So this is late in coming, but I did make some resolutions for this year. I am not going to pretend I will be completely successful with these, as history has shown me that I never am. However, I still like the idea of resolutions. I think they allow me to reflect about the things I would like to do or change. I don't think I need to do them only at the start of the year, but it always seems like a natural reset point. This year, I have tried to keep it simple.
Resolution #1: Communicate Better to Build Better Relationships
Somehow over time, and with the increase in technology, I have lost my love of communication. I feel awkward having conversations with people I don't know. Unsure of what to say since I don't have time to think of my responses for awhile like I do with technology. I worry about what to say next, if I will sound stupid, and constantly worry that I am going to end up embarrassing myself. I am jealous of my husband's ability to talk with anyone. He genuinely enjoys it and is never worried or embarrassed about starting a conversation with a complete stranger. He teases me about being afraid to talk to people, but there is definitely some truth to that. In society, we judge harshly and quickly, but I need to start realizing that more often than not, people are kind-hearted and aren't judging me like I think they are.
This fear wasn't always the case. I used to love talking to people, on the phone and in person. My parents will vouch for that as I was always going over my 15 minute phone time limit. So, my plan this year is that I am going to answer my phone more (yes, I am one of those terrible people that won't answer when you call but will text you back awhile later). I will reach out to those I have lost touch with. I will try harder to have actual contact with those I do. And I will work on building relationships with new people. I will continue to challenge myself to start conversations with strangers. I am also going to continue to be conscious of my cell phone use in the presence of others to avoid being this guy:
This fear wasn't always the case. I used to love talking to people, on the phone and in person. My parents will vouch for that as I was always going over my 15 minute phone time limit. So, my plan this year is that I am going to answer my phone more (yes, I am one of those terrible people that won't answer when you call but will text you back awhile later). I will reach out to those I have lost touch with. I will try harder to have actual contact with those I do. And I will work on building relationships with new people. I will continue to challenge myself to start conversations with strangers. I am also going to continue to be conscious of my cell phone use in the presence of others to avoid being this guy:
Resolution #2: Eat Real and Local Food
This is a tough one as I love junk food and I love a good deal (and we all know that processed food is cheap!). What I don't love is how "food" is becoming less natural and more modified and chemical. The more I read about food, the more disheartened I become. Last year things began to change a little in our household and I would like to continue. It will not be easy. In fact, I think it is a lot of work. It is hard to always make it to the farmers market, to read labels and decipher what is really in food, and to prep food yourself. It is also expensive.
I am trying to switch slowly to see how it effects our budget. For now, I buy as many organic fruits and veggies as I can afford and try to buy organic dairy. I also try to buy locally produced food when possible. In exchange, I buy less junk in order to keep on budget. It's a win win right now and hopefully it will continue. Changing the meat we buy is next on my agenda. I also remind myself that demand creates supply, so if I join the demand for better food, hopefully it will help create supply and bring down the cost for all.
I am trying to switch slowly to see how it effects our budget. For now, I buy as many organic fruits and veggies as I can afford and try to buy organic dairy. I also try to buy locally produced food when possible. In exchange, I buy less junk in order to keep on budget. It's a win win right now and hopefully it will continue. Changing the meat we buy is next on my agenda. I also remind myself that demand creates supply, so if I join the demand for better food, hopefully it will help create supply and bring down the cost for all.
Resolution #3: Be More Informed
This will be the hardest one for me. I feel that I have a lack of knowledge as to what happens in my own community. I watch the news, but don't always pay attention to community/local elections or news. To prevent this, I have decided to subscribe to our local newspaper. My parents always knew what was going on in our town. My dad was very vocal at town meetings. I lack that. And though it is unlikely I will become greatly more involved in the same manor as my parents, I still think I should make the effort to stay informed.
Hopefully I will have success with my resolutions this year since I have focused on just three important changes. Do you have any resolutions this year?
Hopefully I will have success with my resolutions this year since I have focused on just three important changes. Do you have any resolutions this year?
