You may have thought the frenzy of New Year’s Resolutions was over. It’s already January 22nd, and you’ve tried veganism or squats or tai chi or whatever it was the past six years only to fade back into your every day life of Netflix, bed, and Peirce fries within a few weeks of the New Year.
Well, I’m here to give you another chance. Sure, the first of January is a symbolic day, but everyone has the opportunity to change their life any day, any time they choose. Whether it’s self-acceptance, finally getting those anxiety meds, or just learning how to make pasta, the time is NOW! So, to make it a little easier for you, here are some very do-able, and very common Kenyon themed resolutions ripe for the picking.
1. Take a Craft Center class. Crafts can be both fun and therapeutic. Also, despite the varying prices to take a class at the Craft Center, they can also be money-conscious as a lot of the things you make are perfect gifts, or set you up to make hand-made, heart-felt gifts in the future. Not to mention the whole “oh yeah I welded this bracelet myself” thing is a great conversation starter. Sign ups have already happened, but there are openings in Glass Bead Making, Knitting: Beyond the Basics, Silver Jewelry Making, Darkroom Photography, Vegetarian Cooking, Sewing, and Desserts: Beyond the Box. Contact the Craft Center (craftcenter@kenyon.edu) to sign up today!
2. Run an Earth Day race. Kenyon hosts a variety of races on Earth Day in April. Grab a friend, make a training plan, and challenge yourself to find your edge! The most I’ve ever run is five miles, yet somehow I’ve made a pact to run the Half Marathon. If my asthmatic self can do it, you can too! Sarah Miller (millersc@kenyon.edu) and Taylor Scult (scultt@kenyon.edu), both ’15, have set up a training group, so contact them if you’re interested in joining.
3. Take a Kenyon Fit class. Can we PLEASE all face it that the generic “I’m going to go to the gym this year” resolution is just plain boring? All the regular KAC-ies spend the month of January complaining about how crowded it is with resolutioners, and let’s face it, the vast majority of us are gonna fall off that boat pretty quickly. If you’re new to working out, or just have a short attention span when it comes to confusing machines and staring at the same spot on the wall or the same infomercial for an hour (who knew there was that much to say about sponges?!?!), I HIGHLY recommend taking a Kenyon Fit class. The schedule can be found online here (http://athletics.kenyon.edu/sports/2012/7/17/GEN_0717124009.aspx?tab=kenyonfit). All are bound to be exciting, and easy to stick with as you have a teacher leading every move, and other people (bring a friend!) sweating alongside you.
4. Find a new extra-curricular. One thing Kenyon boasts is a vast and amazing assortment of student groups. If you’re feeling dull in your daily life, or want to meet new people or get out of your comfort zone, it’s not too late to start something new! Although the Activities Fair already happened, most groups accept new members throughout the year (except Greek organizations…that pledging is going on this week!). From table tennis to an immense amount of volunteer teaching to even writing for Her Campus Kenyon (!) the possibilities seem endless. And if that’s not enough, you can always create your own group or activity! These things are not only resume boosters, but you might just find a new calling.
There are countless other Kenyon (or non!) resolutions at your fingertips. All it takes is a little will, flexibility, and courage. And after all, courage is made of fear, but pursuing something despite it. Good luck!