Recycling Resolutions of New Years Past

I thought you said you were getting married in 2023. It's already a week into the year o, how far, nau?

The dieting plans, nko? Or are you already stuffing yourself with carbs while side-eyeing your yoga mat?

Don't tell me you have started backsliding on those resolutions you solemnly made in December.

Ah! Na wa o! Just like that, it's already over?

Just kidding. I'm not here to judge or put you under unnecessary pressure.

When it comes to New Year resolutions, I used to be king of setting new resolutions, praying into the new year, channelling all positive energies into the start of a new year, and falling back on those resolutions immediately.

Some years ago, I stopped praying into the new year and even stopped praying entirely because I was fighting with God, but I was still making resolutions.

A couple of years back, I reconnected with my God and started to build a relationship with them, so I started praying again and doing the whole crossover prayers, kinikan.

But this year's transition was the calmest ever. I neither prayed into it nor made any new resolutions. I slept into the new year. And I would have slept like a baby if I hadn't had menstrual cramps.

Don't get me wrong. I am excited for the new year, super excited sef. I feel more positive and focused than ever this year.

So what changed? Why didn't I make resolutions and pray into the new year?

No, I'm not having another fight with God. As a matter of fact, with the shege my eyes have seen these past couple of years and how God has come through for me so many times, I am at my most connected and grateful to God.

Here's what I found out.

I noticed that I end up channelling so much energy into the new year that my positivity becomes toxic. Once the new year begins, I feel drained and burned out while also magically expecting my goals to come into actualisation.

I use up all my energy trying to be optimistic about the new year and enter the new year feeling like there's nothing to be optimistic about. And I also noticed that my new year resolutions weren't anything new; they were just recycled goals of the years before.

So, as 2022 drew to an end, I started making plans on how to achieve my already set goals. I put plans in place to improve consistency, maximise productivity, and curtail indiscipline.

My environment plays a huge role in how I feel and work, so I worked on improving that, too. I work from home, so I spend a lot of time in my bedroom. I had my room painted, created a formal workspace in one corner of my room, and made a mini bookshelf, among other things. I'm getting a plant soon too. This year, I'll fill my space with little things that make me happy.

And as for prayer, I pray every day. Apart from my obligatory prayers, I pray when I feel sad and anxious. I pray when I'm excited and happy. Just like my goals, praying is a part of my daily routine. I am in a state of constant consciousness of God and my dreams.

Because of this awakening of some sort, I was able to walk into the new year less pressured and burned out.

My theme for the year is 'Actualisation'.

I have a lot to do, and I'm excited to see what's inside the boxes I'll open this year.

This is me wishing you a fulfilled, peaceful and happy new year.

Thank you for reading to the end. Please subscribe to this biweekly Newsletter if you haven't already. I have so much to share with you this year.

Also, let me know what you think about new year resolutions. If you believe in making them, I'd like to read some of the things you have resolved to do this year in the comment box.

With much love,

Aminat Sanni-Kamal

PS: Photo Credit by Guilherme Stecanella on Unsplash