The start of a new year tends to bring forth many new beginnings; a new diet, a new exercise routine, and the ever-dreaded goal to complete everything on your "new & improved" goal list. Let's be honest... we all know that list is just downgraded from last year after you realized what you hoped to accomplish was out of your reach. Last years goal to get straight A's has turned into a goal to just pass all your classes so you won't have to take them again. Last years goal to lose 50 lbs has turned into a new goal of losing 10 lbs this year, and maybe stop eating so much peanut butter (confession: one day this year all I did was sit in front of the TV and eat oreos and peanut butter straight out of the jar. Needless to say, it was the best AND worst day of my life. ;-) ).
I searched through my journal to find a 'new year resolutions 2012' list of some type, but all I found were half-written songs and stories, and sad journal entries where I complained that I didn't have enough money or my dating life stank. Since I am writing this from the desk in my old room, I had the luxury to look through all my old journals that I stored in one of the big drawers hoping I'd find ANY list. I looked through 5 very stuffed and full journals until I gave up my search. I did find a very funny journal entry from Tuesday, December 28th, 2010: "Dude. Inception is a crazy movie." That was it. I am hilarious.
Maybe my knack for getting side-tracked easily is the reason I never completed a goals list. hehe ;-) My point here can be narrowed down to a question for everyone who ever had an idea, a goal, or a dream: What is stopping you from finishing what you started? Is it too hard? It should be hard! Goals are challenges for yourself that help you grow. Was your list on the back burner of your busy life where they were eventually kicked off behind the stove? Or are you like my journal full of half-written songs where you gave up after starting because you realized it took brain power?
My goal this year is to finish whatever I start. The detox I'm going on to get my health in gear- I will finish it! My goal to study my Italian homework and practice voice everyday- I will do it! Keeping a blog is hard, but I think I can do it! I will follow through with whatever goals I decide to set for myself. Now that this statement is on the internet, it's true and real and a million people will be the witness of my failure if I don't go through with my ideas, adventures, goals, and dreams.
It may not be possible to lose 150 pounds or travel the world this year (I'm sorry, the power to apparate hasn't been released to the muggle population yet)... but who says it's impossible to maintain a healthier lifestyle or go on a road trip across the country? Do something you need to do and something you want to do. Challenge yourself, don't overwhelm yourself. Be passionate, not obsessed. Be creative, yet realistic.
2013 will be:
- Invigorating
- A turn-around
- A story-teller
- A challenge I'm willing to dive head-first into
- About me
- The best year of my life
Remember the words of Zayn Malik,
"There comes a day when you realize turning the page is the best feeling in the world, because you realize there is so much more to the book than the page you were stuck on."
And especially the wise fortune cookie,
"Do not give up, the beginning is always the hardest."
Here is a toast to new beginnings, new challenges, and a brand new start.
"Two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some glimmerings of the inner light which leads to truth; and second, the courage to follow this faint light wherever it may lead."
xoxo, RKE
