resolutions
i've never been one for new year's resolutions. it's not that i particularly have anything against them, it's just not something i've ever really done. the new year usually gets people feeling optimistic and ready to set goals, but i think goals are best set outside of feelings of obligation.
i've noticed that the same people around me who set new year's resolutions tend to beat themselves up when they fail to meet them. in my opinion, drawn from my own experiences, that comes from spontaneously setting a large goal they weren't prepared to achieve.
i'm guilty of this ten times over, not specifically in the context of new year's resolutions, but goals in general. throughout my life, i've been someone who sets these massive goals out of feelings of obligation, fails to meet the goal within my (often way too brief) timeframe, and gets upset at myself for failing. so now, as i've grown more aware of this habit of mine over time, i like to be patient with myself and with my goals. while i'm not perfect in this regard (old habits something something), i've been more successful when it comes to achieving personal goals in this mindset. it's important to be patient with yourself. of course, you don't want to become too lax, but you have to find your middle ground and get the balance right.
i figure now's a good time to say that i actually have a resolution for this new year. or maybe i should've put it first. i guess it doesn't matter.
anyway, it's something i've wanted to do for a long time and the timing is just coincidence. my resolution is to cut out all use of plastic when it comes to consumables. no plastic bottles, cups, tupperware, etc. i've started buying Sibilla spring water (they didn't pay me) which comes in a cool glass bottle. it's a big first step, but it's been a pretty easy switch that i wish i made sooner. i think a small, personal goal like this is the best choice for a new year's resolution. i don't think i'll be seething mad at myself for having a plastic bottle of water in 2 months, but i also think it will generally be easy to avoid that happening at all. only time will tell!
i'll bookend this post with a quick note. i'm now on Instagram (@riptidejim) so that you can be updated when i make a new blog post. when they inevitably become further between, i figure it's easier to update people on social media about new posts rather than leave it on people to check back here every two or three weeks. i won't really be using the account for much else because i really prefer to limit engagement with social media, but i gotta at least minimally keep with the times.
riptidejim