If you’re reading this, congratulations! You made it to 2016! Given the violence and other dangers in the world today (I admit I rushed to the store when I heard Blue Bell had returned to Louisiana. So far, so good!), this is no small feat. Along with this accomplishment comes the arrival of varied vows to exercise regularly, save more money, stop watching ratchet reality TV shows and unfriend toxic people from our Facebook friend lists. We know these extreme makeover-self edition pledges as new year resolutions.
But, do you know the origin of this practice?
According to the History Channel, the ancient Babylonians likely started the practice of making resolutions for the new year. They made promises so they could “earn the favor of the gods and start the year off on the right foot,” reportedly promising to pay off debts and return borrowed farm equipment.
The more you know, right?
But, do you know the origin of this practice?
According to the History Channel, the ancient Babylonians likely started the practice of making resolutions for the new year. They made promises so they could “earn the favor of the gods and start the year off on the right foot,” reportedly promising to pay off debts and return borrowed farm equipment.
The more you know, right?
Over the last couple of years, I have noticed the growing trend of making vision boards to visually proclaim your desires in hopes they will manifest throughout the year.
I’ve never made a vision board, but I’m no stranger to making resolutions. Some I keep. Sadly, others fall to the wayside. The older I get, however, I realize the importance of sticking to these life goals . This year, I don’t want to be a quitter.
Some areas of my life need a serious overhaul, and I’m determined to make it happen. I’ll share my resolutions with you. You might find them helpful in making your own lists.
- Healthy Lifestyle-- Once you enter your thirties, fatigue sets in and the weight doesn’t come off as quickly as it once did, especially if there are underlying medical conditions at work. I plan to exercise regularly and eat healthier. Good health is essential to my long-term goal of living a long, healthy happily ever after. So, good health is essential!
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- Beauty--This piggybacks on the healthier lifestyle goal. With the thirties comes the threat of things sagging, less than fabulous hair and nails and wrinkles. It’s time to jump on the beauty bandwagon and remain a PYT as long as possible.
- Graduate—I began working toward my Ph.D. in 2012. Three gigantic last hurdles remain— two defenses and writing a dissertation. I’m aiming to graduate in Aug. 2016! So, if you know anyone in need of the services of someone with experience in journalism and public relations and a future in Ph.D. media and public affairs, let me know! Additionally, prayers are also requested!
- Social—I have become such a homebody over the last couple of years. When I’m not busy with school and work, I can usually be found lounging around at home watching TV. I’d like to hang out more with my existing friends and make new ones. However, school and my grad student income have made a social life difficult to manage. Thank you to my family and friends who have continued to stand by me, reach out and understand my lack of availability as I work toward my educational goals. I recognize my flaws and promise I will work on being a better friend/family member this year!
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- Church— In 2015, a mentor dispensed some valuable advice to me on how to succeed in a Ph.D. program. She told me I would need a good church and a good bar! While I keep a good supply of moscato on hand, I still need to increase my filling of church. I don’t always get this, but I’m working on it.
- Write- Right now, most of the recreational writing I do takes place on this blog. While I find it fulfilling when I have the time, I’d love to get back to my journalistic roots. I enjoy pop culture, black culture and national issues, and I like to voice my opinion. Working as a contributor for an online outlet would best fit my interests and time constraints. If you have any connects at The Grio, The Huffington Post or Very Smart Brothers, send them my way. Ask and ye shall receive, right?
- Relationship- If you have read my blog, you know I have a #bae . Relationships need to be watered with understanding, patience and compromise to grow and bloom. I plan to do my part to make this happen.
- Procrastination- There’s nothing good about it. It’s stressful, and it should just be eliminated.
- Purge- I have accumulated a lot of papers, clothes and other expendable items over the years. I’m ready to cleanse my closets, desks and car and live a simpler and less cluttered lifestyle.
- Be happy- I don’t have a solid last resolution, but it seemed incomplete to stop at just nine. So, I’m deciding to round things off with the positive goal of choosing to be happy. Tough times may come, but I’m determined to be as cool, calm and collected as possible. After all, worry and unhappiness causes gray hair. :)
Best of luck you as you set and pursue your annual goals! Remember, #NewYearNewMe !
Image Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJhfat_I3P0
http://afriarslife.blogspot.com/2014/03/dont-worry-be-happy.html
http://hnereality.com/?p=29
http://www.autostraddle.com/queer-your-tech-with-spring-cleaning-174490/
https://www.pinterest.com/DiverseWorlds/factzz/
http://memegenerator.net/instance/58345117
https://www.pinterest.com/viancenutrition/funny-health-jokes-viance-nutrition/
http://healthygeek.com.au/looking-for-resolutions-in-all-the-right-places/
http://giphy.com/search/the-more-you-know
http://blogs.nature.com/naturejobs/2014/08/21/thesis-writing-tips-for-the-i-left-it-to-the-last-minute-phd-student/
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=914&bih=431&q=writer+for+hire&oq=writer+for+hire&gs_l=img.3..0i24l7.2721.4832.0.9285.15.13.0.2.2.0.167.1146.11j2.13.0....0...1ac.1.64.img..0.15.1149.nPtrpF3dhUo#imgrc=Gb0-OHom4te-dM%3A
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