Entering a new year is always a mix of fun and exciting new experiences. With the promise of resolutions and new beginnings, it can be easy for many of us to get sucked into the whirlwind of future events and ideas. I know this often happens to me.
So, for 2018 I am making it a point to be present in the now and to just say “yes.”
Not to say that letting your mind wander is a bad thing, because it isn’t. Although, by taking a time out to see and understand what is going on around you and being noticeably attentive will take you a long way.
By saying: “Now is Now”, I remind myself that where I am today is not the same place I was yesterday, and not the place I’ll be tomorrow.
I have a clean slate every day to better myself and impact the environment around me. It’s a reminder to not be timid and shy but to be confident and assertive.
Bettering ourselves doesn’t happen overnight, and we need to take steps every day. There is always something to work on; for me it starts with saying yes.
I often find myself turning down amazing opportunities and flaking out of plans with friends because I’m scared something will go wrong, or won’t go according to plan. It has caused me to miss out on fun memories with friends, new experiences and people.
I’m not suggesting you go super far out of your comfort zone, but you should push your limits a bit to broaden your horizons. For me, it’s been saying yes to that spring break trip and yes to seeing my favorite band LANY at Burberry Music Festival this summer.
Though it doesn’t have to be anything as big as a spontaneous spring break trip or a concert, it can be small things like trying something you’ve never had before at your favorite restaurant, listening to new music genres or just standing up for yourself.
I’m making it a point to unapologetically be myself in 2018. I’ve never done that before. Being the doting people pleaser I am, I always focus on other people and never myself. I’ve found this isn’t a healthy habit. I know plenty of people are like me and for them I’d suggest self-love and attention as well.
Being present and self-aware in my surroundings is an intimidating goal, but I am more than ready to start living my best life, and I truly feel like being in the “here and now” mixed with saying yes will be a killer combination.
I understand I won’t just wake up and be my best self, but I will need to take it one step at a time and one day at a time. I encourage anyone who feels ready to take on what life has to offer and start saying yes.
Begin to be aware of where you are and what you’re contributing to the environment around you. Take the step and be the change.
Haley Edwards
Reporter