So, it is 2019. I am going to be completely honest with you and say that I was not as prepared for the new year as I usually am. I did not take time to reflect on 2018 until it had already ended, and my thoughts on how to go into 2019 came after it had already began.
You may think that is not a big deal. You may not see the point in taking time to do those things, but I am a total nerd for that sort of thing. 2018 was a whirlwind. I began with self love and self care in mind, and I ended with a life and mindset I am eternally grateful for.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in 2018.
I met my boyfriend in 2018.
I saw the Grand Canyon in 2018.
I started my first book in 2018.
I got two tattoos in 2018.
I experienced happiness in 2018.
I experienced disappointment in 2018.
I lost friendships in 2018.
I gained friendships in 2018.
I lost myself in 2018.
I found myself in 2018.
2018 was a beautiful year. I couldn’t ask for better, but it’s 2019 now. We’re shifting our focus completely toward the present. Reflect on the past in order to understand all the ways you changed during that period of time, then translate that onto the present in order to determine how to set yourself up for happiness and success going forward.
Now, the real reason it has taken me so long to set intentions for this year is because I was thrown one hell of a curveball at the very end of December. Life does that sometimes. I’ll admit, I wasn’t ready, and I didn’t bounce back as quickly as I would have liked, but the important thing is that I learned a lot, despite a loss of time. I realized, very recently, that I struggle with balance in my life. I am all in with every thing I do, including my relationship, my dreams and my self care. I don’t balance them out, and something often ends up suffering because of it.
Balance – noun: mental and emotional steadiness
A few years ago, a shockingly inspirational, inspiring, connected friend of mine gave me the brilliant idea of choosing a single word to describe the year to come. This allows us to refer back to that word, that one thing we wanted more than anything at the beginning of the year, to determine if every choice we make throughout the year is moving us forward in the way we desire. My word this year is balance. I am confident it is possible to love another while simultaneously loving myself. I am sure it is possible to simultaneously achieve peace and success. I believe it is possible to live a healthy lifestyle without obsessing over numbers on a scale. Those who tell you otherwise simply are not willing to put in the work.
There are a few other, secondary, words I am focusing on going into this year.
Purpose – noun: the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists
Independence – noun: showing a desire for freedom or not requiring or relying on others
Create – verb: to bring into existence
Inspiration – noun: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions
Health – noun: the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit
Really think about your life. Think about what you want and what needs to change/stay the same to get to where you want to be. Break it down. What words describe your priorities? Once you know that, align your yearly resolutions, monthly goals and daily habits with it. Focus on your values more than goals. Sometimes we focus too much on goals we think we are supposed to care about and not enough on what your soul truly desires. What daily habits can you work on that will align with your priorities? What do you value? The #1 New Year’s Resolution set by Americans is to lose weight. I’ll admit, my health will be a huge focus this year, but my weight will not run my life. Part of finding balance this year is finding a healthy relationship with food. Maybe working out is your thing, maybe losing weight really is important to you, but maybe it’s not. Do what aligns with your personal values. Don’t feel pressure to set resolutions that don’t excite you.
“What the new year brings you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year.” -Vern McLellan
xo — a
