Last year was a doozy. The year 2015 was undeniably more
rude than kind to me.
I’ve decided that this year I will try very hard to be
kind to myself, since the world isn’t always very kind.
I’ve spent the past few weeks making decisions to make
myself feel better, to help me love myself more, to give me (and the people I
love) more happiness. I have requested
off time to enjoy my own time and spend time with my friends and family, I’ve
taken time off to see friends having a hard time, I’ve baked for myself and my
mother, I’ve made sure to put effort into relationships that further my growth.
I’ve begun asking questions that make me happier to know
the answers to and tried to see the world through the eyes of a child. I reread
The Little Prince and have been trying to remember people by the colors of
their eyes, the crookedness of their teeth, and the sound of their
laughter.
I have been listening to my body (which mostly says sleep
and drink more water) and recognize when I need a break. I’ve been
strengthening my body and meditating and running again. I’ve been trying to eat
a variety of colors every day. I have been trying to connect to loved ones and
tell them how much I care.
These aren’t “New Year’s Resolutions” so much as a
continuation of the “new year” of life-changing efforts. I realized I need to focus on making myself a
better person and continue to strive to make myself better, because that’s what
I tell people to do all the time. You
create a better circle when you attract people who want to make the world a
little better.
So the first baked good of 2016 was a batch of brownies I’ve
been thinking of making for weeks. The last
few times I’ve made brownies, I have been delighted with what life has brought
me. One of my favorite cupcakes and a
life-changing relationship, if you’re keeping track.
I found nerdy people on the internet to explain how to go
from a 9x13 pan to an 8x8 pan. I read about math and reflected on how my brain
works. I watched many episodes of Criminal Minds and thought about genetics. I
created a beautiful brownie with a finger-licking frosting and snacked on
quickly-cooling caramel and pecans.
I hope this is an indicator of the success of the next year,
because I don’t think I’ll be disappointed. Though, all I’m really hoping is
that it’s better than last year.
