Hellllooooo!

My name is Maddie and I am very excited to start sharing bits and pieces of my life with all of you beautiful humans.

I am currently a senior in High School but I am very excited to announce that I am going to attend the University of Georgia next year (EEK!). UGA runs deep in my family so I am extremely excited to continue the legacy in the Classic City.

Anyways, onto what I am here for. Today, I decided to start a blog. I have always had a passion for influencing, YouTube, social media, etc. I am always listening to podcasts, watching my favorite YouTubers or engaging in things that make me feel alive. I seek fulfillment. I seek self improvement. I seek excitement and adventure. With all of this being said, a new year is a very exciting time for me. I love the idea that there is this fresh start and spirit of change in the air. Therefore, it is no surprise that I am that girl that always has a new year's resolution. I know, I know, its cliche and mainstream but I want to get these resolutions into the world to inspire others and keep my accountable.

My new year resolution is one sentence--Become a better person. Okkkkayyy, so what does this mean?

I separated this new years resolution into 3 sections. Goals are more likely to be achieved when written down and have actual action plan to make them a reality. I highly encourage you to write down, plan, and share a goal you have in the comments below and/or with a friend. I have decided that this resolution has to do with more than just myself...

Becoming a better person has to do with people/relationships: I am guilty of being on my phone when I should be listening to those I am physically with. I am guilty of judging to quick and holding onto grudges. In 2019, I will put the phone down and plug into people. Life is too short to not cherish your loved ones. People have things to say, listen to them and take them seriously. I will pour out love in 2019 and build a place where everyone is welcome, and welcome to be themselves.

Becoming a better person has to do with self care: You cannot pour from an empty cup. You cannot dive into other people without first diving into yourself. As much as I am determined to be there for other people, I have to be there for myself first. I know my triggers for anxiety and depression. In 2019, I want to start being more mindful of what I put into my body (cutting out gluten and dairy), taking nights to myself (no phone, long shower, early to bed), and writing down an exercise routine. I also find it important to keep my space clean and dig deeper into my faith. Taking care of my self is fundamental for reaching any other goals. The same is true for you.

*More on this in later blog posts as fitness/health is my passion.

Becoming a better person has to do with spending less and giving more: My dad actually inspired me to do this for the new year. He inspired me to becoming less materialistic. He explained how our world has come to value quick satisfaction. With one press of button, you can have new shoes coming straight to your door step in 2 days. Now this is great, but the satisfaction is so short lived. In 2019, I will turn away from filling voids with new purchases. Instead, I want to spend my TIME- whether reading, volunteering, going to get coffee with a friend, taking a walk, etc. I know I will find much more satisfaction through the little things.

There ya have it folks, that is my new years resolution. Simplify, rest, fulfill, and thrive. I am so excited for the newness and opportunities in 2019 and for my first year in college! I am thrilled to take you along for the ride.

Happy Holidays, friends

xoxo

Maddie Akin.