Everyone knows that New Year's Resolutions are difficult to keep. Too often, we make these promises to ourselves to do certain things and then forget about them before February even hits. I've found that resolutions have to be special to you. If they don't mean a lot to you or if they aren't super important, you won't actually fulfill them. Resolutions are supposed to help us better the lives we have, if you want to set resolutions that you won't forget about this year, here's a list of mine that I really want to keep...
1. Take more pictures
I always think to myself that I wish I had more pictures of myself, my friends, and my family. I want to be able to preserve my memories so I can look back on them later. I know my future self will thank me!
2. Learn something new
In 2018, I taught myself to play guitar and it was one of the most wonderful things I've ever done. I want to keep that going by learning something new in 2019. I like getting to learn about the things that interest me - it makes it more exciting!
3. Floss my teeth more often
I just want my dentist to stop giving me that disapproving look when she asks me if I've flossed lately...
4. Read more books
I read a lot in general, but I want to conquer more of the books on my very long TBR (To Be Read) list. I'm most excited to read "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess, "The Reckoning" by John Grisham, and "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas.
5. Stop procrastinating
This is something I've struggled with since high school. I try to convince myself that I do better under pressure, but the truth is that I don't want to keep putting tasks off. I want to be more proactive and get things done ahead of time, rather than waiting for the last minute.
6. Start going to bed earlier
This year more than ever, I have not been prioritizing sleep, leaving me feeling tired all the time. I want to get more rest so I can feel more awake and energized during the day.
7. Get better at cooking
Don't get me wrong, I do know how to cook. I have a few dishes that I am fantastic at making, and they aren't just boxed mac and cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches. I want to expand my knowledge, though, and become more of an accomplished cook. I see so many delicious recipes that I want to try, so I'm hoping 2019 will be full of good food!
8. Write things down
Whether it's a story idea, a dream, a lyric, or just a random thought, I want to write more things down. I love going back and reading my writing from when I was younger, so I want to be able to do that years from now with my current notebooks.
9. Send letters to people
It's always more exciting to get mail that isn't a bill. I want to bring back letter writing because I want my friends and family to know that I care enough to take the time to send them a physical note. Even the simple things can make someone's day.
10. Drink more water
I want to be healthier and hydrated, so I want to drink way more water in 2019. Who's with me?
11. Put the phone away
In today's society, everyone seems to be glued to their phones. I want to be more present in what happens in my life this coming year, so I want to limit my use of social media and my phone in general. Unplugging will give me a chance to focus on things other than what I'm seeing on Instagram.
