1. Say thank you more. Let people know I appreciate them.
I am so absent-minded when it comes to saying thank you to people. When I was younger I was really good at verbally recognize the thought someone put into a gift, or how they blessed me with an act of service (5 Love Languages reference there), but over the last few years I've gotten really bad at thanking people, and it sucks, because I want them know that I appreciate what work they've done, the gift they thought to give me, or the compliment they gave me, etc.
2. Be an active participant in social justice conversations.
Out of fear of saying something stupid, I've really taken a seat to observe everything that is going on today. This doesn't mean I'll be banging on people's doors (I don't think), but it does mean when the opportunity comes up to talk about uncomfortable things that I will engage by speaking up or actively listening. This is where it's better to risk sounding ignorant is better than not starting the conversation at all and seeming like I don't care.
3. Eat slower — eating is not a race, enjoy your meal!
I have always scarfed down my food. I'm always the first one done at the table. And where does it get me? I'm not hungry anymore, but am I satisfied? Am I healthy? I'm not sure why I'm like this, but I do know that it bothers me. I'd like to eat slower for my digestive health and to really savor what I'm eating. This will be especially beneficial in Italy as we eat at different places I may never eat at again.
4. Embrace being different — introvert, Christian, dry lifestyle, minimalist, whole 30'er, nerd
When I first wrote this intention, I wrote, "Be OK with being different." But I don't want to be just OK, I want to love myself. I want to embrace who I am. It's been a struggle for me though to feel like I'm cool enough for people to want to hang out with—I'm an introvert, so preferably no big crowds; I'm a Christian, but in some groups I'm not Christian enough and in others I'm too Christian; I don't drink, which is such a big social aspect of our culture; I shop very specifically and intentionally; I don't enjoy mainstream restaurants because of how unhealthy they make my body feel........sigh. There are so many times (I feel like) I don't fit in, and I feel like all the above make me a burden to be around (like people won't like me because of x,y,z). A burden! This really is a selfish way to think, and I'm tired of it, so now is when I start changing this mentality!
I is kind, I is smart, I is important. I need to continue on with journey of self love and this is a really good part of it.
