New Year's Resolutions are like pet goldfish: nice to tell people about, and they can make us feel better for a time, but there's always some part of us that knows they're only temporary. That, and most people just flush them within a month. I've made several New Year's resolutions over the years, and for the most part, I haven't actually succeeded at a single one. Just the ones I remember are:
1. Write a novel
This one was a big failure, especially considering there are those who write novels in the span of a single month. I've grown much better at writing, planning, and driving myself to write more, but a novel is a massive project, one that is incredibly daunting if you aren't hugely prepared for the process of outlining, prepping, writing, editing, and editing, and editing....
Chances are, I'll give this another shot this year. wish me luck
2. Gain weight
Sounds kind of funny, doesn't it? The most common New Year's resolution is "Lose weight" so much so that people who actually do have the dedication to work out every week dread January. The gyms fill up with people of varying shades of overweight, and people (sometimes) go in not knowing where to start (please do your research, you don't want to hurt yourself!).
I, on the other hand, have struggle with my weight for some time. I have a decent diet, I just have a bad habit of skipping breakfast in favor of more sleep (My favorite dish). Every year since I turned 16 and (I think I was 16) finally hit 100 pounds, I make it a resolution to hit 120. 6 years later, and I've been hovering around 110 since freshman year (freshman 15 my ass).
Chances are, I'll give this another shot this year. Thankfully I'm a fan of milk and peanut-butter.
3. Get out and be more social
Happily, this is one of the few resolutions I've followed through on - only if by necessity. Being home-schooled in Indiana, it was a struggle to put myself out there and make friends. When I decided to go to Ursinus, part of it was a pointed escape attempt, part of it was a need to find a place where I could be heard. This has been a bit of a struggle. My freshman year friend-group fluctuated (as most do) but every year, I know I would stagnate a little, and fall into the familiar groups and faces I spent half my time around. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's something I was aware of.
Now that I'm in the "real world," it's an even bigger struggle to maintain relationships, even though it's helped by social media. Until I get employed, there's a bit of a paywall that adulthood hides behind, but until then, I'll give the friends I already have another shot.
I still haven't made my mind up as to what this year's resolutions will be. I'll probably add the above three to the list all over again, for consistency's sake. Getting a job is first and foremost on the agenda. But the main goal isn't to "Stick it out" or "push myself to do this," it's to make the work into a habit; it's about reaching the point where I don't have to push myself, I just do it.
Happy New Year's everyone, I hope you get there with your resolutions, but be proud of however far you can manage.
Much love - Linden
