The New Year's Resolution List

2013 went by too fast.
That's pretty much all I have to say on that.

While it flew by,
so much shit happened!

I moved from NorCal to SoCal.
Went from working at a multi-million dollar for-profit company
to working at a non-profit organization.
Started off living in my own apartment with a roommate
to living with my mother & step-dad.

I feel like a child.
But hey, at least I have free booze.

Reflecting on this past year opened my eyes a lot.
I have insecurities. I let other people's opinions affect me.
And I'm afraid to take chances & put myself out there.

Well, it's time to make 2014 the 
YEAR OF ALI!
Really it's just the year of trying new things, 
taking risks & just appreciating what life has to offer.

So, my New Year's challenge is as follows -
(and feel free to get in on this magic)

Each month, I will try something new. 
Something I've always wanted to do but have either been too afraid
or things I've dubbed as "one day I'll do that." 

THE LIST
(in no particular order) 

1. Snowboarding
2. Skydiving
3. Dance class 
4. Race car driving
5. Hot air balloon ride
6. Guitar lessons/Open mic night
7. Motor cycle or dirt bike riding
8. Play at a table in Vegas/win (ha)
9. Something in Europe (while on my trip there)
10. Pole dancing classes
11. Tumbling class
12. Tough Mudder

So why these?

Each one has been on my bucket list

every time I write one out, but I never put them on my

'live in the moment' list.

We can't keep putting things off 

that we want to accomplish or pursue in our lives.

One day we are going to reach an age

where all we can do is look back and say

"I wish I had done that."

I don't want to be that person.

I want to embrace life & all it has to offer me

because I am one hell of a lucky person to be where I am

& to be surrounding by such amazing friends & family.

You get put down throughout the years.

Shit happens.

And it affects your outlook on life.

I've been too nervous to try new things
& I don't want to put it off another year.

I've heard if you tell people your goals,

you're more likely to pursue them & accomplish them.

So that is why I am boring you with mine.

I WANT to make 2014 my bitch.

I WANT to look back & say it was one hell of a year

because I let my guard down & insecurities go.

I WANT to be able to say that I checked

12 things off of my bucket list the year I turned 24.

And I WANT to be able to say that I did it

because I WANTED to, not because 

someone brought me along on their ride. 

2014 will be the YEAR OF ALI

but more importantly it will be the year of discovering who that is.

Follow my resolution adventures here

& make your own 2014 YEAR OF ____ list,

because there is no one who can make your year 
better than you can *gross cliché* 

Cheers to a healthy, adventurous & eye-opening 2014!