A New Year, A New Me

Every year we all make resolutions and just like everyone else, we rarely stick to them.  The year always starts off with much enthusiasm toward these goals, but somewhere along the way we falter.  I know I always seem to lose my way as the year progresses, only to set a new set of goals at the end of that year for which I won’t stick to the next.  I tried something different in 2011 and it helped quite a bit.  I made my resolutions public.  While I don’t believe anyone would chastise me for not fulfilling my resolutions, I still felt a sense of accountability – that nagging “what if someone does ask” feeling.  So for 2012 I am looking to do the same thing.  2011 was about debt, work, and ultimately doing things that I thought people wanted or expected out of me.  2012 is a bit different.  I am being a little more selfish this year.

To sum myself up quickly for the reader that doesn’t know me, I am a 24 year old  male that is in relatively poor health, significantly overweight, and highly stress prone.  I often overload myself with projects, commitments, and responsibilities and fear greatly of letting others down.  The high levels of unnecessary stress I put myself through have been taking a toll on my cardiovascular system and after a result doctor’s visit, I finally realize it is time to change.  After recent conversations with friends and family, along with a little soul searching on my own, I came to realizations that I need to learn where to drawn the line.

As determined as I am to change my physical health through diet and exercise, I am equally determined to put myself in a healthier state of well-being overall.  I like writing, so I am going to write more.  I have been working on a book for years and this is going to be the year I finish it.  I am going to spend more time connecting with not only my friends and family but my community as well.  I have ideas I want to develop.  I have dreams I want to bring to reality.  I have to realize that in trying to be everything to everyone, I am nothing to myself.  I think this is something that everyone needs to realize.  There is a difference in being self-centered and self-serving and being self-aware.  If you aren’t happy and effective with yourself, how can you expect to be so with friends, family, or co-workers.

2012 is the year I make my stand to change myself.  This is the year that I become me and proud of that me.