So I’ve been trying to come up with a way to sum up this year and how I want things to be in 2013. There are so many things I could talk about. I didn’t really want to do a normal showcase of recipes that happened throughout 2012, partly because most of you have been following along from the beginning and also I’ve only just started my fifth month of blogging so there’s not that much to look back on. But I do want to start out by thanking everyone who has been following along. The fact that you come back day after day means that I have done my part in sharing myself through this blog. Your comments and critiques have helped me grow not only as a chef, but also as an individual as well. And to any newcomers, I thank you for checking out my little blog. I hope that I have inspired you to continue reading and also, perhaps start cooking yourself.

One Canoe Two: Elanor Roosevelt

Unfortunately, in my New Years Eve celebrations I did not manage to get any pictures that I thought captured the essence of the new year. So when I was on Pinterest this morning, I noticed this quote and thought that it perfectly summed up my thoughts for 2013 and my future in general. I make it well-known that I have plans to do something in food, at this point I’m not sure exactly what, but my love of food is something that lies deep inside of me. I do whatever I can to give back to others through food. It’s the only way that I can truly express myself. That’s why I found this quote so fitting, that our futures depend on our dreams and desires.

As we welcome in 2013, I wanted to talk about some of the resolutions I’m making for the new year. I’m usually terrible at keeping resolutions, but with everything that has happened this year, I think it’s important that we have something to strive for in the coming year. And hopefully these resolutions will help to not only make me a better person, but hopefully I can impart some good on those around me. We need to make 2013 the year of togetherness, love, and compassion.

My New Years Resolutions
(in no particular order)

1. Live
   That’s not something I say lightly. I find that I spend too much time worrying about everything: the future, my bank account, deadlines, I end up forgetting that these things are all superficial. Yes, they are important and I would never ignore work that must be done, but at the same time, it’s important to do something for yourself every day and in all honestly, just live. 
2. Open up to new opportunities
   I used to think that I would never get the chance to start living because I had turned down so many opportunities in the past, but recently I’ve learned that saying yes (even when you’re not sure of the outcome) is one of the greatest thrills in life. As Ms. Frizzle used to say: “Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy.” One of my favorite quotes about life.
3. Do something for yourself every day
   It doesn’t have to be something big. For me it’s cooking or baking a new recipe I’ve never tried before. I just want to make sure that each day I take the time out to do something that makes me happy, rather than worry about everyone else all the time.
4. Start volunteering
   Once I get settled and school and work don’t take up all of my time, I really want to start volunteering more. Even if it’s just spending a Saturday giving back to a food bank, anything. Volunteering is so humbling and a wonderful way to show appreciation for all that we’ve been given.
5. Participate in a triathlon
   After watching the Olympics, I had this desire to go out and participate in a triathlon. Of course, I’ve been sitting on my butt for the past few months and haven’t ran in years, but I’m hoping to start a training regiment that will get me moving and working towards my goal. Hopefully I’ll be ready by fall of 2013?? Let’s hope.
6. Spend more time with family and friends
   And I don’t mean sitting next to them on the couch. I want to revive my relationships with those around me and learn from them. You never realize how selfishly you worry only about yourself until you actually sit and listen to one of your friends speak. You don’t interrupt them and you don’t include your own issues, you just sit and actually listen. Everyone has so much wisdom to share, they just don’t always get the chance to share it.
7. Meet new people
   Bleh, probably one of my least favorite things to do, but when you open yourself up to new people, you can make lasting friendships that you hadn’t even thought of. I’ve recently met some wonderful people who had enriched my life. I’m so glad that I allowed them into my life because they have made me a better person.
8. Travel more
   Even though traveling has become ridiculously expensive, I still want to see everything. I have this need to know everything about the world. I want to see life through other people’s eyes and learn about different cultures and traditions. I’ll first start by seeing all of New York City, then I’ll go from there.
9. Open up to different cuisines
   Moroccan, Lebanese, Indian, all food I’ve never tried before, but I want to. I want to try new dishes and expand my palate. What’s the point of living if you eat the same thing every day?
10. Be a better person
    That means: listening more, loving others, opening up myself instead of hiding away, in general just being there for people more and not giving into selfishness.

What are your New Years Resolutions?

Tagged: Elanor Roosevelt, New Years Resolutions, Quote