(originally written on 1/30/11)
This year my best friend and I decided to embark on a journey of self discovery through New Year’s resolutions. I know what you are thinking, because when we first thought about this I had the same thing go through my head, “No one ever keeps New Year’s resolutions.” I would tend to agree with the majority as I have never kept a resolution for more than a week in my life, but this year I promised myself it would be different, and I am determined to prove myself right.
We decided upon roughly 6 resolutions that we thought we could make a conscious effort to meet the whole year through. We brainstormed for a while, and because we are both scatterbrained, it took us a while to find a fully functional list that did not include lose 50 pounds, or don’t eat sweets all year, or the ever famous “I will make it to the gym EVERYDAY.” I never thought the process of coming up with resolutions could be so difficult, but I assure you, this one was. We finally came up with a final list and it reads as follows:
1. I will make a conscious effort to monitor the things that go into my body, knowing that they in turn affect how I feel.
2. I will not tell myself how bad I look or how fat I am if I have no intention of doing anything about it.
3. I will work to find a sense of calm in my life that I have not had before.
4. I will organize things in my life both material and other in order to keep balance in my life.
5. I will find my own idea of spirituality and work on keeping up with it every day as a chance to release feelings and emotions.
6. I will put myself before others as I never have before in order to make a happy me, and in doing so make others happy.
I think they seem pretty standard, and at first glance relatively easy to stick to. Well we are nearing the end of January, and I am proud to report that I have stuck to every one of these resolutions so far! I know they are not ones that can be easily broken, but rather lifestyle changes of sorts, but I think that they will help me in the long run with the ultimate goal of being a better me.
In any case, this being my first blog post, I guess I should say that this blog will not really be an exploration of these resolutions, but more of a blog providing ways that i am keeping them, and how you can incorporate these principles into your life as well. I will provide things that inspire me, keep me motivated, or pertain to any of my goals, as well as updates about myself, and how things are going when using the things i am posting about. I hope you will join me, maybe with your own intention, and walk the path of self discovery with me this year!
Peace&Blessings
Love the idea of the Love, Life and Laughter blog. New Year's is a time to revamp our lifestyle, but it seems by the time it comes around just after Christmas I want to go into hibernation. Thanks, for the encouragement to continue the tradition.
ReplyDeleteI really should be applying each and every item on your list to my own life. It's really hard to stick to any sort of resolution, but I think a blog would make the whole process easier - also making you more accountable. Such a great idea to write down your goals and your progress that way you are more inclined to stick to them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that more often than not, I hear about people who broke their new years resolution. However, I am big on setting goals and love the idea that you and your best friend came up with. I am excited to read more about your journey through this year and how it has positively impacted your life.
ReplyDeleteMaking resolutions you can stick to is super hard. This list is a great example of one that one can actually do. I wish you the best of luck :) Great post!
ReplyDeleteI admire that you and your friend took the time to brainstorm such meaningful resolutions. These resolutions seem much more rewarding (both physically and emotionally) than broad ones like "lose weight" or "exercise more" usually are. I look forward to reading more in upcoming posts about how you are keeping your resolutions and how I can apply your suggestions in my own life!
ReplyDeleteI think you have selected a wonderful collection of very meaningful resolutions, and wish you the best of luck in sticking with them. On another note, I really like your blog design as well.
ReplyDeleteHannah, your post should echo through everyone's life! Turning 42 this year I made it my goal to get out of the corporate rate race and focus on my happiness. 2011 is proving to be a wonderful year with a degree in creative writing only a month away! I have learned to leave my work at work and focus on quality of life. My new years resolution to get in shape has allowed me to drop 50 lbs, only 20 more to my ideal weight for myself. I have a gym membership that I am excited about and an herb garden for healthy cooking!!
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone follows your advice in the blog and finds resolutions they can stick to. I wish yo success on your blog!
Mario Moreno - http://www.travelaboutblog.com
Great job on the blog Hannah. It's really come together well. I like the background you chose and the font. Thanks for sharing all of your encouraging and useful resolutions :)
ReplyDeleteAdmirable attempt most definitely. I will be very interested in following your progress and checking up on this blog when I need a little pick me up in my day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these! I love the idea of "be a better you" rather than a once-a-year resolution. Looking forward to more motivational posts.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful list of resolutions and such an inspiring post! I really enjoyed this post and I feel that with your decision of making life style changes instead of immediate changes, you will definitely accomplish your goals for the year. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteI feel inspired already. Thanks for some great ideas, and I need a dose of healthy living as well - so I'm looking forward to your future posts. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteResolutions are definitely tough to stick to; believe me I tried. So, I do wish you luck on keeping all 6 resolutions. It definitely helps to have a friend involved as well because they'll help keep you on track. Keep up the positive energy and you'll be able to get through it! :)
ReplyDeleteI admire your honesty and willingness to share your resolutions. #2 is the coolest resolution I have ever heard: it's realistic in scope and idealistic enough to keep motivated to work on. One thing, though: the font and of the post is rough on the eyes. Might want to consider at least a different font color if you dig the font itself.
ReplyDeleteThe hard part of keeping resolutions is that many times we forget what we've promised ourselves. Having this blog to keep you on track will be a great tool to help that process, as well as give inspiration to others regarding making and keeping their resolutions. Great idea for a blog and good luck!
ReplyDeleteYour resolutions are great, a lot more thought-provoking than the standard, "save money" and "lost fifteen pounds." Enjoyed your post!
ReplyDeleteYour resolutions are very eye opening. These aren't the obvious, typical resolutions people make, but these are great standards and ideas that I think everyone should try to implement in their own lives. You've inspired me to re-evaluate how things are going in your own life, especially with #6.
ReplyDeleteI loved your resolutions. They're so much more than the average I will stay single for the entire year or I will not text my ex-boyfriend drunk anymore, etc. If you can keep these up I really think you'll transform yourself for the best and achieve that self discovery you desire.
ReplyDeleteI like the way that the set up of your blog looks. I like how you think outside of the box in your post. It adds a lot more to your post and kept me intrigued throughout. Well done!
ReplyDeleteGreat premise for a blog. I think a lot of this information could be posted in your about section... just something to think about. Love the light and pretty design background!
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