Digging Deep: A New Year Resolutions List
Yay! 2016 is over and while I could go over all of the things that were awful this past year, looking back it actually wasn't that bad of a year. Were there struggles and lows? Sure, but I am choosing to look at the positives and go into the new year with a new perspective and hopefulness.
With a new year here I know we all tend to make resolutions like dieting, fitness, and general well being but I want to make this new year more than that. I want to reach new goals, open up to more people, love more, learn the value of patience, and work towards a goal without bending into the pressure of needing it right now.
So, here it goes that dreaded New Year resolutions list but I think it's important to realize we have a whole new year to grow and to learn and to be patient with ourselves and our life so we can enjoy the moments that happen throughout.
1. Love More
There are times where I have a spicy attitude whether it's due to sleep schedules, work schedules, lack of food there's really no excuse and those closest to me usually get the most of it. I'd say mainly my sweet husband, if I haven't said it before I'll say it now, he is awesome. Despite my bad moods he loves me through it all and never really has any hurtful words to say. This year I want to love on him more, have less of an attitude and use kinder words when I'm tired, hungry or frustrated.
2. Stop Making Excuses
I am really great at coming up with excuses as to why I can't do something or why I shouldn't attempt something new due to fear of failure. The only way to grow and learn is to stop making excuses and to just do it.
3. Be Selfless
This year I want to give back more, there are so many opportunities to help that I don't take advantage of. To me, living a more purposeful life means helping others in whatever form that may take.
4. Get Fit
Of course I had to put this one on here. But I seriously need to get my butt into gear and do this thang.
5. Be Patient
One of mine and G's biggest goals this year is to save up for a down payment on a house and pay down some of our debt. Compared to some it's really not that bad but it is so soul crushing to me every month when I pay our bills. I get really impatient with the fact that I can't pay them all off at once so the end seems so far away. So one word, patience, in every aspect of life but mostly about the future and what it holds.
6. Less Technology, More Real Life
Let's face it, looking through perfect squares on Instagram all day only makes us feel like we're missing out on something. We're not taking enough cool trips, not going to the best places to eat, we don't have a relationship that is 100% perfect 100% of the time. I love Instagram but it's not real life, if you look through my feed I can tell you exactly what went on for each picture and chances are there's an imperfect story behind it. Take pictures to look back at the moment, but live in the moment and enjoy it (without trying to come up with the perfect caption).
7. Jesus
I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to save all of our sins and that we are called to live as he did while he was here on Earth. There are people who I admire so much because it seems like love and Jesus pours out of them every second of the day. Looking through their feeds and reading their words of wisdom after going through something difficult is inspiring, but it also makes me feel less of a Christian. Am I sweet, loving and selfless all of the time? Nope, so this year I'd like to grow in my faith and not compare myself to others.
8. Talk Less, Listen More
Okay, so I really don't talk too much. If you know me really well you'll know that the people who hear most of my opinions and lectures are my husband, mom, brother and sister. It really takes a lot for me to open up. I do however have a tendency to not listen and be present in conversations. My mind always wanders off thinking about something else. Before I know it I've lost track of the conversation and only take away bits and pieces.
This list doesn't cover nearly all of what I want to accomplish in the new year but it's a start. I encourage you to write down your goals and dreams too, but dig deeper this year-go past superficial wants and needs and see what you can really change. We are all human, imperfect, and impatient but we can make this year a good one. What are some of your "New Year Resolutions?" Leave them in the comment section below!
--M
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