2016 Resolution

A couple days late, but I think I finally figured out my resolution of 2016. A really good friend helped me decide on it. This friend loves to love. They are always searching to connect with others, wanting to really get to know them. Being able to do that requires vulnerability.

I have realized that I have lost the ability to be vulnerable. 

Society teaches us to be hard. When we are closed off no one can hurt us, we are in control. This past year I was slowly slipping into that mindset. Thankfully through experiences and friends, I have realized that this is not the way to live life. If anything I am hurting myself by being closed off.

The ability to love is a beautiful thing. Love makes you light and full. Being closed can lead to cynicism, depression, and the chance of missing out on life. 

The first step in achieving my goal is realizing that I have been closed off (check). The other ways I plan on learning to be vulnerable is complimenting friends. I find it so easy to give words of encouragement to random strangers but often when it comes to my friends I think they don't need my encouragement. I believe since they haven't said they are feeling down or insecure I don't need to build them up. I've realized it's much easier to see a stranger hurting than a friend because you're viewing the stranger through clear eyes. 

Another way I plan on learning vulnerability is actually striving to get to know my relatives. I think it is important to ask them personal questions. Often we can live with our parents all our lives and never really know them. For me it takes a lot of effort to be personal with them. 

The final way I will learn vulnerability is to be open to rejection. I believe in the power of saying yes, something that I have been doing for a couple years now. I plan on continuing saying yes even if I know it may lead to rejection.

I would like to end my rant with a quote from C.S Lewis that sums everything up perfectly... 

Conquer 2016

I am a goal oriented person. I love to decide to do something and accomplish what I set out to do. With it being a new year, I'm going to share how I stay motivated. 

1. Write down exactly what you want to accomplish. I like to separate mine into three different categories: Week, semester, and life.

2. Do you have a planner? If you don't go buy one right now. Writing down things helps to accomplish them. I usually fill mine out week by week. My 2016 planner I have is from Sugar Paper

3. Journal about your experiences and thoughts. It helps to clear your head and refocus on your goals. Rifle Paper CO has some adorable journals.

4. Along with journaling, meditate! I have always wanted to meditate but didn't really know how and then one day I stumbled upon Headspace. A man with a soothing accent walks you through meditation within the span of 10 minutes. Try it, you won't regret it

5. The last point, which is the most important in my opinion. GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK. You will mess up, you might not reach your goal, or it may take longer than you thought. It's ok, the most important thing is to maintain a positive attitude. 

You got this X