I can’t remember the last time I made New Year’s resolutions. I probably never did because I don’t need the start of a year to make and break resolutions. I do that every day. (As you very well know.) I may be the most irresolute person on the planet.
This year, I want to make resolutions.
To become even more fabulous.
Of course the start date moved from January 1 to January 3, when Nicolas went back to Cebu, to January 7, the day after the Feast of the Three Kings, which officially marks the end of the Christmas season. (Because I’m religious like that.)
I didn’t really gain weight over the holidays. It was only after the New Year that I started panic eating. Before the excuse to put on weight runs out, I guess…
But, yes, I would like to pretend that I am a different person now, in 2017, than from who I was… well, a few days ago.
That I grew a backbone overnight, and am capable of being serious and determined.
Whatever. Fukkit. Maybe I just want to make a list.
Anyway, here is my list of what I would like to accomplish this 2017:
1. Spend less time on my phone. I already deleted the Facebook app and will only access the site from my computer. If I could delete the App Store app too, I would so that I wouldn’t be constantly tempted to reinstall Facebook.
I deleted my Snapchat account and am looking over other apps I could do without. Am also unsubscribing to a lot of spam mail to declutter my online life.
When I’m with other people, I should put my phone away, and not even have it on the table at all – whether face up or down, and try to be fully present. I’m more conscious about this now with my parents, and my uncles and aunts. I’m not sure how much time we have left together so the least I can do is to honor their presence with my undivided attention.
There’s also another reason why I want to reduce time spent on the phone. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I think that I can feel the radiation from the phone going through my left hand and arm. I started feeling it with the iPhone 6 and still do with the iPhone 6S. I usually handle my phone with my left hand and, now, that radiating sensation seems to be magnified by the Garmin HR fitness tracker, which I wear on the left arm. The tingling is uncomfortable so I often remove the fitness tracker and try to shake off the strange feeling from my hand and arm.
…
I just did a quick Google and, apparently, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models’ radiation levels are almost at the limit of what is allowed. Here’s a good article to read that includes tips on reducing radiation exposure from your iPhone.
2. Stop acquiring things and start giving away stuff. Seriously. How much stuff do I really need? I have clothes with tags still on. I have shoes and bags that I’ve never used. I have papers in boxes that I’ve been meaning to sort out for the past 20 years. I’ve got some serious decluttering to do.
Every Christmas, I think what a wasteful exercise gift-giving is. Today, I came across this article that echoes my thoughts. Surely we can find more meaningful ways to celebrate the holidays.
Years ago, my college friends and I would get together for dinner. Afterwards, we’d pile into a van and drive around town, singing Christmas carols. At the back of the van would be food packages that we had put together. Instead of giving gifts to each other, we would give the gift packs to security guards, gas station attendants, taxi drivers, and anyone else we’d come across on the street who wasn’t feasting while the rest of the world did.
It’s too bad we ended this tradition. We should probably try to revive it next season.
3. Write more. Even if it’s drivel. Just write. I’ve been horribly remiss this year, I know. Well, when I’m not traveling, I’m in Siargao where my connection doesn’t really allow me to upload anything. I tried to write two other more serious blogs, more for the voices in my head than for anyone else, but I haven’t published anything and have deleted the few drafts that I managed to write.
4. Try to cut out sugar everyday. Except for sugar from fruit. And alcohol, of course.
This has become a legitimate concern…
5. Make a conscious effort to curb dairy intake, except in cheese and dark chocolate. I’m so over dealing with the nasty symptoms of lactose intolerance. I’m just tired of not feeling well and should try being healthier.
I choose cheese.
6. Ditto with carbs (rice, bread, potatoes, pasta). Not that I’m allergic to any of that stuff but, seriously, I wouldn’t have to kill myself working out if I reined in my carb addiction a little bit.
7. Stop binge eating. If I’m really craving something, I should have a little bit of it, not consume it in excess until I am sick. This is where the word “moderation” comes in, a word that I have failed to comprehend on any level.
8. Come up with a workout schedule in Siargao and stick to it. This would entail (1) sleeping – good luck with that – and (2) not being hungover for days in a row. Herein lies the real challenge…
I must say though that I have been pretty good in Manila. The Evil Twin only came out to play once, although she was quite a fright.
Other than that, I’ve been well behaved.
I also only missed one other session of barre3 after my last blog entry. Last December 29, I went with my folks to my mom’s hometown to visit my aunts, which is more than a worthy reason to skip out on a class.
So maybe there is some hope for me after all this 2017.
Well, whatever happens, I hope I have a damned good time making or breaking these resolutions.
Have a wonderful 2017, everyone!
