The last time I set a New Year’s resolution was on January 1, 2016. I went a little unconventional and vowed to try one new experience a month for a whole year. In those twelve months I learned to paddle board, scuba dive, and macrame. I traveled outside of the US for the first time, snowboarded, and rode on a sail boat.
I fell in love with myself that year and haven’t set a New Year’s resolution since.
So as November ends and December comes in hot, if you’re a resolution kinda person and contemplating what goal you’re going to achieve this year, I must recommend the above. And here’s why-
This resolution has nothing to do with losing, restricting, or quitting. There’s no worry or guilt around numbers, routines, or performance and it’s nearly impossible to fail. You simply have to be willing to grow, open to opportunity, and step a liiiiiiiitle bit outside of your comfort zone.
And here’s the beautiful thing…
These don’t have to be crazy big experiences! You can learn a new skill, either in person (highly recommended for the experience) or online (super convenient). Go to a new restaurant outside of your “regulars” or explore your home state. Groupon and Airbnb are both great places for look for a little inspo and some really great deals. Basically, if you find yourself saying ooh that sounds fun, then DO IT.
If you remain open and refuse to let fear or discomfort get in the way, this is actually quite easy to accomplish.
So why haven’t I set another resolution?
Because I found a deep and forgiving love for myself in 2016 that made me realize that the quality of how I spend my days, year in and year out, is all that matters. Not the size of my jeans, amount in my bank account, or if I flossed that day (all past *and failed* resolution attempts of mine). I also learned who I am, what I like ~and don’t~, and ultimately realized my worth.
But here’s the thing…I kinda want to do this one again.
Is that allowed?
While I learned that being happy, healthy, and fulfilled does not require a big promise to myself at the beginning of the year, I’ve also realized that it can be easy to lose yourself in motherhood (or work, relationships, stress, [insert any and all *life things* here]). And having a ~goal~ of one new experience a month just seems like a great way to reconnect with myself, ya know?
I want to rekindle the ability to say an unapologetic “yes”, over and over again, and I’d love for you to join me.
If this sounds like something you’d be into…
(1) Click here to sign up. This will enter you into the challenge* (you know I had to make this into a challenge) complete with an extra email once a month filled with encouragement, activity inspo, and stories of those who are participating right along side you.
Then (2) make sure you’re following me on instagram at @make.manifestand and (3) tag me in your posts and/or stories using #somethingnewin22 each month when you complete your new experience.
Everyone who completes one new experience a month will be entered into a drawing for a self-care basket curated by yours truly filled with all-natural products from women-owned small businesses.
You in?
I think 2022 has the potential to be the year we’ve all been hoping for, and the New Year’s resolution of partaking in one new experience a month is bound to lead us in the right direction. I’m already making my list of prospective activities that has me counting the days til January and I can’t wait to see yours!
– Amanda
*If you’d like to officially be entered into the drawing at the end of the year, you have until January 31st to enter the challenge and complete your first #somethingnewin22 activity. You’re obviously welcome to join in at any time, but rules are rules when it comes to a challenge, ya know?
PS– If you have a bestie that you think it would be fun to do this with, send them the link to this post and encourage them to join! I have a feeling we would all appreciate an amazing 2022, and “the more the merrier” is baaaasically one of my favorite life mottos.
