My 2013 resolutions

I usually don’t make new year’s resolutions (aside from when we had to make them in grade school and decorate them with drawings and stickers). But this year, I really feel like I’m going to be turning over a new leaf. 2012 was not exactly an easy year. I was unemployed for a good amount of it, and faced the stress of visa issues, rejections, moving, and the death of my grandmother.

I also got my Masters, got engaged to a wonderful person, and worked for some truly great people in an amazing organization.

With that in mind, I am going to write out realistic goals for myself this year.

1) Finish one major non-work related project

This will most likely be a novel. I’m currently writing a zombie romance novel set in New York, and I intend for it to go somewhere. If you know of any interested publishers, send them my way!

In my time of unemployment, I realize how much of peoples’ self worth is tied up in their occupation – they let their job title define who they are. Even when I become employed, I don’t want that to define who I am to other people. I want to have something that is entirely my doing. I will continue with Meanwhile in China. Something big is going to come out of this, I know it. It’s been a passion of mine for a long time and I want to continue with it. It’s going to be hard work, but I know it is doable.

2) Treat my body like a temple

This is probably a resolution that’s on everybody’s list, but it’s a valid one. I will eat more vegetables. I plan to have my meals at least 50% greens. I will avoid unhealthy foods – fried, processed, refined sugars. I will exercise five times a week – different work outs, not always the same. More importantly, I will keep my stress levels down. More naps, more soothing herbal teas, more happy thoughts. Which leads me to number 4.

3) Be more understanding

I have always struggled with this, always quick to jump to conclusions about other people. I will avoid negative thoughts and try to be kinder to others.

4) Spend more time reaching out

I will keep in contact better with friends and family around the world. I’ve never been very good at this – I forget birthdays too. I’ve already started by sending Christmas cards out to some friends this year. I will continue to do this with the help of Skype. I also plan to keep in touch through cards and phone calls. Social media is the crutch that people use in lieu of real communication, and I will try to go beyond it.

5) Let things happen

I did this in 2012, but it was still difficult sometimes to accept things as they happened. This year, I vow to be more flexible and allow things to happen as they will. 2013 will be a year of opportunities, and the way to see them is to let them play out.

Here is to a 2013 that is better than 2012. May each year be better than the last!

What are your new year resolutions?