I have never been more excited for a new year like I am for 2022. So many good things came from 2021 that I can’t even wait to see what’s to come in the next year.

Now, I know it’s only early December but I’ve already got my list of resolutions, so I thought I’d share them with you. I’m not the BEST at following through with my resolutions, but I am going to be more intentional with them this year and really try to stick with them.

Number 1: I want to continue being wise with my money. I’ve been on a good path these last several months, and I plan to stay smart in that sense. If that means being home more, I will do that. If it means missing out on the latest fashion trends–ouch–but okay. I’ve got big things to look forward to in the future and I want to be as prepared financially for those things as I can!

Number 2: Another goal of mine is to post a blog AT LEAST once a month. Who knows, I may be able to get out more than that but, at a minimum, I want to produce one. It is so therapeutic for me, getting my thoughts and feelings written out. I miss being able to share updates on my life and tips for mental health. I ESPECIALLY miss sharing about fashion! So, we are going to be better in 2022!

Number 3: GRADUATE! I have been working SO hard the past year and a half to get my AA in Psychology. It has not been easy and I’ve wanted to give up close to a million times. But I just know how accomplished I will feel once I have that degree under my belt. When I dropped out of NAU, I never thought I would go back to school…. EVER! Then the pandemic hit and I was so bored that it inspired me to continue my education. Now here we are, a year away from having my Associate’s! No matter how hard it gets this next year, I am going to put my best foot forward and push through to get my degree. It’s no Bachelor’s but who knows, maybe that is my next journey!

Number 4: Goal number four is to take better care of my body. I have been slacking lately on taking care of my physical health and that’s something I care a lot about. I’ve been eating crap, or not eating at all, which I know is not great. I know that I can start this at any point in the year, and I actually took advantage of my morning today by going for a run. But I need to be better about it in the coming year, not only for my physical health but for my mental health as well. It’s such a healthy way to clear my thoughts, particularly when they’re spinning out of control.

Number 5: 2021 was a really tough year for my anxiety. I’ve never experienced anxiety as debilitating as I have this past year. But I have gained the tools that I need to work through those anxious thoughts and moments, I even have new medication to help me through them. Still, it was crippling. So my goal for this year is to find new and productive methods of coping with anxiety when it comes. I want to find a new hobby to engage in for when my thoughts become too loud. Having something to distract my mind hopefully will get me through those fearful moments.

Number 6: I would really like to dive deeper into my faith this next year. I have kind of drifted away from my relationship with God. Oh, I still think He’s the coolest and have mad respect for Him and His love for me. I just haven’t had as many conversations with Him this year. I haven’t done the work in my relationship with Him that I need to do in order to keep it flourishing. I’ve grown other relationships (which is a good thing), just not that one. So I am going to be more intentional about going to church every Sunday (now that I have weekends off), and really diving deeper and pursuing my relationship with Him. That’s something that I haven’t made a priority, but know that I need to.

Number 7: Lastly, I want to continue growing in my relationship with my wonderful boyfriend. We got pretty close, pretty fast and he quickly became my best friend. He has helped me better myself as a person in so many ways and I am very grateful to him for that. I am excited to continue growing right alongside him. He makes it so easy to feel seen and heard and SAFE. Ugh, I can’t even describe how special he is to me… I could write a novel about it, maybe two! My mom got us this wonderful course on relationships and how to have the harder conversations, not bad ones, just harder ones. I look forward to starting that with him and learning more about us as a couple, as well as us as individuals.

Those are the main things that I look forward to doing in the next year (obviously with the intent of them being forever things). I am so excited for what 2022 has to offer and I welcome it with open arms!