Are We Still Doing These?

"New year, new me"... we all take part in this mantra until about half way through the year (if you even make it that far) and then we go back to our regularly scheduled programming. Why even bother making these goals when I have yet to hear about anyone actually completing their year with the intentions they set on day one?

The beginning of the year does give a sense of a fresh start. We all want to become better/ smarter/ stronger/ richer/ healthier versions of ourselves. When the clocks start over on the 1st of the 1st month, that is when we have the desire to set the goal in making that year better than the previous one. But what if I am okay with how my life is as the ball drops in Times Square? Maybe I don't have an answer to "what are your New Year's resolutions?" other than "just trying to live" or "just getting through the day".

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy making a goals list. I craft up the perfect Pinterest board with affirmations and pictures of how I'd like the year to look. I love a restart in who I am and the opportunity for reinvention. However, I think that you can also reinvent yourself at any moment, maybe a random Thursday afternoon in July or post Valentines Day when you finish that box of chocolates. This is a personal timeline, not to be sucked into what the masses expect of us.

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I like to make goals around my birthday instead. At the new age I turn, I'd like to try to do something new to attach onto when I talk to my children "when I was 25, I did...". It keeps me testing myself in what I can do as the years pile up, keeps me pushing out of my comfort zone.

Like my recent blog post, I hit the highlights of my 24th year. To reiterate, I moved to a whole new country (on my own), started a whole new job- the job of my dreams, and proceeded to travel as much as possible. I viewed 2023 as my year of fresh starts and new chances on life. I have experienced emotions ranging from loneliness to blissfulness. Throughout the year, I learned more about who I am and what I am capable of. I have gone on multiple solo trips, adding onto what I have accomplished on my own.

I can honestly say, I love my life.

This life that I have created and the space where I feel comfortable, my own place where I feel at peace. Something that can be hard when living in another country. My job and my church have been additional blessings in life in South Korea. I have people that I know care for me and are willing to help if needed. From knowing nothing to now being content in where I am, I am excited to see how the new year builds up from here.

With the new year approaching, I have set desires for my 25 year old self. Ideas and ambitions to push myself towards.

This is a loose list to what I'd like to do:

• travel somewhere new

• write at least 2 blog posts a month

• try something new creatively

• read 25 books

• learn how to actually use my camera

• pay off 25% of my student loans (eek!)

Let's all just take a breath. Welcome in the new year as it comes, day by day. Slowly integrating those goals for yourself may make it easier to adjust to your routine and make an actual effort in success. If there's a spot where you fail in, restart from that day and keep going. We got this!

Cheers to 2024!