Happy New Year!

The previous post is a bit on the grim side (as was 2016), so I want to start this new year on a more positive note.

Since it’s also Sunday, which is time for my 7 Things series, I thought this time I’d write the 7 things I want to do (more) in 2017. I’ve never been really keen on a long list of resolutions. I usually focus on a thing or two generally for the entire year, and it works really well. My resolution for 2016 was to be happy (I was in a crappy place at that time), and for 2015 to be wiser, and for 2014 to open myself up for every opportunities and adventures that came my way.

This year, generally, I want to try harder to be happy and to create things. I also want to keep doing things that I’ve been doing for the last few months, and here they are.

1. Be healthier 

I’m planning to continue doing running at least 3 times a week, start doing yoga, and gain some more weight (my BMI currently shows that I’m dangerously underweight). Running has always been a hard one for me. It isn’t the most exciting exercise, and the air quality in Jakarta is so bad it makes me sick thinking what I inhale when I’m running (carbon monoxide, maybe). But I’ve experienced the benefits of running, so this year I’m gonna make more effort and fewer excuses.

2. Learn German again

When I was still living in Bandung, I took a German course at Goethe Institute, and I really enjoyed learning this complicated language for a few years. Sadly, when I moved to Jakarta I stopped as Goethe Institute branch in Jakarta was too far from my place. This year, I’m gonna try learning by myself. I’m planning to use books, CD, Duolingo, and italki website. If anyone’s got suggestions for anything that could help learning this language, please send it my way!

3. Read 40 books

This year I passed my reading target (30 books) by reading 40 books, so this will be my target for 2017. If you want, you can add me on Goodreads here.

4. Support independent businesses

Starting a new business has made me realize how hard it can be to strive and survive. Since then, I’ve started buying things from independent companies to support small businesses whenever possible. From buying books, groceries, coffee, or gifts for my loved ones, I always try find local/family-owned shops. This also applies for when I travel. I always choose to stay in family-run accommodations, eat in local establishments, and buy souvenirs from the traditional market.

A small warung in Ubud that quickly became my favorite. The food was cheap and delicious!

5. Learn a new skill

Toward the end of 2016, I tried my hand at painting with gouache, and I absolutely loved it (my favorite illustrator is Emma Block, she’s amazing). This year I’m planning to learn more in-depth and practice more.

6. Be more patient

I’ve always been struggling with this since forever. I’m not the most patient person, and 2016 has brought the worst out of me. The tiniest mishap could send me raging and exploding, and I’m not proud of it. I need to learn to take deep breaths and just let go, because most of the times it’s not even worth it to get upset/angry because of little things that won’t matter in a few days.

7. Be happier

Ah, this one. This was my resolution for 2016, and yet I feel like I failed. This year I’m gonna try harder to see the positive things, be hopeful and optimistic. Fingers crossed.

What do you want to do in 2017?