One Resolution for 2014

I love the new year.

I think it's just because I like fresh starts. To me, there's nothing more satisfying than the pages of a blank notebook, or starting a new job. I guess I like the fact that the opportunities are endless. I don't know what's going to happen next, and it's up to me to make sure things unfold just the way I want them to.

However, despite my love for the new year, I really dislike making resolutions. "Lose twenty pounds!" "Read 100 books!" "Try new foods!" Every time I tell myself that I'm committed to achieving these specific things, I never seem to follow through.

So this year I'm trying something new. I have one resolution: to focus. Specifically, I want to make these things a priority in my life:

1. My passions. It's been ages since I've been able to say that I legitimately have a hobby. When people ask me what I like to do in my free time, the first thing I do is laugh. "Free time? What's that?" But people usually don't take that as an answer, so I usually follow with "umm... naps? Drinking wine? Reading Buzzfeed? Food?" Now that I actually have some time on my hands, I'm going to rediscover the things I used to love - and maybe try something new! I want to start writing again. I want to get into photography. I want to read books just because I want to. I want to hike and bike and explore Colorado. This year, I'm going to make sure these things actually happen.

2. My health. I'm not really unhealthy, but I could certainly stand to get better. Last year's combination of sedentary job + fast food lunches didn't really treat me very well, and the massive quantities of food and alcohol consumed over the holidays hasn't helped anything. I'm going to start eating healthier. No huge changes, but actually forcing myself to do the little things that I often neglect. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Make enough food to bring leftovers for lunch so I'm not tempted to grab a slice of pizza. Drink more tea. I'm also going to start exercising more. When I first moved to Colorado, I was really ambitious and decided to join a gym. That worked until morning temperatures dipped below freezing. I've accepted the fact that I can't make myself leave the house to go workout, so I'm assembling an at-home gym in my bedroom and starting the Insanity program. No excuses now!

3. My future. When I was in school, I thought I had everything figured out. I thought I'd graduate with my Political Science degree and put it to good use working for an international organization or government agency. Nope. Didn't happen. And, frankly, I don't know if it ever will. I'm not as idealistic as I was while I was in school. Nothing makes you realize that you're an adult and it's time to get it together like paying off student loans. I know I need a career that allows me to advance and pay my bills, but that's about all I've got. I love my current job as an office coordinator, but I don't know where things will go from there. I'm all about letting things unfold naturally, but I want to stay on top of this and be proactive about moving forward and advancing.