So this is the time of year that lots of folks set (and attempt to stick to) New Year’s resolutions. I’ve done so in the past (some instances more successfully than others) because on some level a new start, the optimism of summertime and the resolve to improve your life is pretty darn appealing.
The premise makes sense. It takes roughly thirty
days to change a habit or alter your routine for the long-term. The problem I’ve
always had with the whole thing is the idea that you can overhaul your outlook
and happiness within such a time-frame. Certainly, by mid-February or early
March I’ve forgotten all about my inspired start to the New Year. Time does its
terrible dance and before I know it I’m making a whole bunch of strangely
familiar resolutions all over again. So this year I’m instead making a list of
things for all of this next year; The
Fab List of 2015. Areas to improve,
fears to overcome, experiences to try. Not setting a strict deadline on any of
them but making a bucket-list of sorts for the here and now. Solidifying what I
want from this year and how I can make it happen.
Here are some ideas (in no particular order) for your own list should you decide to try along with me.
1. If you’re organized, let in some spontaneity, if
you’re care-free, try some structure.
2. Be inspired! Don’t let your days fall into
routine; seek a new perspective or set of skills.
3. Make time for people. Work and sleep takes a big
chunk of your day but we’re now more connected than ever; check in with your
nearest and dearest. Make an effort.
4. Stop procrastinating and book that ticket now; see
your concert, go to your play, hop on that plane. Wages can’t be all bills and
taxes.
5. Take a class in something; learning a new set of
skills helps keep your brain a happy chappy.
6. Find yourself a creative outlet; it might be
drawing, writing, making music, anything.
7. Take some time out for yourself every day to be still. We live in a society of
always-doing-something so even just five minutes of you and reflection of some
kind is ace. Five minutes of you pinning things or candy-crushing doesn’t count
by the way.
8. If you have a few habits you want to change, or
routines to alter, pick one each month to focus on rather than trying to
wrangle all of them by January’s end. Set achievable goals.
9. The next time you scream at someone in traffic,
slam doors in frustration or leap to conclusions about how this person and that
person hate you because of something they said or did, stop and take a breath. It
isn’t the end of the world. Perspective is important.
10. Be kinder to yourself. We all struggle, we’re all
human, dammit. Give yourself a break.
11. Go to a restaurant you’ve never visited before or
try a new style of food.
12. Write letters to your loved ones. Might seem saccharine-and-way-too-sweet
but if we’re willing to air our grievances on social media (I have a blog for
crying out loud!) then why not divulge how much we cherish the people who are
important to us?
13. Give; a donation, a present, your time, anything.
Giving without thought of reward rocks.
14. Surround yourself with people who help you grow
rather than tear you down.
15. Practice empathy every day.
See any ideas you like? Have any suggestions of
you own? Please share them with me! Will do a monthly blog post so we can all check our progress. Let’s kick 2015’s butt, I say. See you in
the new year, folks. xx
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