I know people usually make their New Year Resolutions in December, but I decided to not only create mine a month early but to start them even earlier too! Sometimes I think these resolutions are for people to just pretend they want to change, but not actually do it. Well… we just get really lazy, that's why! Starting this coming new year, let's get unlazy! Let's be the change we wish to see in ourselves. In fact, start now and do not finish until you've accomplished your goals! If we make goals big enough that it isn't impossible, but small enough that we are capable, it can really change the way we focus on what we wish to achieve. Hard work and dedication can go a long way.

This year I don't expect my resolutions to feel like a burden to my life, but instead I hope to become more optimistic; start getting more involved in things I have an interest in. Instead of picking up my phone all day, I plan to start picking up a book instead. There are so many fascinating and life-changing books out there and I used to read A LOT. I miss reading, it was a healthy escape and when I read nonfiction books, I usually end up applying those lessons to my life. When reading books that pertain to things you are going through, it is always a good idea to write down main ideas or main messages that the author tries to get you to understand. Looking back, it provides the book with more importance and it's always there for you to come back to. It's a lot better than sitting on your phone, staring at information that is usually pointless/less meaningful.

My next resolution would be to get more artsy! I want to play my instruments more (piano and ukulele) and I want to photograph as much as I can. I used to play the piano when I was younger and I really miss doing that. Sometimes when I am home I just teach myself new songs and play parts of old ones. I used to play piano and my dog would sit next to me and lay down while I soothed her with the music. I also bought a ukulele a year ago because I was bored and I wanted to start teaching myself. I haven't been as involved in learning how to play it because school gets busy and then I sort of just forget. I think the ukulele is a beautiful, small, fun instrument and when I play, it gives me joy. I feel good about myself because not everybody knows how to play instruments like that! The main thing that I want to continue to do is take more photographs. Photography is a huge part of my life and if I could take photos for the rest of my life, I would. I love photographing people, nature, animals, anything. If you want your photos taken, let me know!

Photography

The last resolution that I plan on getting involved in would be to work out more regularly during the week and to try to eat a little healthier. We all know that working out provides clarity to the mind and it makes us feel SO much better about ourselves, so why don't we do it all the time?! Some of us do, but some of us just get really tired/lazy. I know for myself, if I am feeling anxious or sad, I go workout and it just gives me the opportunity to release all the bad emotions that I am feeling. To work out at least four or five times a week would create such a healthier, stress free lifestyle that I am so ready for. Whether doing cardio, lifting weights or just going for a quick swim; it all counts. I know that a lot of the food I ate as a kid wouldn't really affect my body weight, but as we get older, it begins to matter a lot more. I want to become vegetarian or vegan, but I really like chicken.. so maybe I can find some alternates.
If you eat unhealthily, you will ultimately feel unhealthy all the time. Work hard, see results. Eat good, feel good

Starting these goals earlier in the year will keep you on track as the new year starts.

Stay focused and stay confident.

Be positive and begin to really think about the actions you take. Everything you do and everything you think about is for a specific reason, it all impacts you one way or another. Guide your thoughts and actions into something more healthy, something more open, and something even more beautiful.