I've decided I'm going to have a word every year as my theme. Last year, I hadn't established what my theme was but it turned out to be the unsaid word: Courage. It was emphasized in TKAM, moving out, dealing with friends, standing up for myself, etc. And the year before that the word that described my year and growth: Discover. I discovered who I am and what I love and I discovered friendships that last. I discovered the beauty AND the ugliness/realities of the world. And what is the word for this year you may ask?
CREATE.
This word first came to me as a whisper...I've been searching this past semester in college for an outlet. I haven't been performing, which is my usual mode of expressing myself. I have been turning to cooking and craft in order to feed my cravings. But now the whisper has turned into and audible voice. I need to create. This yearning to create was reinforced when I was discussing life with my friends, Shelby, Julie and Emily. Shelby mentioned this need to create and asked us what we would create. Anything we wanted. So what am I going to create this year?
Develop my talents in musical theater. Take organ lessons. Sew. Paint. Crochet. Write. Lasting friendships. Fun adventures. Happiness.
And! I read these delightful articles on creativity recently:
http://lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/happiness-your-heritage?lang=eng
https://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=8626
(You can buy it here...it's not available on the internet. Or...just come to my house and you can read the article in the book we have? Only if you aren't a rapist though.
1. Lose 10 pounds...of fat. I know. Generally, I have never really been conscious about my health or weight and I strongly dislike when girls are always like "I'm fat...I don't want to eat for 5 weeks...I'm gonna go on a crazy diet and exercise for 9 hours every day..." I have learned it IS important to take care of my body though...it's a gift, right?? I'm going to exercise 5X per week for no less than 30 minutes. SO DO-ABLE. It's genius. No crazy diets here. :)
2. Shopping once a year. There's 2 parts to this. I got inspiration for this idea from my friend Jalynn. She is only going to buy clothes once this year before school starts. And I think it's brilliant! AND to tap into my creative side, if I want to have an item of clothing, then I have to make it. With. My. Hands. I've already crocheted a beret...if you wondered.
3. Lactard Blog. My family wants me to start a blog about how it's like to be lactose intolerant. It's a hard life!! I think it'd be hilarious...stay tuned for more.
4. Learn how to "Shuffle." My sister, Ashley, and I are going to learn how to Shuffle...as in "Everyday I'm Shufflin.'" We will be pros next year. Hahaha...I really like this one.
5. Temple attendance. I'm gonna go at least twice a month. It's the best place on earth. :)
What are YOUR resolutions?
