Every year, during the month of December, when all the lights are up and everything starts to
get cozy, we begin to reminisce on what the current year has been like. There’s a specific
moment we all experience during this month where we think about everything that happened
and what/who we want to bring along with us in the New Year, and it’s a very intense moment
because we start thinking about the trips, the fights, the happy moments, the wins and the
losses and that’s when it hits – reality, the realization that all the people that surrounded us might
not be there with us the following year. It’s the moment when we begin to analyze how we’ve
been treated, and what our interactions were like, in-depth. Some will recognize the fact that
only integral people added value to our lives, and others just benefited. It is then that lists and
vision boards of what the New Year is going to look like are created. Personally, I’ve created
several lists in the past that included working out “x” amount of days a week, making “x” amount
of money, saving for a trip, getting a new car, start cooking more, etc.. and while all of these
things are valid, as the list grows, in most cases so does the probability of never checking them
off.

This year I decided to do things differently and really take my time to dive deep into finding
and creating a plan that is meaningful and realistic. Instead of putting an
insane amount of pressure on myself, I decided to write things differently. I’m going to move my
body any time it feels right, with workouts that make me feel good. For those looking to get into
fitness, my advice is to find a community that suits you best and lean on it. Ask your coach or
instructor questions, we all start somewhere and where you are in the present moment is a
great start. This new year I want to be kind to myself and allow myself to feel more, for my highs
to last longer, to enjoy and live life a little more this coming year, to listen to my mind and body,
to do a lot more of what makes me feel fulfilled and happy, and a lot less of anything that
doesn’t. I want to be a little more selfish, to learn how to say no, and (this is a big one) connect
with nature more and disconnect from technology and media.

This coming year, take some time for yourself to really think about things you want to change
and tackle them one at a time. Dive into each goal with patience and know that it might take
longer than 12 months, and that’s just fine. You’re exactly where you need to be and you have
the ability and power to live the life of your dreams, trust the process. Spread positivity, block the
bullshit and ride the wave.

-Vito