New Year’s Resolution
I didn’t even plan to write such an article, but I found a list of things I wanted to accomplish this year and it made me think about the current and the upcoming year.
When I was younger, I used to make resolutions. I don’t really remember what and if I kept them, but I remember that it was usually one thing and I just magically expected it to happen. Without me having to lift a finger. So I guess none of my resolutions came true.
The older I get, the less I make them. There are years when I haven’t had any. I’m a big believer that if I want to make a change or start something new, I can do it over a year. Although I completely understand that the turn of the calendar is a big mental boost to get you started on something. Not that it’s ever helped me personally.
Last year I wrote down several things – things that matter to me. And when I look back at that list, I kept to some things, others not so much and I fulfilled one thing beyond expectations. And this year was really a year. I don’t know where I got the energy, determination and focus. But maybe it was because that year wasn’t worth much, so I wanted to focus on something else.
Before Christmas, I had a meeting with a manager at work and even though it was a positive conversation, my brain decided that I was worth nothing and that I had not managed anything at all this year. And then I came across my list of things that I wanted to focus on more this year. And I reminded myself of everything I had accomplished, including getting that job. No one helped me with that and it was decided between me and X other candidates. I think it’s a pretty cool thing to be proud of. On top of that, I started to think more about what I was buying for food so that I would waste less food and lose weight. I wasn’t happy and Covid really took its toll on my body. Originally I wanted to lose 10 kilos, I managed to lose 13. In 9 months, when I started moving more and thinking a little more about how much I was eating (by that I mean I no longer eat a bag of chips, a whole chocolate bar, a bowl of ice cream on top without moving for a whole week. Yes, you read that correctly).
I also managed to start traveling around Ireland more. Which I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but I’ve always been put off by public transport. Well, at least it’s a challenge lol This is definitely one of the things I’m taking with me into next year. Literally just started my travel list and there’s still so much to see. Of course, my other passion is photography. I didn’t take many photos this year. I don’t know if it was because I felt like there wasn’t much to take photos of, or if I just didn’t feel like it. But I had on my 2025 list that I wanted to take a camera with me everywhere. And I didn’t. And sometimes I regretted it. I would like to change this next year. Mainly because I’m not planning to go abroad yet and even though I’m planning more Irish trips, next year will be another turning point year and it’s possible that I won’t be able to do anything in the second half. Neither take photos nor travel. It’s a bit overwhelming, but at least I have something to focus on and look forward to in the first half. And so do you.
As for the rest of this year’s list and the things I didn’t quite do. I’ll try to continue them, maybe next year it will be better. And new resolutions for next year? I don’t really know yet. Maybe there won’t be any. Maybe I’ll think of something in the second half of the year, depending on how everything turns out. And if I need to add something and so on.
In general, I think it’s a nice tradition, but it’s not necessary. Sometimes you’re just happy to be happy and have enough on your plate, without having to throw in another thing that will only stress you out. And that’s okay. Plus, it’s so easy to fall into that neverending “I’m worthless” cycle. That’s why I believe that each of us can find some small thing that we did or participated in this year that we remember fondly or are even proud of. And it doesn’t have to be anything big and maybe not even anything that others would consider a resolution fulfillment. But if it makes you happy for a moment, that counts. Feeling happy for a moment is a perfectly valid resolution 🙂
And as for other types of resolutions, as I said at the beginning, even though the turn of the year is probably a good time to start something new, you can start at any time. And it doesn’t have to be at the beginning of the month or on Monday. I know, I sound crazy.
