boyfriend pick next time.
9. Enjoy Today
Try and remember that smile your best friend had when you actually showed up for coffee, or cherish the relief your mom felt when you took that extra deep breath and didn't lash out. Enjoy the little things, remember them.
10. Believe
Believe in yourself, believe in the world. Its tough being in your 20's, in school, broke. But remember you are becoming yourself, you are becoming a better you.
"He has made everything beautiful, in it's time." Ephesians 3:11
