2022 Resolutions

Every year around New Years I wonder about our tradition in setting resolutions. Why the beginning of the calendar serves as the only specific date we encourage each other to reflect on what we wish to change and improve on. Every year I reflect on how I can make a better effort to do this everyday. 


Regardless of the date, regardless of tradition,  resolutions to me are meant to be a daily reevaluation. Every day I actively choose to focus on how I want to be better, how I believe I can make a difference in the world and how I can live a more fulfilling life. So when January 1st rolls around and everyone is setting their resolutions for the coming year, I wonder how long they waited.


So instead of telling you what my resolutions are for “this year,” I will instead tell you my most recent and accomplished resolutions. One resolution I have been consistently working on and feel positive about my progress with is letting go worrying about the way I look. Putting out content on my social media that is not what others might expect to see. Bloated belly, stretch marks, cellulite, bad angles and bad lighting are not mutually exclusive with beautiful. I believe in the beauty of authenticity. Bravery in exposing the raw and real. Focusing on the way my body feels and understanding my health is the only quality I should worry about improving. 


A resolution I continue to work on is refraining from arguments. Deciphering when it is actually worth it to make my point heard. Noticing when I am getting upset over a pointless conversation. Proving to myself that I can end that negativity by keeping my opinions to myself. I am never giving up power by preserving peace of mind. I don’t have children so It is not my place to teach anyone else a lesson. I prefer not to engage in arguments at all and am still working on catching myself when I don’t realize I am. 


Patience is a resolution I seem to carry with me throughout the years but in reference to different situations. I believe I have become a much more patient person in practice. Patience with people and time were struggles I used to face but feel much more at peace with now. Lately, however, I have allowed anxiety to creep up on me in scenarios where patience allows clarity. Worrying about something that will resolve itself in time. For example, I just traveled to Mexico with my dog to a place I believed was known to be dog friendly. We arrived late to our hotel and were told that he would have to stay in the room for the duration of our trip. I didn’t sleep at all the first night, overwhelmed by the fear I made the wrong decision bringing him. But the next day we were greeted by managers who assured us my dog would be welcome at all outdoor dining and adventures. Next time I’m in a similar situation, I can remember to sleep on it and wait until I get more information. Things usually have a way of working themselves out.


2021 was a year of reflecting on what truly matters. Focusing on self-care, friends and family and mind over matter. I grew stronger, regained hope and learned new tricks on how to maintain peace surrounded by chaos. I found new meaning on being and feeling good in 2021 and I plan to do the same in 2022.