It is Christmas week, which means that the end of the year is also near. As everyone knows, New Year's Eve is the time when people gather for parties and get-togethers to celebrate the coming of another year. Resolution making is also a popular occurrence with the new year. I'm not much of a resolution maker myself, but as I'm nearing a HUGE year (with graduation, turning 23, and a gap year), I figure it couldn't hurt to make a few resolutions.
Common resolutions are: lose weight and get fit, stop smoking, eat healthier and diet, travel, etc. Immeasurable wishes that usually last no more than two weeks into January. I never really thought much of resolutions, because I'd seen so many people resolve to something, only to fail within the week. But this year, I am going to make a few real resolutions.
1. Appreciate my body for what it is and what it can do. I am not a size 2. I have stretch marks. I have achy knees from years of basketball. I have a widow's peak and my hair is crazy big. My thighs rub when I run, and I'm pretty sure I'll never have a thigh gap. Yes, I have some weight to lose, but I have to learn to love and appreciate my body as it is. I have to want to treat it well. I should want to take care of it, so it can last a lifetime. The foods I eat and exercises I do (or don't do) should reflect how much I love my body, not how much I want to change it. This goes for everything about my body, not just the parts that may show "fat". My widow's peak annoys the crap out of me when I want a high bun. But you know what, widow's peaks are recessive and Harry Styles has one, so I'm special and unique. Also, my body can do some amazing things. I want to get healthier and stronger so I can continue to do more amazing things with it. I long to snowboard, rock climb, and be a hiker, so I am going to treat my body like I'm training to accomplish these goals. I've only got one body, and I need it to last.
2. Be uncomfortable. 2016 is going to be a BIG year. Next year alone, I am graduating, going alum, turning 23 (actually the same day as graduation), taking a gap year, and legitimizing my photography business. I am completely pumped for these big steps. Life is happening, and I'm going to be uncomfortable. After being in school for 17 or so years, I will no longer have homework, online discussions, projects, or papers due. While it is relieving, I realize that that is a huge change. "Student" will no longer go in the blank that asks for my occupation and FAFSA will be my friend no more. I'll be meeting new people and trying new things. I'm taking a gap year, as well. I'm going to be working part time and building my photography business, and when I've saved enough money, I'll be jet-setting or road-tripping to my next destination. There are going to be times when people will question and ridicule me for not being a "typical" college graduate, for not knowing what I want to do with my life. I have to remain grounded in my beliefs and truth, and be okay with being the odd one out. I am going to see amazing things during my gap year. While I will be traveling with a friend, I'm sure there will be times I become lonely. And there will be times I am brokenhearted about things I see in the world. There will be difficulties on the road and fears to overcome. I'm choosing this year because I want to get something out of it. I want an adventure, not a vacation. I want life, and to get uncomfortable.
3. Last, but not least, Be joyful. Sometimes, life can SUCK. We all know that. But I want to choose joy in every situation because I am alive and well. The trivial problems I encounter aren't eternal. Admittedly, I can be a downer, and very sarcastic. While at times it's funny and just plain me, I know that I can be negative when being negative does nothing but affect those around me. I will greet tasks with a more positive attitude, rather than begrudgingly checking off a list. Life is changing quickly, and I have a whole life still ahead of me. Although it will never look the same, change is progress, and progress is living. I will be joyful (as much as possible).
Though these resolutions are immeasurable, I believe they are specific and positive. I'm excited for the new year. 2016 is going to be full of excitement and newness and I cannot wait to see how it goes. So if you're going to make resolutions, I challenge you to evaluate where you are now and where you want to be one year from now. Don't be negative and don't criticize yourself. Take time to be thankful for the person you've become, because you're pretty great.
