Guiding phrase into the new year

During the holiday celebrations, I lost track of all the times someone said that they “aren’t normally a resolution person” and all the times I subsequently wondered if I should be embarrassed that I am one.

Through and through, I’ve always been the type of person that sets goals and makes promises and feels inspired by the changing of numbers on the calendar. It’s always felt like a reflection and review and chance to think about yourself, your life, and what you want for yourself. People who might not normally think much about their routine might feel inspired to dream up new adventures and set their sights higher than they do normally. You’re given a permission of sorts, via holiday, and I think that’s pretty damn cool.

I digress.

Though I am a resolution person, I’m also a little burnt out on all the goal making and thinking and meeting. So, I took a slightly different approach, by focusing on a single guiding phrase: best self.

I hope that, over the next year, my actions and routines and choices are directed by that phrase, even in small doses. I hope that I do things that fulfill that phrase and lead me to a higher level, leaving me a better person than before.

Which leads me to an important question: who am I at my best?

I came up with a list. Here it is:

At my best, I’m creative, fun, adventurous, and active. I seek things out. I get excited. I spark and spread joy to others. I get shit done and feel good about it. My energy is radiant. I feel confident. I’m proactive and dive into things, giving all of my all. I’m kind, thoughtful, funny, and supportive. My tummy doesn’t hurt. I’m present and not dominating my time by a screen. I’m happy.

There it is, folks; in 2022, I’ll be catering my monthly and daily goals to support this phrase. Cheers to the new year, and cheers to chasing the best version of my self.