There's a lot of pressure during this time of the year to form and uphold New Year's resolutions. Personally, I have never been a huge fan of them. A "resolution" is a strong commitment and most people are struggling by March. If we're being honest, we don't know what 2016 has in store for us. If 2015 taught me anything, it's that our goals will probably be altered or changed completely. A lot can happen in a year and that's OK.
So, with that, I give you my five "Things That I Will Try To Do In 2016." I'm not making any promises, but I will try and trying is all that anyone can hope for, really.
1. Read More
Yes, I know that this is a popular resolution, but I feel like I should be doing it more. As an English major in college, my mind is screaming at me: "No! No more reading! I can't take it!" Thanks to today's technology I've avoided this added stress by getting into listening to books on tape (or books on the app on your phone). I'm also trying new types of books, including funny biographies and advice books like Tiny Fey's "Bossypants" or Amy Poehler's "Yes Please."
2. Write More
Again, the whole career thing plays a part in this, but I also really enjoy writing. I don't write enough. I'm not talking about paper writing for school (I do enough of that), I'm talking about fun, creative, future-novel writing. I've thought of several ways to help me do that. One is to keep a journal with me as much as possible for all of my bright writing ideas to be jotted down in. Another idea is to set a time every day for writing. I've bought writing prompt books and new journals, so I am ready to rock and write! (Do you see what I did there?)
3. Get Off Of Campus
I've lived part-time in Birmingham for over two years now and I feel like I haven't gone to all of the cool restaurants and places that everybody says need to be seen or visited. Plus, being on campus all of the time can get kind of claustrophobic. New places can give a much-needed breath of fresh air. I also really just want some good food.
4. Be Ready For Change
I am not the most flexible of humans. I like planning and I like sticking to my plans. Like I said before, change is inevitable. Some change is good. Some change is bad. It usually turns out OK eventually. Take the change one step at a time. Get your team together. Don't take no for an answer. Relax and take a deep breath. Surround yourself with people who give good pep talks, or who can at least make you laugh. Pick yourself up off of the ground and keep going.
5. Talk To People
For the record, I do talk to people. I simply recently realized how much I love things like one-on-one deep and meaningful talks or small class discussions on literature interpretations. Some of the richest advice and best ideas that I have ever received have come from those conversations and I want to have more of them. This resolution is one that I don't know how to execute yet. I don't know if I will start a book club or just invest more in time with friends and family. Time will tell.
I have other things that I want to do this year too. I want to learn to cook something besides soup. I want to find a fun way to work-out that I like and will actually do on a consistent basis. I want to continue doing things like being grateful for those who love me and care for me and letting them know that. I want to continue to try new things while establishing my comfort zone. I want to knit fluffy accessories, plan a trip, and continue my education through law school. I can't wait to see which of these things I will accomplish this year and which will be on my list for next year. Have a happy 2016, everybody!
