29 and Fine: A Toast to Evolving Resolutions & Embracing the Now
It's officially the last year of my 20's. Yup, twenty-freaken-nine (29). I'm not even sure if it's supposed to carry any weight - if it’s even worth mentioning. Is it a thing-thing? In my unsolicited humble opinion (holding my prosecco - and, alright, it might be my 20th), it feels like my life is only starting now. If that is what the ending of your twenties is supposed to feel like, then I guess we are within!
Let's first address what I set out to do on this day exactly one year ago without beating about the bush. Here is an extract before we dive in:
And there we have my resolutions for this next phase of my life as I celebrate completing 28 years on this earth! Assertiveness, Boundaries, Consistency, and Mindfulness are the four things I will be exploring in this new season while trying to keep my mental health in great shape.
Assertiveness - Yaaaaassss! Now, this is the perfect word to describe what the previous year has been. I have been able to fearlessly express myself in words and actions within my own boundaries and without disrespecting others. I have learnt how to communicate openly and honestly so others don’t have to assume my feelings and so that I understand others and meet them where they are. I am imperfect and have made faults, but I am proud of where I am.
Boundaries. I am someone who really struggles to say no and find myself stuck in situations I shouldn’t be in because of my “White Knight” trait. To be honest, I have a long way to go on this one. Long-long way.
Consistency. Hear me out. My definition of consistency was 'repeating one action regularly at the same quality without failing'. And let’s be honest, I was setting myself up for failure. As I conclude 29 years on earth, I think I am learning that I am only accountable to myself and those I have committed myself to. I have no reason to hold myself up to standards I have no business holding myself to. I have changed my definition of consistency from pumping out actions at the same time on the day of the week with the same energy level and am moving towards measuring consistency through doing stuff when it matters most to me, with the same care and energy it deserves while maintaining quality - applicable to every corner of my life.
Mindfulness. I mean, if you were looking for the queen of being mindful, then I think you have come to the end of your search because this girl might as well be an alternative to Buddha (blasphemy…?). Journaling and meditation have been my biggest rocks this year.
My mental health has not only been great but a major component of every decision I have made to date. The biggest lesson I have learnt this year is that my mental health is the basis of my holistic health - it determines my physical, spiritual, financial and emotional health. I have made guarding my mental health my biggest priority.
And that brings me to this year’s resolution. To simply guard my mental health. What this means to me is: Give what I can, when I can - this includes myself and any resources I have control over. That’s it.
Till next year!