I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions. I believe that if you want to make a change in your life, you shouldn’t have to wait until a new year begins. Yet, as 2020 was a year unlike anything we’ve seen before, 2021 now unfolds in front of us like a beacon of hope, promising a fresh start and—hopefully—growth and learning. 

I struggled quite a bit last year. My mental health went for an eventful ride of many ups and downs, I neglected to take care of myself as the pandemic showed no hope of resolve, and I struggled to nurture my relationships while spending so much time at home. It was rough, and as we’ve entered the new year, I’m clinging to a more positive outlook. 

I’ve been thinking lately about what I would like to work on for myself. As I spent so much time this year in isolation, either alone in my bedroom scrolling endlessly through Twitter or working 9+ hour shifts, I regret not putting in time for more self-development. I realized very quickly that I don’t really have any hobbies, and I don’t do much to better myself on a daily basis. Before quarantine, my hobbies were pretty much homework and spending time with friends. It was a difficult adjustment for me going from someone always out and about to being, essentially, trapped without any source of entertainment. 

I’ve made it my goal this year to find a new passion. As I’m writing this, I’m staring at the guitar sitting in the corner of my bedroom, untouched for years and covered in a thin layer of dust I’m looking at the pile of blank canvases leaning next to my desk, also untouched for months. I think it may be time to pick those up and finally find a hobby I can enjoy for myself without any pressure. 

Hobbies are so important for all of us, but when things get busy we tend to forget to make time for these activities. I also tend to give up on certain hobbies when I don’t feel pressure, or when I’m not an expert at them right away. I tried to pick up embroidery last summer, and—of course—I can’t say I was very good at first. Rather than working on my skills, I gave up after the first day. Now my threads, needles, and embroidery hoop are stored in a box under my bed, forgotten as a failed attempt at another hobby. 

I also set a goal to read more this year. Last January I planned to read at least 30 books, and it’s safe to say that I never even got close to 30. I think I read a total of 12 books, maybe. As a child, I used to be a huge reader, and as I’ve gotten older I’ve lost the same excitement that drove me to read so often. 

I miss the days when I would spend all my time reading different series and losing myself in fictional worlds. I think reading more as an adult would boost the creativity I used to have when I was younger. My county library has curbside pick-up, and I already began this year by picking up a few books that interested me. The first book I chose this year was Girl, Woman, Other, and I’m excited to finish this one and continue my reading journey for the year. 

Typically, I view New Year’s resolutions as an unnecessary and unsustainable concept that excites us all for change for a short few weeks before eventually fizzling out. The excitement of a new year and a fresh start inspires change, but these resolutions become more like short-lived hopes when our lives inevitably fall back into the same routines. This year—at least for me—feels different, and I think we’re all in need of some change. 

I spent a lot of time with myself and it opened my eyes to what I need to work on. I’m excited this year to actively take the time to focus on these resolutions and implement them into my life as best as I can, because I think for the first time, I’m realizing how important resolutions can actually be. 

By Madelyn Fink

Journalism major and avid baker. Lover of yoga and a very dedicated plant mom.