The last time I set a New Year’s resolution was on January 1, 2016. I went a little unconventional and vowed to try one new experience a month for a whole year. In those twelve months I learned to paddle board, scuba dive, and macrame. I traveled outside of the US for the first time, snowboarded, and rode on a sail boat.
I fell in love with myself that year and haven’t set a New Year’s resolution since.
So as November ends and December comes in hot, if you’re a resolution kinda person and contemplating what goal you’re going to achieve this year, I must recommend the above. And here’s why –
This resolution has nothing to do with losing, restricting, or quitting. There’s no worry or guilt around numbers, routines, or performance and it’s nearly impossible to fail. You simply have to be willing to grow, open to opportunity, and step a liiiiiiiitle bit outside of your comfort zone.
And here’s the beautiful thing…
These don’t have to be crazy big experiences! You can learn a new skill, either in person (highly recommended for the experience) or online (super convenient). Go to a new restaurant outside of your “regulars” or explore your home state. Groupon and Airbnb are both great places for look for a little inspo and some really great deals. Basically, if you find yourself saying ooh that sounds fun, then DO IT.
If you remain open and refuse to let fear or discomfort get in the way, this is actually quite easy to accomplish.
So why haven’t I set another resolution?
Because I found a deep and forgiving love for myself in 2016 that made me realize that the quality of how I spend my days, year in and year out, is all that matters. Not the size of my jeans, amount in my bank account, or if I flossed that day (all past *and failed* resolution attempts of mine). I also learned who I am, what I like ~and don’t~, and ultimately realized my worth.
But here’s the thing…I kinda want to do this one again.
Is that allowed?
While I learned that being happy, healthy, and fulfilled does not require a big promise to myself at the beginning of the year, I’ve also realized that it can be easy to lose yourself in motherhood (or work, relationships, stress, [insert any and all *life things* here]). And having a ~goal~ of one new experience a month just seems like a great way to reconnect with myself, ya know?
I think 2022 has the potential to be the year we’ve all been hoping for, and the New Year’s resolution of partaking in one new experience a month is bound to lead us in the right direction. I’m already making my list of prospective activities that has me counting the days til January and I can’t wait to see yours!
– Amanda
Disclaimer: The content provided here does not constitute medical advice, nor is it a substitute for personalized healthcare. I’m a doctor, but I’m not your doctor. If you have concerns about a medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment, you should consult with a licensed healthcare professional.
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. No pressure, but I have a feeling you’re gonna like what I’ve taken the time to put my recommendation behind.
