It’s a new year. 2010 is finally here! On New Year’s Eve we said goodbye to the tumultuous year that was 2009 and happily welcomed 2010 with open arms. At times, New Year’s Day is anticipated a bit more than Christmas. The Christmas holiday values reflection and appreciation, but New Year’s is a time for fresh starts and new beginnings.
Along with the new year come the ever-popular New Year’s resolutions. There is a lot of talk surrounding this New Year’s tradition. Some sources say New Year’s resolutions never work, and others say it’s healthy to at least try to begin a healthy life change. Either way, it is a personal choice as to whether or not to continue making these resolutions.
One popular resolution has been to “spend more time with family and friends.” As college students at the largest University in the state, we basically have no free time. In between class, homework, projects, papers and extracurricular activities we barely have time to sleep. With all of this going on it is easy to neglect quality time with family and friends. If this is one of your 2010 resolutions I suggest taking about five minutes out of the day to call a family member or friend that is close to you. If possible, invite them to campus and spend the day relishing in all that is N.C. State. It will reassure you and that person that the relationship is still alive and strong.
Losing weight is probably the most popular New Year’s resolution out of them all. It is also the hardest to achieve because the American culture is one that is known to abuse the abundance of food in our country. The only way to live a healthy life that involves food is to live life in moderation. Diets are temporary and involve buying products and adapting to ways that may or may not work. Dieting is also frustrating. Eat to live, don’t live to eat. Find an activity that is enjoyable as well as energetic. If you are like me, activities such as water sports or rollerblading appeal more to you than the StairMaster or long distance running. Shoot for a healthy weight and not to replicate of some celebrity. No one can look just like anyone else (unless you are an identical twin) so why waste your time trying to be something you’re not? The goal is to be happy with yourself and to not let food run your life.
Another popular New Year’s resolution is to “learn something new.” If you are feeling extra diligent, take up a course in a language you know nothing about. Utilize the Crafts Center on campus to make original jewelry and pottery. Learning to create pieces of art can be therapeutic — plus you may discover a talent you never knew you had. If you don’t have time to actually get out and “do” something, read a new book. You can learn something (whether it’s good or bad) from every book, so don’t waste time.
New Year’s resolutions are such a big part of celebrating the new year that I don’t see myself parting from the tradition. Being able to start over is something many people look forward to and resolutions symbolize the idea of “out with the old, in with the new!” Make resolutions that will change your life in more areas than one. Start off 2010 with feelings of hope and prosperity, because most good things start with positive thoughts.
