As we all know, 2016 seems to have left most of the population with a sour taste in their mouth. Everyone is so pumped to start a new year and forget about all of last year's low notes, but let's not forget that there were a few high notes as well. Do you know what I'm getting at? I think Kylie does.
Ah yes, 2016: The Year of Realizing Stuff. If nothing else, let us remember that gem came out of the wreckage that was 2016. But guess what, 2016 cannot exclusively be the year of realizing stuff, my friends. Every year needs to be the year of realizing stuff. So in the spirit of new beginnings, here's a few things I have personally decided to put on my realizing radar for 2017.
Upgrade: Now that I'm officially settled into my apartment (four months after arrival), I'm beginning to realize little things that could make my home a bit homier. The first step in my plan is curating a new gallery wall for the living room (thank the internet gawds for blessing us with etsy).
Motivate: In all the hustle of adjusting to a new city, I kind of forgot to hustle my butt to the gym. It's so much easier to keep chasing your goals when you are healthy and full of energy. I started by reaching out to my circle of friends. Luckily for me, one of my bests is a Pilates instructor, so now I'm planking for my life every week! My friends and I have also started reading "Eat Pretty, Live Well", a journal that will help to keep us accountable and motivated!
Organize: My apartment, my closet, my planner, my life. Just all of it. I love organization, so this isn't even a chore, there's just so much of it! I'm already busy breaking in my new planner for 2017, and I'm ashamed of how much joy it brings me.
Tune In: Over the past few months, I have not been nice to myself. I've been eating poorly, working twenty hour days, and wearing myself way too thin. Instead of feeling accomplished and happy, the constant work and pressure just made me feel tired, used up, and bloated from stress (I know, it was so gross). The most important lesson I need to learn this year is how to be a human (and not a sad robot). I need to listen to my body and stop the constant stress and pressure. Starting your day with quiet time and meditation is a great way to begin to connect with yourself (but let's be real, so is getting enough sleep and eating properly).
Treat: You are amazing. You work so hard. You deserve a cookie...or a face mask...or those shoes. I've been so worried about money and budgeting over the past couple months that I did not treat myself, not once. Y'all that kind of behavior is self-destructive. So now I do little treat yo self every week (love you Aziz). In all the hustle and bustle that is life in your twenties, please do not forget that you are worth that treat yo self.
So by all means, leave the majority of 2016 in 2016, but don't forget that you're still allowed to realize stuff (Or maybe things).
