1. I’M GOING TO EAT.
I’m going to eat whatever I want whenever I want, and I’m not going to care what anyone else thinks. But I’m not going to eat until I want to explode. I’m not going to continue eating until my pants feel three sizes too small. I’m not going to eat a piece of chocolate at my every whim just because I can. I’m going to be in control of my food.
This year I’m going to slow down, enjoy my food, and know when to say I’ve had enough. If it takes fifteen minutes for a chef to prepare my food, I shouldn’t be swallowing it down in five. I spend too much money eating out to not appreciate it. So this year I’m going to eat.
2. I’M GOING TO VOLUNTEER.
I’m going to volunteer, but not so I can put it on my resume or build credibility but because I want to help others. I want to willingly and wholeheartedly sacrifice my time with no expectation of a reward in return. Seeing smiles on children’s faces or realizing the little role I’m playing is part of a bigger picture is reward in itself. Too often I find myself accepting jobs I don’t have time for because I’m driven by monetary compensation. But this year I’m going to volunteer.
3. I’M GOING TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF.
I’m going to take care of my physical, spiritual, and emotional self. I’m going to walk the stairs instead of driving my car up to campus. I’m going to park my car a little further rather than spend an extra ten minutes waiting for the closest spot. I’m going to pause and pray during my day. I’m going to reflect on the word and reflect on Christ. I’m going to rest and say no to social events when I know I just need time to myself. I’m going to let my walls come down and express what hurts me and what brings me joy. I’m going to take care of myself.
4. I’M GOING TO STOP STARING AT A SCREEN.
Computer screen, phone screen, camera screen, I’m going to reduce my time staring at a screen. I want to be present when I’m with friends. I want to read books not spend time endlessly scrolling down. Shockingly I want to use my digital camera less. Digital cameras are great, and mine is personally my child, but I believe the purpose of capturing the moment is to capture the moment not recreate it to be better. This year I’m going to turn my laptop off, read a book, and shoot film photographs. This year my eyes will get a break from screens.
5. I’M GOING TO HAVE A FANTASTIC YEAR.
Whether I travel or not. Whether I am completely broke or have enough money to pay for the side of ranch dressing. Whether I do any of my resolutions or not, I am going to have an extraordinary year. I am going to smile more than stress. I want to find joy when it is covered by distractions. It is going to be a good year.