I used to hate resolutions. I thought that they were completely pointless. But that has since changed because I realized that the alternatives could just be whatever the hell I wanted them to be.
I don’t have to girl boss my way into being the best version of myself. But that’s not to say that keeping planners, staying hydrated, and working out aren’t great goals to have. You have nothing to lose if you also try building these kinds of long-term habits. These kinds of resolutions may seem unattainable for a number of people, but health writers do suggest having a mindset that isn’t avoidance-focused to make it easier for you to want to achieve them. Just a tip.
But if you’re looking for alternative resolutions, I’ve listed some of mine below.
Use that HMO card as often as your credit card
It’s terrible that not every employed Filipino enjoys HMO benefits provided by their company. For those of us who do, take advantage of that privilege lying around. Get those tests, x-rays, and whatever else is included in your package. Invest in your health as much as in your style and beauty. Take that trip to the clinic the next time you’re out and about.
Enjoy the free and discounted things in life
It used to freak me out how other people are so great at spotting freebies and discounts. It’s sad that we still live in a society that forces us to penny-pinch. A person who enjoys treating themself despite skyrocketing prices and budget constraints needs to be a little savvy in these times. So use those discounts, gift cards, and rewards points wisely. Trying to find good deals among notifs, emails, and posts on your feed may seem tedious but it’s worth it when you realize how these little things can make a big difference in your personal finances.
Stop forcing yourself to like popular or notable media and styles if you just don’t
The girls that get it, get it. If you’re one of the girls that don’t, edi don’t! Consuming popular media and canon is great because the level of media literacy we have these days is concerning. It’s good exercise. But you don’t necessarily have to have the same opinion about it as anybody else.
So what if the last Taylor Swift album that I really loved was “Reputation” or that “Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles” didn’t end up becoming one of my fave movies. Who cares? It’s the same with fashion. You don’t have to like something to understand it and why it made an impact on other people.
Stop putting up a façade on dates and dating apps
I never really used dating apps but when I did, I wasn’t always honest. Maybe it was me subconsciously keeping things low-stakes and spicy. If you’re anything like me and want to actually make yourself more available for a potentially meaningful romance, just be yourself. If there’s a genuine spark, you don’t have to make much of an effort for them to find you hot anyway. This also works outside dating. You shouldn’t have to work extra hard for people to like you.
Get rid of that part of yourself that cringes
Life’s too long to keep feeding your embarrassment. There are some things (like being defiantly tone-deaf, for example) that should make you reflect on your actions. But being cringe, weird, goofy, and free is a ticket to finding more joy in your life. A few years back, I used to hate seeing old cringe-y photos of myself. I’ve since learned to appreciate them. I can imagine myself enjoying seeing them even more when I get older.
What’s an alternative resolution that you’ll be trying this year?
Art by Ella Lambio
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