Ah, yes. A new year. A new beginning.
This is always a time for self-reflection and setting intentions for the year ahead. For many those intentions include things like 'eat healthier', 'go to the gym more often', or 'drink less'. I'll admit, most of my New Year's resolutions used to include those as well.
But after my MasterChef experience, everything has changed.
I find myself being pulled in more directions that I ever have before. Sometimes I have so many irons in the fire, I end up paralyzed to inaction - only to realize nothing will ever be achieved if I don't take at least one small step every day.
This website for example. I started at the end of last year with the intention of adding one new post every week. Seems reasonable, right? Well, for me, at that time, that was just not achievable. I was paralyzed with inaction and thus just didn't post anything.
So, my intention for the new year is to make progress on ending this paralyzed inactivity. I always say, slow and steady wins the race. Whether that means I'm up until 3 A.M. working on a report that's due or taking the time to bake a couple loaves of bread, doing something is better than doing nothing.
Between my full-time job (I'm a research manager), trying to host EatWith events, keeping up with this website, cooking more at home - and exploring new skills and techniques, engaging with others on social media, my two (quite energetic) dogs, and finding time to dedicate to my boyfriend, you can imagine there is precious little time left to simply decompress and relax.
So this year, I intend to do at least one thing every day that is for me. Something that will benefit me in the future. Something that will help me get to the next level. I will stop stressing out about work that has yet to be done (there is ALWAYS more work to be done). I will stop degrading myself because I'm not the perfect dog-mom or girlfriend. And I will stop having minor anxiety attacks when things do not go as I so painstakingly planned them. If I can focus on achieving those things this year, I do believe it will be for the better.
I read a quote recently that said, "Everyone is just doing their best. If they could do better, they would." And I truly believe that.
Good luck in the New Year ya'll. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
