New Year, New.. Bucket List?!
That’s right! Are you feeling the pressure of your new year’s resolutions? Maybe you caved in and have given up already?
It’s still dark, wet and miserable outside, and spring is still a long way off. Many of us have been trying to go sugar free, low carb vegan after the Christmas holiday food fest while chanting ‘my body is a temple!’ after each bite of broccoli. With little success.
It can be a real challenge trying to do a 180 in your life in January. Replacing breakfast cake with a healthier option, eating less than 14 meals a day, and drinking unflavoured regular water from the tap is just too much, too soon for a lot of people.
So instead of just giving yourself ‘get healthy’, and ‘lose weight’ ultimatums, why not add a few goals to a 2019 bucket list? Instead of saying ‘I must be a pure sugar free being of the light who meditates 4 hours a day’, why not write down ‘meditate once per week’, or ‘stop eating out of boredom’ instead.
There are lots of great things you can plan to do this year that are healthy for your mind and your body. What about planning a trip somewhere in Ireland? A holiday abroad? Hit a savings goal? Go for more outdoor walks, take up a sport, learn to dance, paint a picture, or learn a language. Think of the satisfaction of ticking things off as you do them! 
What about something that’s good for more than just you? Plan a beach clean with some friends, or make it a goal to just pick up some rubbish you see when you’re out somewhere. Or how about making it a goal to do some volunteering? There are lots of organisations and opportunities with something to suit everyone.
Finally, what about a simple goal of reaching out to a friend you haven’t spoken to for a while? You never know how much a simple ‘hey, how’s it going?’ might mean to someone. Pick some achievable goals personal to you, and make the most of the year.
2019 has so many opportunities for you, go out and grab the ones you want. And we should all resolve to take care of ourselves, and each other this year, and every year. So, here’s to a wonderful 2019 filled with fun, adventure, and opportunity from everyone at Donegal Youth Service.
Donegal Youth Service are a countywide youth organisation meeting the needs of young people. For more information about what they do, find out more on www.donegalyouthservice.ie, find them on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram, call (074) 91 29630, or pop in to 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny. Charity No CHY 15027.
This article was originally published in The Leader newspaper. Pick up a copy and read our column.
