For most people, 2016 was a difficult year full of a lot of difficult news stories, bitter election and personal challenges. Fortunately, with the new year only weeks away, 2017 provides the opportunity for a new semester and fresh start. While making New Year’s resolutions generally start out with good intentions, they are often already long abandoned before classes begin. Here are a couple of ideas at every time frame and energy level to start the semester off right.
1. Be Expressive
The old mantra “it takes a village” exists for a reason. There are dozens of people who have helped you survive another year. While sending a Facebook collage of photos is great, sending a letter or small present carries more weight and can be done easily. The same can be said about your beliefs, so take this year to stand up for something you believe in- or protest against something you don’t.
2. Reflect
The small moments that make up the last twelve months are often forgotten. For this year, come up with a system of keeping track of events from the year that can be looked back on in five, ten or twenty years. Ideas don’t have to be extremely elaborate. This could include creating something as formal as line a day journal, making monthly playlists, organizing a memory box, a second a day app or just saving memorable Snapchats from the year to look back on next December.
3. Laugh
Laughing can cure anything and Netflix has tons of specials perfect for listening to while getting ready for class in the morning. Some great ones include Iliza Shlesinger’s Confirmed Kills and John Mulaney’s Comeback Kid and New in Town, all available on Netflix.
4. Volunteer
As a Bucknell student, there are so many amazing opportunities that we are given and often take for granted. With a new semester still ahead, this is the perfect opportunity to tackle your bucket list to volunteer at in the Lewisburg community for a great cause. If anything, the clothes that are piling up in your closet at school that you haven’t touched since since packing them. It’s a great way to give back and get more organized!
5. Plan for 2017
It’s likely that the resolutions you set for this year have been long abandoned. Instead, try setting one small goal every month on top of your agenda. One of the best parts of planning anything is the anticipation of having something to look forward to. Making plans for the new year could be as elaborate as a big spring break trip out of Lewisburg to a warm climate or just knowing that a friend from home will be visiting school. Setting a small goal every month is more realistic than a large, overwhelming New Year’s resolution. If you are feeling particularly ambitious, signing up for the things that you have always wanted to do- like go on a ski trip, run a 5K or do the Polar Bear Plunge in February. Happy 2017!