Not Your Typical Resolutions

Parts of 2017 were amazing, while other parts of 2017 kicked my butt. 2018 gets to see the me that

2017 made me realize I want to be. These are not your typical resolutions, these are life goals -

who I want to be more of in 2018.

1. Be more spontaneous.

I’ve never been known for my spontaneity. I like to have a plan and stick to it, I attempt to prepare for

everything. 2018 needs to see a more flexible me, one who is not quite so set on what she planned for

herself. One who takes chances in the unknown and leaps through the air because it can lead to something

beautiful. Someone who dances in the rain, singing songs, and doing all she does with a joyful heart.

In 2018 I want to do the things that I have been saying I want to do, but never actually end up doing. I

will go ice skating. I will go to that bakery that everyone is always talking about, and enjoy one of their

sweet, gigantic cinnamon rolls. I’ll take my dog hiking more often, and discover new places. 2018 will be

filled with more adventure.

2. Make those fears take a hike: Stop letting my fears hold me back.

I always laugh inside when people think I have my life together, and say I always seem so calm, cool, and

collected. If they only knew what a mess I am sometimes! If they only knew how many stupid little fears

fill my head at times and try to hold me back from what God places in front of me. The fears that come

with the thought of being vulnerable and letting people in. Most of all, the fear that tries to drown me like

a tidal wave when I think about how the people I care about can decide with a snap of their fingers that

I’m not good enough or worth the effort that it takes to be friends. In 2018 I want to continue the process

of fully surrendering all fear to God, and grab on tighter to the promises He has given me.

3. Let go and let God.

Not only do I like having a plan, but I like being in control - making decisions, wanting to control what

will happen...how it will happen...when it will happen. Sometimes the best things come from the things that

we can’t control, the things that we were not expecting. The way God orchestrates my life is ultimately so

much better than anything I could ever create for myself. So I will choose to let go, and trust God to bring

beauty to life through the twists, turns, mountains, valleys, and oceans that He will lead me through. 2018

will be a year where I continue working on letting God do His thing in me and through me.

4.  Grow ever closer to God.

My relationship with God, like any good relationship, takes work. I can’t sit back and let God do it all. In

2018 I want that “work” to be joyful, filled with a hunger for God’s word, and letting Him know what I’m

thinking and feeling, and letting His light shine more in my life. God’s love, peace, and joy shall be the

soundtrack playing in the background of my 2018.

5. I’m not a glass ornament: Be confident in who God created me to be.

No more wondering if I’m good enough, because by myself I’m definitely not. It is only because of what

Christ did for me that I am enough, and without Him I am nothing. God created each of us in His image

with a unique purpose, so own it! God created your personality and all of your strengths and flaws, so

embrace them! Keep growing into the person God wants you to become, and never stop becoming more

like that person. I am not a glass ornament, I won’t break if someone decides they don’t like me, because

God loves me and that is all that matters. Also, go back to giving people the benefit of the doubt - you can’t

live your life wrapped in bubble wrap.

6. Take a deep breath and relax. It will be okay.

When college and life are turning me into a bundle of stress, I need to take a deep breath, let it go, and trust

God. When something goes wrong, move on and don’t let it ruin your day. Read, write, paint, exercise,

walk the dog, throw a concert in the car, bake - just stop and breathe. Make time for family and friends, and

most of all keep God at the center of your life.

“Bonus”

7. Lose weight - but don’t stress it.

8. Eat healthier (but don’t completely abandon chocolate - remember you have to live a little).

9. Talk less, smile more.

10. Go to the place, where I can “just be” more often, and surround myself with the people that I can just

be myself around.

11. Stop worrying about whether you annoy the people you talk to (in person or text) - trust them to ignore

you or tell you that you’re annoying.

12. Laugh without fear of the future.