2017: A New Year of Intentions

New Year's resolutions are hard to make. Coming up with a new goal that is both sustainable and practical can be a challenge! I have never been a fan of the "get 8 hours of sleep everyday" or "run a mile every morning" resolutions, and this year is no exception. While I feel like I can always improve on my fitness, wellness, and health goals, my resolution for 2017 will be a little different this year. A little more personal.

Over the summer, while watching the televised memorial for five Dallas police officers who were killed in the line of duty, I heard one particular quote that shook my world:

"Too often, we judge other groups by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions." - George W. Bush

This quote for me is two-fold, with so much meaning and self-reflection. I feel like I am already mindful of being nonjudgmental, especially when casting blanket statements over a group of people or assuming a situation that I wasn't there for. The second half of the quote, however, made me stop and reflect upon myself. Does the way I view and judge myself reflect how I am viewed by others? I feel like my viewpoint and intentions are always very supporting, caring, and loving of others. But do my actions reflect those feelings?

I have found this to be especially true when I am scrolling through social media. Sometimes I will come across a post announcing someone just got engaged, had a baby, celebrated a birthday, or achieved something great. I will usually 'like' the post and think about how happy I am for that person. But that's as far as it goes. That person will only see a 'like' from me, and even though I am so happy for that person, that is as far as my reach to that person extends. Even though on the inside I am jumping from the rooftops for them with the best of intentions, they will never know unless I reach out to actually tell them.

It is so easy to stay in the bubble of social media, I know I am guilty of it! But this year I am popping that bubble. This year, I am going to follow through with my intentions and make more of an effort to reach out to others, even if we haven't spoken in a while. Picking up the phone and telling someone you were thinking of them, you are sorry for their loss, or congratulations is so much more meaningful than a comment, 'like', or tweet. Genuine human connection is one of the greatest gifts you can give - it takes a little more effort but is so much more meaningful.

Join me in popping the bubble! Break the social media barrier and reach out to friends and loved ones, no matter how close or far away. Who's with me? 😉

I hope everyone had fun celebrating the New Year last night! Remember, our resolutions start today. Take steps everyday to achieve your goals, no matter how big or small they may be.

What's your 2017 New Year's resolution?

The two above photos are from my adventures hiking into Haleakala, the volcano on Maui, Hawaii. See more stunning volcano pictures here!