When I wrote my previous post, I didn’t realize just how much I was looking forward to new beginnings and the new year. At first I didn’t realize that New Year’s Day was on a Monday. I became oddly excited when I realized that it was not only a new month and a new week, but a new year all on the same day!
I’m approaching this new year with much more gusto than I have for the past several years now. I usually don’t get caught up in making resolutions. I’m not into all that “New Year, New Me” stuff. I like to use the New Year as a chance to get back on track with my nutrition and workouts, but I don’t really say things like, “This is the year I’m going to lose xx number of pounds” or “I’m definitely going to work out 5 days per week starting January 1.”
In the past, I’ve been sad when the holidays are over, but I eventually got over it. Then I treat New Year’s Day just like any other day.
This year, however, was different. In fact, my positive energy had already started impacting me even before the ball dropped on New Year’s Eve.
Right before Christmas, I paid off my car and one of my student loans. I won some money in a fantasy football league and put it away into my savings. I even won $5 on a scratch-off ticket, which I used to buy another $5 worth of tickets, and won 2 free tickets. I still have to cash those in, but I’m hoping to keep the winning streak going!
The day before New Year’s Eve, I went through a bit of a purge. I reorganized my closet, packing away clothes that no longer fit or that I haven’t worn in years. I cleaned out my fridge and my pantry. I made sure all my chores were done on Saturday and Sunday so that on New Year’s Day, I could wake up to an already-clean house.
When I went back to work on Tuesday, I wasn’t struck with the usual sense of dread that I normally feel after some time off. I woke up that day feeling refreshed and energized. (And cold. I think the temperature was 7 degrees that morning.) Once I was at the office, I cleaned out some old paperwork and organized my emails. I attacked the day with a positive attitude, made sure I closed out all of my tasks before I left (even the things I knew could wait until the next day), and started a new page in my notebook.
I must say, it feels great to start the year off with such an upbeat mindset!
I guess it’s because the last half of 2017 was a pretty rough time. I was ready to let go of all of it, to start a new chapter. I’m extremely, extremely excited to get started on 2018 and make this year a great one!
