Resolutions

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Resolutions. 

Resolutions fill me with excitement. I love to set them, dream them up and accomplish those things that a year ago I wasn't sure I could do. Each year I spend the last couple of weeks in December reflecting on the year that has passed and looking forward to the year coming. This year, I gave myself some extra time to do those things, but have finally focused in on my goals for 2018.

I wanted to share with you my resolutions I have set for this year. They are both simple and complex, attainable and unattainable. Each year (typically) I set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused and time-bound) goals, but this year I wanted to try something new. I wanted to set goals for myself that wouldn't be time-bound to this year, but would set me in a direction that would enrich my life, and the life of those around me (I will keep you posted on my goal preference at the end of the year). I have kept it to three ideas, but these ideas will (hopefully) keep me driven, focused and refreshed throughout the entirety of the year. Without further ado...

1. Presence
Every year I think there is no way that we could be busier than the year before, and every year it happens. With this constant barrage of things happening and going on around us, I often find myself not present in what I am doing. I find that my mind is on something entirely different than where I am and what's going on, and I lose out on that moment that I am in. This year, I am focusing on being present wherever I am. Often this is going to mean setting down (or turning off) my phone to resist the temptation to be somewhere else. This one idea alone will help me be focused more intently on what I am doing and will help me learn how to set healthy boundaries for myself with work, family, friendship and any other thing that competes for my time and attention. It will help me be fully devoted to whatever I am doing at the time, wherever that may be. This year I am resolved to be more PRESENT.

2. Discipline
As I mentioned under presence, each year turns out to be immensely busier than the year before. Between work, travel, family, various other commitments and this year, beginning grad school, discipline is needed now more than ever.  There are many areas in my life I want to focus on discipline, some being my time management,  living a healthy, balanced lifestyle and reaching financial goals my husband and I have set. I have found throughout my life that those times I am disciplined in what I am doing, I am able to be more present where I am and the best version of myself possible. This goal is made up of many smaller, actionable steps that will ultimately help me reach the goals I have set, in all areas. This year I am resolved to be more DISCIPLINED.

3. Gratitude 
The last area I want to focus on this year is taking time to give thanks. I want to remember gratitude more in my life. I think this will help me keep the positive, hopeful outlook that I begin each year with as well help me notice all of the wonderful people and things happening around me. One way I am doing this is a thankfulness jar. My husband I have started a 2018 thankfulness jar. Each week we will insert things we are thankful for and on December 31st, 2018, we will pull them out and remember all that has happened in 2018. It is a small but simple way to be immersed in gratitude throughout the year. This year I am resolved to show more GRATITUDE.

Presence, discipline and gratitude are three areas of my life I want to spend my year focusing on. These things are as personal as they are professional goals for myself. I am looking forward to 2018 and all the things that lie ahead. Whether you set resolutions or not, I hope you take time now and throughout the year to reflect on those things that you are working towards. Happy 2018, and welcome to a new year :)