I'm not really big on New Year's resolutions. I tend to see something that needs a change and/or improvement and attempt to implement a new course of action fairly quickly. Resolutions just seem so wishy washy. People have honest intentions, but they never seem to make good on them (myself included). Oftentimes our goals can be so loafy or vague that they are utterly unsustainable. We find ourselves failing, feeling bad, and usually end up worse than where we started.
Well not anymore!
Here are five plausible and impactful New Year's resolutions that I'm making and you can too, for a healthy mind, and body.
1. More Minimalism
This is an ongoing journey for me. For those working towards a more minimal lifestyle, everyone has different levels of they would like to achieve. I don't think I could ever be the type of minimalist that doesn't own a bed-frame because it's too excessive (a 100 lb. shedding beast does not allow my mattress to be on the floor, or I'd have a hair filled mouth!) But I know I can do better than where I am right now. My new goal is to once per week go through a few rooms of the house for just one hour (or 10 minutes per day) and grab stuff that I think can be "released"...aka donated.
“Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury - to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best for both the body and the mind.”
I do this already, but it's not really scheduled. So it's hard to really understand how much progress I'm making. As far as making the decision on what makes the cut? I ask myself, "Do I love this? Do I use this?" If I can't honestly say no to either questions, then it goes in the donation box. If it's a sentimental item, I remind myself that my love nor memories are synonymous with the item. I know I can always take a photo of the item if I feel okay parting with it, but still want to remember it. And I do allow myself a shoebox that is my "memory" box.
2. Less Consumerism
Some people do a "buy nothing month." While I'm not sure that's super achievable for Todd and I, we are thinking critically about how we build our home to maximize space. We are also having fun pondering each thing we buy. "Do we really need a Silpat? Why buy a $25 water bottle when my reused glass kombucha bottle does the trick? Those towels on sale at West Elm are super cute but ours are still in good condition."
““We buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.””
Todd has actually started writing down each thing he buys every day! There's a lot one can go without. Americans live in such ostentatious luxury, it's hard to wrap our brains around it. "What do you mean you don't have cable TV?!"
3. Learn A New Language
If you've read the blog for a while now, you probably know of my complete obsession with Duolingo, an online and outrageously fun way to learn a new language (not affiliated, just adore them!) It's like Rosetta Stone, but free. Duolingo is the best damn thing ever.
I managed to get through half of German (why on Earth did I choose German, it's one of the hardest languages!) and am now almost halfway through Dutch (I find it much easier). There are many languages to be learned, people. Including Swedish, Irish, and Danish! So make a resolution to put down the Candy Crush and do something a little more fulfilling. My goal this year is to finish Dutch, and once I do...it's a trip to the Nederlands (Netherlands)!!
4. Get Enlightened
It's time to educated on how to navigate this crazy thing call life. These three books on happiness, pathways to a better life, and how to deal with suffering and moving forward with a renewed purpose, are here to help. Click on each book to learn more.
They are on my immediate book list! Have you read any of these? Do you have any suggestions?
5. Strength Training
Yoga, running, and meditation are all very regular activities in my life. Everyday meditation was one of my goals from last year! As for getting ripped (I kid), I would really like to add in two to three days per week of 30 minutes of strength training. I've actually kind of already started! Todd helps me figure out what to do and I just pump iron in the living room while watching Antiques Roadshow. True story. Lifting weights is great for bone strength, metabolism, and obviously to get muscles like Popeye!
I find it's really important to keep my exercise type goals very, very specific. Don't be vague! It's good to apply this to all your resolutions, that way you can really see what you've done and what you need work on.
What are your, if any, New Year's resolutions?
