Well, looks like it's that time of year again... the time where we're supposed to start over, be better, do something differently. It's the time where we reflect on the last 365 days, and recognize how we can make the next 365 even better. It's the time to meet the expectation of a "new year, new you." If you're still struggling to decide on what that may look like for you this New Year's, join me in compiling a list of 16 resolutions for 2016- join me in the movement I'm starting- #16for2016 - for bettering oneself this New Year.
This year, my resolution is to simply be the best version of who I already am, and I have complied my own list of #16for2016 ideas on how to do just that.
So here are my 16 resolutions for 2016...I hope they inspire you to compile a list of your own in order to become the greatest rendition of the beautiful person that you already are. Join me in the movement- take up #16for2016 this New Years.
1. Take better holistic-care of self
If there's one thing I've learned with each passing year, it's that you can't take care of anyone else if you aren't taking care of yourself- and taking care of yourself is much more than we often think of it to be. So this year, I'm committing to take better holistic care of myself- to maintain a positive mental, physical, and spiritual version of self- so that I may best serve those around me in return.
2. Be intentional
Doesn't it mean so much more when someone asks 'how are you', and actually challenges you to answer that question honestly? Isn't it a great feeling when someone purposely seeks you out, to spend time with you, get to know you better, or simply say 'hey- have a great day'? All those things make us feel loved, because they are intentional actions. So this year, I want to be more intentional- purposeful in everything I do and say- so that I can best show those around me that they matter, that they are loved and appreciated.
3. Work hard, play hard
Sure, college is about an education. It is vital that we take full advantage of these few years of higher-learning by studying, going to class, paying attention, etc. However- my college experience so far has taught me that the 'education' you receive during these four years and the lessons you learn extend far beyond the classroom. Some of the greatest things we learn in college, are learned from the life-experiences we have over these four years. So this year- I want to study hard but play hard too. I want to take full advantage of not only the education I can receive in the classroom, but outside of the classroom as well.
4. Call home more often
Sometimes it's hard to remember that as each day passes, we are growing up, and our parents are growing old. They have been there for us through everything, but the harsh reality is that they won't always be. So this year, I want to be sure to set out ample amounts of time to keep in touch with my parents, after all- I have them to thank for allowing me the privilege of living the busy lifestyle that I often take for granted. I want them to know how thankful I am, and how much I love them- while I still have the opportunity to do so.
5. Take up a new hobby
In order to continue growing as an individual, we must keep trying new things- even after we may think we've found our niche. There's always more to learn about ourselves, if we'd just keep looking. Who know? You could be missing out on a hidden talent or something you would truly love! So this year, I want to try new things. I want to say 'yes' to new opportunities. I want to learn, I want to grow.
6. Maintain a journal
Writing has always been a great outlet for me, a fun pass-time, a way to document life's events. However, I haven't been that great at keeping a consistent record of things, whether that be in the form of a prayer journal, quote book, or simple entries about my day- I haven't done that consistently, and how cool would it be to look back on your thoughts years from now to see how things have tied together?? So this year I want to keep all kinds of journals; all kinds of records of my life. I want to be able to look back on this year's events more vividly 10 years from now, I want to have a point of reference, I want to be able to share my life experiences with my kids through journaling.
7. Attend more school functions
I've always considered myself as a pretty-involved, present member of my college community. I try to get to know people from all kinds of circles, to attend events put on by different organizations, etc. However, I feel like I've passed up some opportunities to do that over the last few years. So this year, my last full year of college, I want to take advantage of all this extraordinary community has to offer. I want to be able to look back on my time here and feel I lived it out fully. I want to live more 'presently' in the now, in this community.
8. Join a bible study
My faith has always been a big part of my life. It has completely made me into the person that I am and I know that it will continue to grow me and challenge me as an individual. However, I don't feel that I've found just the right community to help me continue to foster my faith in college. So this year, I want to seek out a group of believers that will hold me accountable and vice versa. I want to join a new bible study or house study. I want to grow in my faith alongside fellow students through such things.
9. Develop and maintain an exercise plan
Throughout my life, I've gone through phases of extremity with working out and exercising. I've gone months without doing a thing, but I've also gone months obsessively working out every day and hating myself if I took a day off. Obviously, neither of those habits are healthy. So this year, I want to find a way to maintain a healthier life style, one that suits me individually, one that I will enjoy and uphold without leaning toward either harmful extremity.
10. Go somewhere I've never been
I love traveling, and it's something I want to do more of. People say college is one of the best times to travel, but I think sometimes we get hung up on the idea that 'traveling' means going abroad- which isn't always realistic. So this year, I want to recognize travel as much more than going overseas. I want to take every opportunity I can to see some place new, to meet someone new, to become aware of another culture... regardless of if I drive 10 miles or fly thousands of miles to do so. I want to travel anywhere and everywhere, to leave my heart in different places and people.
11. Make straight A's
Considering my resolution to 'work hard, but play hard', this one is a bit ironic. However, I truly believe all of these resolutions will help me to be a better and happier person, which will help me in succeeding academically as well. So this year, I want to make straight A's... I want to graduate with a 4.0, and I know I can do that in tandem with self-care and all the other resolutions I've set before me with my list of #16for2016 .
12. Get a dog
Anyone that knows me, knows that dogs hold my heart in every way. Nothing can put a bigger smile on my face or faster beat in my heart. So this year, I want to get a dog to share the joys and sorrows of my year with. Dogs are our greatest companions, so nothing would make me happier than having one of my own. Plus, the happiness that will come from having a dog will only push me to accomplish the rest of my #16for2016 .
13. Let friends and family know they are loved
Similar to my reasoning for having a resolution to call home more often, I want to let everyone in my life know how much I love and appreciate them on a daily basis. Sadly, nothing is more true than the fact that we ever know when someone's last moment on this earth may be, ours included. So this year, I won't let anything take precedence over letting my loved ones know what they mean to me; I will cherish them more so than I ever have.
14. Be discerning
As I approach my last year of college, I often find myself worrying about my future. What will I do when I graduate? Will I get married? Should I take that job? Should I move? All of these questions and many more float through my head all too often. So this year, I want to be more discerning than I ever have been. I want to seek God's will for my life continually and confidently, so that I may discover the path that He has set before me and walk down it with peace of mind in all my decisions.
15. Let go, let God
I'm a worrier; I always have been. I question what my purpose is an how I should achieve it. I am indecisive. I am afraid of change because I fear choosing the wrong thing. Therefore, I struggle great with 'letting go' of things because I'm crippled by the idea that I may let go of something or someone I wasn't meant to. So this year, I want to fully 'let go, and let God'. I want to trust him fully so that I can let go of things and be sure of my decision to do so; so that I can focus my energy on finding what it is He wants me to hold onto.
16. LIVE
This one's pretty simple. I want to LIVE every moment to its fullest. I want to live passionately, devoutly, lovingly. I want to live as the best version of myself with the movement #16for2016 .
I know this list may seem all over the place, but each item is a step toward being a better version of who I already am, of who the Lord has made me to be. Some of these resolutions may help you to do the same, others may not. Regardless, I encourage you create your own list of 16 resolutions to help better yourself in 2016. Join me in the movement #16for2016.
Share this article and challenge your loved ones to come up with their own #16for2016. Share your ideas with each other, hold each other accountable.Let's make 2016 the year our resolutions are remembered not only for the next 365 days, but rather for a life time.
Lets each take up #16for2016 !
