New Year's is my favorite holiday, by far. I love the sparkle, the fun, the glimmer, the way everyone comes together. And although you don't need to wait until the end of the year to make a change in your life, there is just something undeniably beautiful about the sense of a fresh start and the appreciation for having made it through another year to see the next one. This year, I didn't come up with a personal resolution, or even a plan of what I want to change in my life. This definitely isn't another "New Year, New Me" post. However, I am still excited to leave the year 2015 behind and to see what 2016 has in store. Here's why...
1. I turn 24.
I turn 24 in just a little under two weeks. Though this does seem a bit intimidating as I enter my mid-twenties, it's also really exciting. There have been a lot of young people that I have heard have passed over the last few years, watching friends who were close to them mourn the lives that have been taken too early. I am thankful to have even made it thus far. Even though the age of 24 might not seem like that big of an accomplishment to some, it's something that has been denied to many.
2. I am excited to excel in school.
This past semester has been one of my most successful, enjoyable semesters yet here at Texas State, following almost-equally successful summer sessions. It has been easy for me in the past to feel burned out and less than enthusiastic about school, but now that I have my momentum going, I only want to build on it and see just how much I can prove to myself.
3. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 comes out.
This one might be a little silly, but I'm excited nonetheless. The original cast will be reappearing when My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 debuts on March 25 of this year. It has taken quite a while for the sequel to come out, but writer and star, Nia Vardalos, says that she has her reasons.
According to Us Weekly, she told The Today Show that "The reason I didn't want to do the sequel is because at the end of the first one, I had written that we were parents...And even though I make stuff up, I couldn't write from a place of emotions that I didn't know because I wasn't a mom — and then I became a mom, so instantly, so suddenly." (Vardalos and her husband, Gomez, who plays Mike in the movies, married in 1993 and adopted a daughter named Illaria in 2008.) I loved the first movie, and I'm excited to see how Vardalos portrays parenthood in the second one.
4. I plan to get my passport and travel.
In case anyone needs a birthday present idea, I'm sure I'll be needing a passport at some point this year. I'm really hoping to take an awesome trip over spring break (ideas are in the works) or possibly study abroad at some point over the summer. This is definitely something to be excited about planning for this year!
5. I'm excited to take care of myself.
This isn't an unrealistic resolution to lose 30 lbs. in a month, or a promise to start a strict meal-planning schedule or a crazy, unattainable workout routine. Though I could probably benefit from making similar goals, I'm starting small. This is me recognizing that I have not always taken care of myself physically or mentally. Food is to be both nourishing and enjoyed, exercise doesn't have to be a chore, and it is helpful and humbling to ask for help when life seems too unbearable. This will be a year that I will finally keep these things close to my heart, start doing things I enjoy more often, and be done with all the rest.
