“Hope–smiles from the threshold of the year to come,
Whispering ‘it will be happier’…”
― Alfred Tennyson
This last post of 2013 marks the end of many things–The end of a really great year for my family, the end of my crooked smiles series, and the end of another year. I am just as excited as everyone else to see what the year 2014 has to bring. Within the above collages is a summary of the last two months in 2013. Because December isn’t over with yet, be sure to check my Advence Photography Facebook page for any more holiday photos.
November was not much of an eventful month for this college girl, considering its the buffer for Thanksgiving break, finals, the end of the semester and winter break. Shadow had his first Thanksgiving and also his first snow, while I finished a photography class final portfolio, in which I was required to take self-portraits.
December held a lot more goodies for me definitely; the three musketeers took over Kappa formal, my housemate and I brought back planking during a boring evening, and we finished putting up our stockings at our townhouse! Before I left school my housemate made me that moon drawing, that I absolutely adore. Also, I’m back at the gym, working and working out. For the first time in two years I reached the goal weight that I’ve dreamed about, which was just to get below 160 lbs. My muscles are growing along with my knowledge of fitness on this journey that is not over with yet. Be sure to look out for a new series i’m launching that is all about fitness tips and stories.
The end of December is usually a strange time for everyone. You’re looking back on the past year, what you’ve accomplished and maybe what you wished you could have accomplished. At the same time, you’re already planning things for next year, whether it be birthdays, concerts or vacation trips. During all of this confusion, it is incredibly important for your health to stop and de-stress between Christmas shopping, family connections and all of the desert guilt. Take a few minutes to write down your thoughts, or even take a walk. Instead of holding in all of your anger from the past year (like I do), let it out in a fake letter or a boxing class.
Some people make the new year to be much more than it should. Just because the day has a new number, doesn’t mean you’re a completely different person. The new year should only be used as a reference goal, not a page turner. Maybe for some miniscule situations it can be considered two different years, but for others, it is just another day.
In the past year I have learned so much–to appreciate other’s effort even if it’s small, to take responsibility for your own doings (wrong and right), and to be the best you can be no matter what.
Everyone says the same thing each year: “I want to lose weight for the new year” or “I will be a better person”, well, do it. Saying something is so much easier than putting physical labor into it, so take my calm mind state and stick to your word, because come June you’ll already be beating yourself up for not doing what you promised. Then, at that point, its too late….nope! It’s never to late to change yourself, as long as you have the right amount of motivation to pursue it.
Have a happy and safe holiday season!
☮