“The 52 Lists Project” by More Seal - I’ve had this weekly, journaling, inspiration book for a few years now. I decided that 2018 would be the year that I would start utilizing it, however, I started the first list a little early. I wanted to start mapping out my new years resolutions before the start of it, and it was even more convenient for the first list to be about the types of goals and dreams I would have the new year. 

Below are my resolutions, and I hope that they can inspire some of you in some way for 2018. I think it’s important for us to talk about the changes we wish to make in our lives, whatever the case may be, to help others and to receive support in return of course. Here’s to a fresh start in 2018!

Tea/Black Coffee Transition

I am an avid coffee drinker. However, I am not the biggest fan of black coffee. I’d like to start making a transition to black solely for health purposes. My sugar intake in coffee alone is too much. If for some reason I can not make that transition, I would like to start getting my caffeine from tea. I’ve always liked tea, but it’s not the same as coffee. 2018 will be my year to experiment with hot beverages!

Healthy Lifestyle

Every year majority of the population makes the resolution to become fit and heathy. Now that I am out of high school sports, and am devoted to nothing but college and work activities, I need to start making a change in my every day diet. I don’t necessarily want to loose an excessive amount of weight, or become very muscular, but I would like to bring in activity and positive eating habits back into my daily routine. It’s important to be healthy when you have a busy lifestyle.

Journaling

When I was in middle school and a freshman in high school I used to journal. I loved to write daily to reflect on my life, but I also just loved writing in general. I recently ordered a brand new journal from Paper Blanks, and I’m so excited to start reflecting on 2018 within each moment. I’m also going to start making bullet spreads to help me stay organized and on task throughout the year. Just like it’s important to keep you and your body healthy throughout a busy life, it’s also important to reflect. This way, you can become more connected to yourself and learn.

Photography/Instagram Content

Every year I never do enough photography to satisfy myself. 2018 is going to be all about making time to do the things I love. I’m also going to work on my Instagram content; I want to be able to network with my followers, along with others Michigan based photographers, and create more artwork to share with the public. This year I want to improve and enhance my skills and artistic abilities.

Politics

My first seamster of college I took a politics class, which I was really surprised with how much I enjoyed it. I’ve never been crazy on politics, but after learning and completing projects, I felt like I found a common ground and really enjoyed the psychology behind it all. The older though I get the more I want to be in-tune with my government. My boyfriend happens to be a politics major, and is highly devoted to a political lifestyle. I plan to utilize his knowledge this new year to learn more about politics.

Reading

I did not reach my 2017 Good Reads goal this year, which didn’t surprise me. However, I keep buying books for the sake of adding more to my collection and not making time to read them all. I have 23 books, and counting probably, that I plan to read this year. I am strongly determined.

Saving Money

I save the “best” for last. Saving money is one of my biggest resolutions for the new year. I want to save for my future after college, and for summer trips to photograph. I need to pay myself back some money, which I am already more than halfway to doing so, and from there I will be focusing on creating a cushion for myself. It’s always a good feeling to know you have money put away incase you find yourself seeing it, or wanting it for something worth wild. 

I’m expecting a lot from myself in 2018, but I know every resolution is accessible. With every resolution in your life, you need to be willing to accept failure. My advice to everyone this year who is looking for change: please know that change isn’t going to happen instantly, and you will need to work towards your goals throughout the year.