The Voice of Southwest Louisiana

New Years Resolutions
Basha's List of 7 Guilt-free
New Years Goals
By Basha Celestaine
Soooo let's talk about New Year's
resolutions. You know, those
promises or goals you make for
yourself for the upcoming year, but
never actually keep? The most common
resolutions that I've heard usually mostly
do with weight because we equate
that with beauty and happiness. Some
people go small, like promising to lose
five pounds by April. Others go big, like
promising to lose five pounds a month
until the following year. Some people
shoot for day to day goals like trying to
work out every single day or cut out junk
food entirely. Some just strive to be better
people, but can't find the time or good
ways to do it. I say this year let's shoot for
more attainable goals, because It's going
to be a hard one, and we don't need to
make it harder on ourselves. So, here's my
list of guilt free goals:
1. Hold a baby sometime this year.
They are cute and cuddly warm balls
of fat, that just makes you happy
because everything is so new and
interesting to them. This is good
because it helps you appreciate the
small things you're already use to, so
much more. If you are wary of babies
for some reason do it anyway, it's
a small way to push yourself. And
don't worry most don't bite. P.S, make
sure you ask first...the parent...not
the baby, they likely won't be able
to answer. (If for some reason, you
can't find a baby, puppies, kittens
and most other baby animals are also
acceptable.)
2. Go for a walk.
Walks are a great form of exercise and
exploring what's around you. They are
also a good time for self-reflection.
Who knows maybe you'll like it so
much that you'll go on another and
another, until you go on a walk once
a week. Walks once a week can turn
into walks three times a week, and
one of those walks could easily turn
into a run. If not, that's okay.
3. Treat someone.
This is just a simple way to put a
smile on the face of someone you
care about. It doesn't have to be a big
thing, buy someone's froyo, take a
friend to the movies, take your mom
to lunch. Putting a smile on someone
else's face can put a smile on yours.
4. Donate.
Anything works, money, an article of
clothing, a little bit of your time. We
may all be complaining about 2016,
but many have had it way worse.
If you don't have a favorite charity
find one. 2017 will be the year for
needy causes. If you can spare some
change, do so. We're getting deeper
into winter here and many are going
cold and hungry, so you can donate
food and warmer clothing. Go run (or
walk, not judging) a 5K in the fight
against cancer. Give a college student
$5 bucks. Just do something, find
some way to give back a little. Bonus:
studies have shown that giving back
can increase your own happiness.
5. Give someone a hug.
Sometimes people just need a hug.
Again, ask first. But with the way this
new year is starting off, I'm guessing
a lot of people could use a good
squeeze or two.
6. Eat something healthy that you enjoy.
Much like with the walking this could
lead into more health-conscious
decisions. But no pressure.
7. “Treat Yo Self”
Tom and Donna from Parks and
Recreation made this a yearly
tradition for a reason. It's good to
take time for yourself and make
you feel good. It's okay to splurge
sometimes and buy the shoes, go
on that spa day, eat that cupcake, or
drink that ridiculous foo-foo coffee,
that you know is basically a milkshake
and won't help you in any way whatso-ever.
“Treat Yo Self 2017!”
Over the course of the year we must deal
with a lot of deadlines and time limits on
things. When we give them to ourselves
they can sometimes be very helpful
and motivating, but they can also add
unnecessary stress. I don't know about
you, but I have had enough of stress.
So, let's make the upcoming year a feel
good one. It will not be easy, but the best
part of these guilt free goals is they can
be done just once anytime during 2017.
And hey, if you feel like doing more, then
more power to ya!
Volume 4 • Number 4 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Jaunuary 2017 17