Hi and hello, my darling readers! I’ve missed you. The end of 2016 was kind of a blur (my sister’s wedding, the election and the holidays all mixed in) and I fell off the wagon with blogging. But new year, do you and all — the plan is to finally get back on track! That said, in an effort to be more realistic about my time, I’m going to stick to doing just two posts a week. (I wish that I could do more, but that’s just where I’m at right now.) So, a few weeks late, I thought I’d jump back in with a topic that’s on everyone’s mind right now: resolutions.
I always tend to be pretty ambitious with my resolutions. In fact, this year, I spent part of New Year’s Eve at my desk mapping out what I’d like to accomplish in the year ahead. This time, there’s a theme to what I’m setting out to accomplish in 2017: I’d like to get back on track with my hobbies. Here they are in random order.
1. Singing. You may recall my effort to join an a cappella group in 2016. I’m sad to say, that was a bust. New plan: Find a voice teacher, even if all that means is someone with a piano that I can stand beside and sing the scales. When I sang a cappella in college, it was my happy place. It was also a serious stress-buster. (Studies show that the musical vibrations that happen while singing can reduce anxiety and boost endorphins.) It’s time to get back on that.
2. Photography. Instagram is joyful for me for two reasons: 1) It’s like a diary entry that I can reflect back on in this crazy busy life. 2) I love photo taking and editing. In fact, it’s helped me discover that it’s a true passion of mine. Onto the 2017 resolution: To take a photography class. A friend of mine—and seriously talented photographer—has offered to teach it. Now, I just have to set the date and make it happen.
3. Running. Another happy place, although I never would have guessed it. Mentally, I’m my best self on the mornings when I squeeze in a run. Cue the resolution: I’d like to commit to running indoors (or out) four mornings a week. A toughie for sure—especially as temperatures dip and my bed feels extra cozy—but reminding myself it’s a hobby will hopefully incentivize me to make it happen.
Something that I’ve been reflecting on a lot as I set out to make these resolutions a reality is this: Swapping just 30 minutes of social media scrolling for 30 minutes of running, for example, is totally within my grasp.
What are your resolutions for 2017?
(Image via Tumblr)
