Prologue to 2024 Resolutions

A complete reset for the rest of the year

Lately, my journey through the world of books has taken a backseat, as if time itself has decided to move at a more languid pace. This, in turn, has prompted some deep introspection and opened a Pandora’s box of contemplation within me. I find myself dissatisfied with how my life is going, and I’ve resolved to take action. I have decided to make some changes and it’s as simple as that.

Resolutions in September, with its crisp breeze and the promise of changing leaves, serve as a fitting prologue to the upcoming year of 2024. It’s the ideal time for new resolutions, a fresh chapter in the book of life. I’ll ease myself into the 2024 resolutions. Initially, my quest for change was centered around my reading habits, but as I delved deeper into my thoughts, it became apparent that a broader life overhaul was in order.

I yearn for a life rekindled, a reset button pressed on my existence. Once upon a time, I thrived as the best version of myself. However, over time, other pursuits took precedence, leaving me with an unsettling sense of unfulfillment. Allow me to elucidate.

In my belief system, happiness and sadness are two extremes on a vast emotional spectrum. I used to believe that happiness was the default state, but experience has shown me otherwise. For me, happiness has always been intrinsically tied to contentment and fulfillment, the twin pillars of my everyday well-being. These are what breathed purpose into my days and, in turn, made me happy — not all the time, but consistently.

Regrettably, I’ve lost touch with that contentment, with the joyous spirit of my inner child. So, being the pragmatic soul that I am, I’ve resolved to take action. My approach will be multifaceted, for this transformation is needed in all facets of my life. I will share the resolutions I’ve set for myself, with the understanding that they may evolve as I embark on this journey and conduct weekly self-assessments. If I do make updates, I will be sure to add the same at the end of this article.

Rediscovering the Joy of Reading

My reading journey, once a swift river, has now become a meandering stream. I aim to rebuild my focus and concentration. Starting small, I’ll immerse myself in the delightful world of Penguin Black Classics, those concise treasures that I can devour in a single sitting. Each completed book will be a personal victory, reprogramming my reading habits. If fatigue sets in, and I find my attention waning, I’ll retreat to my balcony to bask in the embrace of nature or engage in a tea-time chat with my flatmate. No phones, no social media distractions — only the serenity of the moment. Furthermore, I’ll keep a daily tally of pages read, hoping that these numbers will motivate my literary journey. At this point in my slump, I’m willing to try any trick in the book!

Restoring Healthy Sleep Patterns

My nocturnal escapades have wreaked havoc on my sleep schedule. Staying up until the wee hours, sometimes until 4 or 5 AM, is a disservice to my body. It’s time for a change. So from now, I’ll be in bed by 11 PM. I’ll attempt to read, and if that eludes me, I’ll grant myself phone privileges — but only until midnight. When the clock strikes twelve, I’ll gently stow away my phone and, if necessary, count sheep. To reinforce this change, I’ll avoid recharging my phone during the day, ensuring its battery is drained by midnight.

As for waking up, I’ll aim for 9 AM initially, with the intention of gradually advancing that to an earlier hour. Setting my alarm for 7 AM may be a stretch for now, but it’s not impossible. Starting my day with a glass of water, followed by consistent hydration, has already worked wonders for my skin. And so, I will continue to exercise this healthy habit.

Rekindling My Physical Vitality

The gym will become my weekday sanctuary, a place I’ll frequent from Monday to Friday. On weekends, if I’m home, I’ll engage in at-home Pilates workouts. The resources are abundant, provided I muster the courage to commit to this transformative journey.

Mindful Eating Habits

I’ve already curbed my fast-food indulgences, and I aim to continue this trend. Home-cooked, balanced meals have replaced their unhealthy counterparts. To curb my sweet tooth (which seems to be growing), I’ll limit high-sugar treats to once a week. Sugar in my tea is also on the decline. When cravings strike, I’ll reach for water and nutritious dried fruits. Skipping meals is off the table, and I’ll ensure timely consumption of my supplements.

Reconnecting with Solitude

When I first arrived in Delhi, I reveled in the company of myself. Loneliness was a foreign concept. However, times have changed. I’ve developed an incessant need for constant companionship. It’s time for a shift. Learning to spend quality time with oneself is essential for a balanced life. It may not be easy initially, but I’ll start small — reducing my outings, scheduling moments of mindful and deliberate living each day, and carving out quiet intervals devoid of external stimuli. Whether it’s my evening tea on the balcony, void of social media or music, or a moment of stillness in my daily routine, I’ll nurture these opportunities to reconnect with myself. A reset and some rest are overdue for my socially drained soul.

That concludes my current game plan. I embark on this ambitious journey with hope in my heart and determination in my spirit. Weekly check-ins will be my compass, guiding me through the terrain of transformation. As I traverse this path, should adjustments be required, rest assured, they’ll find their place in the evolving narrative of my life.

Nayanika Saikia graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and was also a Dean’s List student. She recently graduated with a First Class Master’s Degree in English Literature. She is a Booktuber and Bookstagrammer. She can often be found on her Instagram account Pretty Little Bibliophile.

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