My Years' Resolutions

I’m not sure why, but I’ve been thinking a lot lately about things that I would like to do at some point in my life. It is sort of like a bucket list, but instead these are things I’d like to do or try or see in order to learn more, do more, and be more. Some are small and frivolous, some are probably unachievable, but I have only one life, there will never be a chance to do these things again, no “Maybe next time”. So, from the frivolous to fantasy, here are some of things that I would like to do as my Years’ Resolutions:

-Go horseback riding. I enjoy it too much for it to be something I never do again

-Cosplay and go to Comicon at least once (don’t know what as, but I see this as a great opportunity to let my geek flag fly)

-Go to a service or holy site of a religion I have never experienced before. I remember going to Japan and visiting several Shinto sites and realizing that the concept of sacredness is universal across religions. A Shinto temple is just as holy as a Christian church (this does not mean that you have to give up your religion and take on new gods, but it a very eye-and-mind-opening experience).

-Learn new languages. This one is vague, but in a generation where literally everything has become connected worldwide and where travel is extraordinarily easy, it is almost ignorant not to take on one or two new languages if you are privileged enough to do so.

-Learn to Irish Step-Dance. This just looks plain fun, and I got a taste of it when I was in Ireland and loved it.

-Learn to be comfortable as me. I often find myself caring too much what people think, trying to please everyone without stepping back and asking “Is this right for me? Is this what I would do?”. Why should conventions define who I am and what I can do or how I can act? I certainly am not saying this to be rebellious, I just want to be my own person.

-Get a pen-pal. This would be especially fun if they were from another country. How amazing would it be to learn first hand about another culture while sharing your own, all while building a friendship? Sounds pretty fantastic, if you ask me!

-Do all of the things that are on my Bucket List. From travel to once-in-a-lifetime chances, my bucket-list is extensive (and growing) and, while I know it would be difficult, if not impossible, to complete it, it certainly helps to fuel my want for adventure!

These are just a few things that I believe are achievable goals, if I actually take time to do them. I think that is the whole point, to not get so caught up in the perceived "musts" of life, and take time to enrich and enjoy your time here. I am sure that this list will grow and change as I do, but for now, I have put forth my Years' Resolutions and, unlike their more temporary counterparts, I intend to stick to them.