Day by Day Resolutions

Ah, resolutions. You know, those things we're all gung ho about on the first of January, in our slightly (read: extremely) hungover state of mind? The dawn of a new year, a new life, a new YOU.

But I don't really think I need a new ME, entirely. I'm not making any resolutions to lose weight or change the world. Those are big things. And it's time to think small. It's time to think day by day. Why? Because day by day is something we can all do. 365 days in advance is intimidating and a set up for failure. There are going to be days when we are our best. And, conversely, the days when we fall back into old patterns. It's okay, though. We can take it day by day and before you know it, the "new" you, is just simply...you.

Resolutions are important. They are simply just goals, and as we all know, having goals are important. And apparently, if you write them down, you're more likely to follow them. So, here are my day by day goals for 2012...

One: Yoga. I found a certain sense of peace and strength from yoga in the last few months of 2011. It was like a "where have you been all my life" kind of thing. I have done yoga on and off for years, but never really "got it". I used to find it incredibly boring. Now, in my advanced age (nearly 32 *gasp*!), I don't think it's something I can live without. So, my goal for 2012 is 3 times a week and maybe, just maybe....try something other than Hatha. Anusara, I'm looking at you.

Two: Nature. A large part of my fitness routine and zen seeking came from spending hours in the outdoors. Mostly, alone with the dog, but sometimes with a partner. Did you know that your IQ is proportionate to the amount of time you spend wandering amongst the trees? Apparently so. This year, I want to get outside more. I spend far too much time in my home, as this is where I both live and work. Nature, I'm coming for you.

Three: Less screen time. I spend my days looking at a computer screen, and my nights watching films. I love the internet and I love movies, but I need to save my eyeballs. This year, I plan to unplug, just a little bit. This means when I am at home, sometimes the TV will be off, the laptop will be put away (unless it's playing music), and my iPhone will be somewhere not attached to my hip (not literally...only guys that wear black socks and sandals attach their phones to their belts, but you get the picture). So, if I don't answer a text right away, don't be concerned. I'll get back to you. Still probably faster than most, because I think it's rude otherwise.

Four: I want to re-evaluate my commitment to my own well being and health. We're on a journey this year and I feel like it could be the year that a certain dream comes true, but I'm going to be a large part of whether or not that happens. And there are certain habits that I fall back on to make me feel better that I am not sure are helping me reach that goal, despite my feelings on the positive effects of the habit. In 2012 I am going to put aside some habits that I believe may be hindering me in my ability to reach certain goals. This was vague as hell, but essentially this fourth resolution is about being truly good to my body, inside and out.

Five: I spent a lot of time on my own in 2011. My friends think I am this ridiculous social butterfly, but the truth is, I am happy to spend time by myself at home. Somewhere along the lines, I have turned into a major homebody. I'm happiest in a quiet place. There is nothing wrong with that, but there were reasons why I was happiest at home, and I'm unsure if that will continue to be the case if I truly stick to goals one through four. This year, I'm going to be more social. I'm going to make more time for those friends who I haven't seen much of in the past year, because I turned into a bit of a hermit. This year, I'm going to be authentic with my friendships, and by my actions am going to show my friends that they are important to me. I think they all know this, but I feel that I have really pulled back in the past year, and I want to put myself out there again.
(God that sounds exhausting already).

Essentially, I want 2012 to be the year of me. A better version of me. A healthier, more outgoing, complete me. I want to try new things, get off the couch more, and find a new passion. I will write more, and I will live more. So 2012, here's to you, and me.

Here's to me, and here's to us. 2012.