New Year, New Outlook

We’ve heard it all before…

“New year, new me! This year will be better than the rest!”

I’ve never had a New Year’s resolution, and to be completely honest, I think I’d cave by January 2nd. The typical “eat healthier” or “save money” or “exercise more often” goals tend to tick away quicker than the Times Square countdown and I knew that if I ever decided to create my own resolution, I’d be determined to make it a permanent part of my life.

This past year has been full of opportunities and significant life changes and I knew that I wanted to start the new year with a fresh mindset and clear direction of what I hope to accomplish in 2016. Instead of having superficial goals that I know I can’t commit to, I decided to make a list of small actions that I can tackle day by day that will encourage positivity, mindfulness, and overall happiness in my everyday life. I’m a firm believer that the simple things are the ones that truly matter, so here’s to a simply enjoyable new year.

Jessica’s Handy Dandy Pocket List of 2016 Resolutions

1. Openly express gratitude
2. Give compliments
3. Find a good book
4. Sing loud and proud
5. Be courageous
6. Stand up for what you believe is right
7. Pay it forward
8. When there is music, always dance
9. Take time to relax
10. Remain tolerant
11. Get to know someone you used to judge
12. Accept that there is no such thing as perfection
13. Take care of your mind and body
14. Believe in the power of prayer
15. Visit a coffee shop and sit with a stranger
16. Put down the cell phone
17. Learn and understand all sides of politics
18. Ask for help
19. Make use of your talents and assets
20. Practice honesty
21. Keep promises
22. Explore your hometown
23. Serve graciously in any way possible
24. Thank your parents
25. Apologize for wrongdoing and learn from it
26. Love yourself first

I plan to add more resolutions to this list as the year goes on and see how the many areas of my life take shape. It’s strange how day-to-day life never seems to change, but once we look back at the end of the year, we realize how much those little moments changed us over time. When each year comes to an end, I like to be a sap and reflect on the things I’ve learned, the people who have been there with me through it, and the areas of my life I will continue to work on. A flip of the calendar just feels like the right time to make a difference, but in reality, we wake up every morning with that same opportunity.

Take advantage of life’s simple chances for growth and happiness. Have a blessed 2016, beautiful people.

Love always,

Jessica