January 1, 2018, I got my first ticket. Yes, this year, on the very first day. Great way to start the new year right? A little while after that, I went to Starbucks with one of my friends and when I tried to leave, my car wouldn’t start. This year was already starting off on a not-so great foot. Then the wonderful snow days happened and my car (without heat) was struggling. Then, on my first day of college, my car wouldn’t start again.
Through all of this I was freaking out because trying to balance my slowly-shrinking bank account is already an inconvenience, without adding any car troubles into the mix. In just the first month of 2018, I ended up dropping over $200 on my car and I still owe hundreds of dollars on the ticket. I called my parents to tell them about getting a ticket and they weren’t as angry as I thought they’d be. That conversation could have gone a lot worse. Regardless of my downfalls I've already experienced this year, I decided to remain positive.
While at Starbucks before my car issue happened, my friend had asked me to be a bridesmaid at her wedding. Then when my car didn’t start, she jumped it with the help of an unknown mechanic and followed me home to make sure I got there safely. Then I had my car looked at the next day, and spent all day with my mom. And when my car didn’t start on the first day of class, my dad and brother braved the cold to look at it and see what they could do to fix it.
I learned some important lessons this January and decided to set new goals for myself for the new year. Here are some new years resolutions everyone should follow.
1. Find the "at least" in everything
Even if something happens at the most inopportune time, think about other ways that the problem can be fixed. No problem is unsolvable!
2. Fill yourself with healthy energy
I know its cliche, but eating healthier, exercising more, and drinking more water is good for more than just losing weight. There's always time for a 10-minute workout before class. Even little things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator help. And get rid of the toxic people. The more you surround yourself with happiness, the happier you will be.
3. Organize your life
And every part of it. Clean your car, room, desk or study area, and any other place that is a little messy. I also like to purge my clothes and belongings every few months.
4. Increase your gratitude
Write thank you notes, even if it’s just a sticky note on your roommate's desk after she buys cookies to share. When you're having an off day and your friends are doing the best they can for you tell them “thank you for being patient with me” and “thank you for listening to me and appreciating what I have to say.” Changing how you verbalize your feelings can make a huge difference in your outlook on life.
5. Avoid "all or nothing" thinking
One bad grade won’t cause you to fail out of college. One cookie won’t completely ruin your clean diet. One ticket doesn’t mean you’re a bad driver.
6. Think positively
No more “I want to die," “I hate myself," or, “I’m stupid/mean/an awful person.” One bad thing doesn’t mean you’re a failure or a mistake. Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes. You're one more failure closer to a success!
7. Think about the light at the end of the tunnel.
It’s easier to get through the hard times when you know there’s an end to it. The end of the semester is going to come. The day you leave the job you hate will come. Let it come.
Life will always work itself out and if it’s meant to be it will be.Life's a trail; it has it's hills and stumps, but keep putting one foot in front of the other and you'll be at the top of the mountain before you know it.