New Year's Eve

By Claire Enos

There's something about the new year. It makes you think you really can do anything. But it's not just the new year when I have this feeling of being able to accomplish anything! It's any time I'm about to embark on something new. The beginning of a new semester, the beginning of the day, week, month, etc. I have this feeling that part of it is the idea of new beginnings. The idea that something new and different is going to happen makes us think we can do anything.

Of course, the second this new day, week, month, semester, or year starts I no longer have this feeling. I no longer feel like I can do anything. I suddenly feel like I'm being swept away by life, rather than forging my life on my own. My question the last few years has been how I can change this phenomenon. How can I keep this feeling as the days, weeks, and months go on?

I still haven't figured this out, but I'd love your thoughts on this. However, that's not all I wanted to talk about. This time of year is the time when most people make new year's resolutions. I have a whole list started, but I'm doing something slightly different this year. All my resolutions are carefully planned out, down to the last detail. I know exactly what I need to do in order to accomplish them. Of course, stuff is always going to happen that could mess those plans up, which is why the second part of my plan is to not worry if things don't work out the way I planned. In fact, if I realize a resolution isn't going to work out, I will just let it go. No point in holding onto a resolution that's just going to stress me out.

So, without further ado, I've decided that for this next year I will focus solely on things that will make me a better person. I want to create a healthier lifestyle that includes exercise, and a healthy diet. I want to work on my spirituality, which will include getting into the habit of reading my scriptures daily, praying at least twice a day, and preparing for a mission. I also want to focus on me, on not being so stressed out, learning to let myself have fun while not going overboard, especially working on my self-esteem because I've realized I could use the work. Grades are an obvious resolution, but I really want to get all A's and B's (this last semester I got all A's and B's except one C.) My last resolution involves service. I will be spending more time serving others than I usually do.

So, what are some of your New Year's Resolutions? I'd love to hear some of them! Also, I'd love to hear how you keep that feeling of being able to accomplish anything that comes from a new beginning, if you've figured out the secret I'd love to hear it! 

Have a good year! I am certainly planning on it!

<3Claire