It’s 2018. How crazy is that? Another semester has come and gone and as we enter a new year, I’ve decided to make a few new year resolutions for this semester. I will finish my second year of law school in May (which is simultaneously terrifying and thrilling). For the next four months, I’m going to (try to) stay committed to as many of the following resolutions as I can. I’m limiting myself to five in the interest of increasing my chances of success.

1. Separate school and "me" time more.

I want to focus on making the time dedicated to school work more efficient and the time I take off for my own well-being truly dedicated to me. I find I spend my “off time” still worrying about school and not actually giving myself rest.

2. Get back into my workout routine.

The break killed my momentum, let me tell you. I was on a consistent schedule of exercising at least six days a week and I desperately need to get back to it. I want to refocus on my health and relaxation, and not work out obsessively. I can easily get caught up in a compulsive need to work out every day, so this time around I’m going to focus on exercising out of self-love.

3. I want to cook more!

I have decided that I want to learn more recipes and more creative ways to make meals healthy. I recently downloaded the tasty app and it has been so fun finding new and fun meals to make.

4. Keep up with my planner.

I have a bad habit of filling it out at the beginning of the week and not touching it much until the next week. I want to get in the habit of reviewing it every day and not finding myself stuck with a deadline approaching as a result.

5. Lastly, I want to refocus on being happy.

I used to always be a person who said that “happiness is a choice.” 2017 taught me that it’s not quite that simple. There are times when life gets away from you and it’s not as easy as making a choice. Regardless, I resolve to give it my all anyway. I want to wake up each day and decide to get as much happiness out of each moment that I can.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!