This year, I made goals but better yet, I made promises. Each one relates to something I’ve been struggling with personally or a relationship that’s challenged me. I wrote them in my journal over a month ago and debated keeping them just for me, but I thought by posting them here, it would hold me better accountable.

1. I promise to try my best to be happy for people even when it hurts, to not compare myself but rather, REJOICE in my own victories and those close to me.
2. I promise to try my best to love people where they’re at, to ACCEPT them fully even when I may disagree with their choices.
3. I promise to try my best to not act small and not allow my pride to get in the way of developing deeper and more MEANINGFUL relationships.
4. I promise to try my best to LEARN new ways to love myself, and those around me no matter how emotionally challenging it may be.
5. I promise to try my best to be thoughtful and kind with my words, to replace criticism with ENCOURAGEMENT and doubt with POSITIVITY.
6. I promise to try my best to be more willing to ASK for help, especially when I know I need it.
7. I promise to try my best to be more ACCOUNTABLE for my actions and follow through.
8. I promise to try my best to seek greater triumphs than getting out of bed each day, to organize myself and take TIME for myself when I know I need to.
9. I promise to try my best to EDUCATE myself in the things that genuinely interest me by reading books, taking courses and asking questions.
10. I promise to not take on more than I can handle but do the things I do with the greatest amounts of LOVE. 

My goal for this year and ultimately life itself is to bring JOY wherever I go and the only way I can confidently do that, is if I let go of what’s been weighing me down. More often than not, I allow doubt; the act of comparing and pride get in the way of fully loving people. My hope is that in 2016 I can better connect with others by working through what I’ve been struggling with. I know it’s not going to be easy, I’ve already caught myself not ‘following though’ on quite a few of these but I’m going to try my very best!!

A few of my goals for the year include:

Start a blog ( ✓)

Move to a new home (✓)

Take a photography course (✓)

Go on an anniversary road trip

Travel to NYC or San Francisco (or both!)

Read 12 books

I’m always inspired hearing other people’s resolutions/goals for the year! Feel free to comment below.