2013 Resolutions

I decided to dedicate a post to some (most) of my closest friends. I think people underestimate the impact that friends can have, especially when you have friends as great as mine!!! 

Each of my friends has something I wish I had more of. Each of them has inspired a resolution for 2013, and I want to be better because of their examples! 

So here is a little shout out to my girls, and what I've learned from them. 

(And what I want to remember moving forward...) 

Sarah: Always Classy

 So, I've been known to be what people would call an "over-sharer." I also respond quickly and emotionally to things, both positive AND negative. Sarah is always so poised and so classy. It's not to say she doesn't share a few details, but she keeps it appropriate. I should try that. I should also try not to let my emotions override my poise in stressful situations. 

Annie: Don't be Afraid of Big Changes

 Ann moved to Arkansas to be with her fiancee. It was a huge move, as both of their families live in this part of the country. She left her job, her network, and her life to move somewhere new. I wonder sometimes if I would be brave enough to do something like that. This year I resolve to consider big changes if they appear, and not be afraid to make a move if I need to. 

Trish: Be Grateful for my Free Time!!! 

 Between her day job in real estate to dancing several nights a week, Trish has literally no free time. She works long, long days. And weekends. And she just bought a house. And she has a dog and a cat and a husband. When I'm pissy that my Friday off is dominated by errands, I resolve to remember that my free time is a gift and to be grateful for it. 

Kate: It doesn't have to be so damn serious all the time

Kate has fun. She's an adult with a job and an apartment and plenty of accomplishment, BUT, she still remembers to have some FUN sometimes!!! I think at our age (almost 30--gulp) it's tempting to fall into the trap of the daily grind, constantly focusing on life plans, and not stopping to have a little fun sometimes! You're never too old to laugh and have a good time--I will remember that this year!  

Jeri: Keep pushing AND have a positive attitude 

 Jeri deals with life in a way that most people can't. She looks at things from a positive perspective. And even when she's faced with problems and difficulties that not everyone would have to deal with (or should even have to deal with), she approaches it with a smile and a sense of peaceful resolution. I have never seen her be bitter, toxic, pessimistic, or hateful. We could all be a little more like Jeri. I will do my best to maintain my positive, motivated outlook, no matter what this year brings. 

Rachael: Loyalty & Honesty

 Rachael is fiercely loyal. She is also honest. A winning combination in any friend. She has an ability to be comforting but not untruthful, even in a tough situation. Rachael is selective with her friendships, and if you're lucky enough to be on the good list, she'll never have a bad word to say about you and defend you tirelessly. I am going to do my best to be a better, more honest and loyal friend. Both to Rachael and to all my other chickies. 

Angela: Making Healthy Choices

 Angela has made similar healthy choices to mine--eating clean, staying active, etc. She has managed to integrate those choices into her busy life (mom, wife, teacher, friend, rockstar). When I feel my resolve crumbling, I'll remember that I really have very few obstacles to juggle in comparison to other people, and that a little dedication to a healthy lifestyle will really pay off in the long run. 

Michaela: Being a Grown-Ass Woman

 Michaela bought a house this year. On her own. Pays the mortgage, went through the whole process...something I find incredibly intimidating. I always imagined relying on a partner to go through that process, and I admire her balls to go get what she wanted. I am determined to make changes this year to progress my life. Even if I do them on my own. 

Trina & Erika: Make New Friends, But Keep the Old

 After spending years together at URI, Erika and Trina and I were very close. Over time, I lost essentially complete contact with Trina and would talk to Erika on the phone once or twice a year. I have re-connected with these girls this year and I CAN'T BELIEVE I LET IT GO THIS LONG. I've been missing out on so much! I resolve to maintain these friendships going forward--they are worthwhile! 

Cheryl: Keep an open mind and Embrace TODAY

 Cheryl lives for today. She embraces today, enjoys today, and makes the most of her life at this moment. She lives for new experiences, is open-minded to people and change, and believes in living a life of exploration and happiness. Most people don't understand how satisfying this type of life can be. When I'm with Cheryl it's like a breath of fresh air, a new perspective. I resolve to keep an open mind and appreciate TODAY, not just live for tomorrow. There are no promises in life. 

Lane: Stop Panicking about everything and Give myself a Break

 Man, does my bestie have an ability to put things in perspective. When I'm about to jump off the proverbial cliff, she has a way of reminding me to relax. Stop beating myself up for every negative emotion, every mistake. To remember I'm human, and that things will be clear with time. Nobody has such a calming effect on me. I ALWAYS feel better when I talk to Lane. I will try to remember this year to keep things in perspective, not panic, and remember that I'm only human. 

Lynne: Make Your Relationship the Priority 

Lynne loves her family, her friends, her dog. But her #1 priority has always been her relationship with her husband. I used to not understand how someone could love so unconditionally. She's so open to love, so sweet with her hubby. I really thought I'd never be that way--that it wasn't in me. Now I see that while I'm not as mushy as she is, I could learn a thing or two. For my relationship to thrive, I need to fully commit, love unconditionally, and make Brian my first priority. And this year, I'm going to do just that. 

So there it is, 2013 resolutions, inspired by my girls! I can't quite live up to their examples, but I'll try!!!