Screw resolutions. I can’t tell you how many I’ve made over the years (millions?) that I haven’t followed through on. I get things done much more efficiently if I have a nice To-Do List so that’s what this year is going to be about. One giant Life’s To Do List.
Be a Better Friend. Get Rid of the Toxins.
This is probably the one resolution that is the most important to me. I realize over the past few years I have let friendships slide, haven’t put in the proper time for them. I haven’t been the best a friend I could be. 2009 was a big year on finding myself and when I went off to Europe, I realized a lot of things, realized who I want to be and who I want in my life. So not only will I be a better friend but I will get rid of the friends who just aren’t there for me. Who bring more toxic to my life than positive energy. I believe you have to be the friend you want in someone else, so therefore, that’s what I’m doing.
Take More Risks.
When I stepped into my boss’ office and handed in my resignation, I think 50 doors opened at once, welcoming me in. For months I hmmed and hawed at this decision, though. I was terrified what taking this risk would lead to. WHAT IF I FAILED? What if I got to Europe and couldn’t do the whole traveling by myself thing? Except that it turned my life around. My life went from being incredibly depressing and just plain old horrendous to being the best year of this decade. Now I ask myself what would have happened if I hadn’t taken that chance? So this next year I plan on taking more risks. I certainly won’t be jumping out of any planes but I won’t turn down things that could change my life and make it better. First thing planned? Moving to Boulder, CO without a job or any real plan other than living life.
Be More Productive. Get More Organized.
I’ll admit I’ve kind of gotten the lazy thing down pat after a month of being home from Europe and living with my parents. One thing that has been a recurring theme though is the disorganization. When I became really unhappy with my job, I started letting other things slide in my life and now that my life is back in my control? It’s time to take back everything and become organized in all aspects. Being more organized will only lead to me being productive. It has been about a year since I did any real work and that year has been tough on my motivation but I think I can regain it back. Hell, I don’t just think, I KNOW. (Now that’s the attitude, Ashley!)
Manage My Weight and Eat Healthy.
Sigh. I think I make this resolution EVERY. YEAR. But this year I am going to try my hardest to make my lifestyle healthier. I lost 15 pounds while I was in Europe and while I did gain back five pounds after getting back to normal eating. Eating baguettes for three months will thin you right down. However, I’ve managed to keep my weight down and I’m at my average weight that I usually hover around. I’d love to lose a little more and tone up. I would love not to feel uncomfortable in my clothes. I know how good it feels to be healthy, I’ve been there before and I know how hard it was sticking with that lifestyle but it was worth it. I want to get back into Yoga, want to run again, want to go to the gym and get my ass kicked by the trainers.
Pack Up My Baggage and Lose It.
I have a hard time letting go of things, especially when it comes to guys. Every slight I’ve ever taken, every wound that has been inflicted, I tend to hold on to. And I need to stop. Sure, it sucks what I’ve been through in the love department but I don’t need to hold on to that. I need to pack that shit up, zip up my suitcase, go down to the detroit airport, put it on a flight and LOSE IT.
Take a Photography Class.
I want to learn more about photography, really get into the nitty gritty of it. I want to hone my skills and really get into it as a hobby, and maybe eventually be able to do it on a more professional level.
Take a Website Design Class. Get My Own Domain. Get A Custom Design.
When it comes to my blog, there are many things I dream for it’s little existence. I have been blogging for two and a half years and while making the headers is fun, I’d love to be able to have a custom designed blog. I can see myself at Ashalah for a long time so I’d love to have my own domain, my own place that reflects ME. I would of course love to know some web design just so that I know alittle bit. I’m pretty useless in that department and wouldn’t even know what to do WITH a custom designed blog should I get one!
Read More.
I have fourteen books on my bookshelf–physical books–that I have to read, not including the book I am currently reading. One thing I loved while traveling was picking up a good book and reading. I would read one a week; I often had a lot of time on my hands so I was able to do that. Even when I become busy I want to continue reading. It was so rewarding to get through a book and just love it.
Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey
That’d be me, with one of the many glasses of champagne I had last night.
{photocredit: Me, Spectacularpieces.com}
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The 20-Something- We’re Serious About Self Development | Big Girl Domain
[...] Dev I was carousing good blogs to read on a Sunday afternoon and stumbled upon Ashalah’s A Life ...
omg I could have written these myself!
Cheers to you Ash – this is a great list of things to accomplish in the new year (I can’t believe 2010 is already here!)
If you want to chat about moving your blog over to a self-hosted domain and rocking out a design – you’ve got my email, don’t be a stranger!
Happy New Year!
These are such great goals! I also want to take web design and photography classes this year.
these are great! very similar to what I have in mind for myself!
Great goals! Happy New Year!
Fab list! I’m quite tempted by the idea of web design class myself, I know NOTHING about html and all that crap.
And I’m glad your risk paid off.
Good list, I’m not putting lose weight on mine this year because i know it’s setting myself up for a fall if it do. I am going to try and be healthy and sensible about food though, and hopefully that will translate into shifting my food baggage…hopefully!
i love that oprah quote!
I think that all sounds wonderful!
I like this. “To-Do” list rather than resolutions. Great list. I’m with you on the photography and web design class, that’s on my list too!
Happy new year! Like you, I didn’t make resolutions..rather, I made goals
I love all your goals…I definitely want to self host my blog soon too, so here’s to us doing that this year!
i think most of these are resolutions everyone needs to have and its awesome that your doing them all and more! inspiration.
I can identify with so many of the points on your list. I hope good things will keep on happening in your life this year! Cheers to 2010!
i like how you’ve got the metaphorical baggage with actual travel. i’m ALL for that!! and YES i agree, take more risks!! i was fired from my job. well, i was planning on quitting the next month ANYway since i’m leaving soon for a volunteer trip then moving abroad. but, getting fired, even though i’m poorer… is the best thing that ever happened to me! haha
I’m working on taking more risks too. Best of luck on your resolutions and Happy New Year!
I <3 you.
Sign me up for that photog class with you! I just spent more on a camera than on the computer I hook it up to. And all I can do is like turn it on.
wow, this is an excellent and thoughtful list…great ideas. I especially like the lose the baggage and take more risks! Live life with less weight! Good luck and here’s to the best of the 20-something in 2010!
These are fantastic goals. Love it. Sounds like you had an amazing year on your own terms. Happy New Year!
This is crazy, I had almost the same plans for this year – I’ve started calling up old friends I haven’t seen in a while, I just started a photography class last week and I’ve been looking at web and graphic design classes online and at local colleges. Good luck with your ventures!