We're quickly approaching the end of 2016 and it's about that time people begin to set goals for the New Year. Though I say goals, we all know that half the resolutions people talk about will be abandoned within a month. It's no one's fault, really. It's just human nature: we have a hard time staying focused for long periods of time. I want to offer, instead, a few resolutions that anyone can stick with and that require no (okay maybe a little) strenuous effort.
Smile more
Cheesy, I know, but smiles are such a small thing that everyone could use more of in their life. I'm not saying you should walk around like a marionette with a smirk always on your face because, real talk, that'd be terrifying. I mean that the next time you walk down the street, try to flash a grin at someone who looks like they need one. Or maybe, for the collegiate readers, the next time you're crushing your walk across campus, instead of staring at your phone to avoid eye contact with everyone along the way, look up and show off that bright smile of yours to anyone you know. You'll honestly never know what a difference it can make until you try it.
Reach out
Alright, alright, listen. Before you start calling exes and toxic friends hoping to rekindle something that was meant to be done, let me clarify. When I say "reach out," I mean to the people in your life now when they or you need it. We all carry a certain amount of hesitance or pride when it comes to being there for people or asking for help when we're down. The thoughts in the back of your head saying, "Well what if I say the wrong thing or sound weird, or they think I'm pushy?" or "What if I'm overreacting or look pathetic or they think less of me?" are few of the many barriers holding you back. But those thoughts are just thoughts. If someone needs a friend, they're never gonna judge you for sending that message (or GIF or cute picture) because they'll be happy to have support, regardless of its form. And if you need someone, it's more than okay to reach out. That's why you have friends. That's why the people in your life say, "I'm here if you need me!" They mean it and will never hold it against you.
Drink water
I'm not gonna explain this one, but just trust me friends, if you change out one drink a day with a bottle of water, you won't regret it.
Take more time to just breathe
We live in an age of instant gratification and infinite options for entertainment at every turn. There's endless amounts of games on our devices, Facebook is always updating, and we're constantly being pulled in every direction to do do do do DO. This coming year, try to find time to just take a step back and exist. In such a fast-paced world, it's so important to remind yourself to breathe and calm down. Without being conscious of our ever-moving state, it's incredibly easy to become overwhelmed by the world, so if your step back is a few moments of meditation, time for prayer, or just a walk without your phone for a bit, make time for these instances and breathe.
Put yourself first
Of all people, I know how hard this can be. I mean, heck, I have an entire article written on it here. That doesn't mean it's not an important step to make in your life. As sad as this sounds, the only person who is guaranteed to be in your life from beginning to end is you. You are the one to walk your path, you are the one to fight your battles, you are the one to be you. Take this year to start letting yourself be important. You're a beautiful, handsome, wonderful human. You have a shining personality that cannot be replicated and a magnificent soul that deserves love. Allow yourself to be a priority and do things for you. If that means dropping toxic friends, eating the ice cream even if it's not a cheat day, telling someone no because you genuinely can't, staying home from the party to recharge, anything that you need to do to make yourself the priority, DO IT. You really (and I mean this from the bottom of my heart) do matter.
At the end of the day, whatever (if any) your resolutions are, remember that 2017 is a new year to take a step in the right direction. You are the one in charge of your fate and I believe in you, every step of the way.
