Tag: goals

It’s a new year, and everyone is talking about resolutions. I’m no exception. But with CP, the usual resolutions can be life-saving for us all. It isn’t about fitting into a new dress but about maintaining mobility. It isn’t about being more put together but about having the ability to be there for our families and friends. Most of all, it’s about remaining independent.

Below is my list of personal resolutions. 

• Resolution 1: To be more fit and healthy so I can be fit to walk to the green in the springtime – fruits and vegetables as snacks – more apples, less chips and sugar. Why I picked this one: When I eat healthy, it helps to reduce the stress on my CP, which makes day-to-day life more comfortable. Then I can focus on living my best life.
• Resolution 2: Use the journals from my boyfriend John – pink for morning, purple for night because we feel differently at the start and end of each day. Why I picked this one: Being able to write down the positive things in my life gives me gratitude. 
• Resolution 3: Use a meditation app once a day. Why I picked this one: When I use my meditation app, it relieves the stress of the day, so my body can fully relax after a busy day. That means, I don’t have to take so many pain relievers and can enjoy a good sleep at night.
• Resolution 4: Use the whole world as a gym! Either go to the Y or walk the apartment hallway for 30 minutes. Why I picked this one: Sometimes I don’t have the transportation to get to the gym, but that’s no excuse not to stay on top of my fitness and health. 
• Resolution 5: Keep a food journal, not just relying on my WW app. Why I picked this one: Writing items by hand takes more time and makes me reflect on my choices for the day.
• Resolution 6: Finish writing my book by October 6th. Why I picked this one: October 6th is world CP day, and a big part of my book is about spreading awareness that people with CP are just living their lives like anyone else, and they also want to fall in love, make friends, and have hobbies.
• Resolution 7: Revive my “healthy is independent” philosophy. Why I picked this one: Making an inspirational philosophy will remind me that I have to stay positive throughout the year. I can’t afford to be too down on myself because it’s bad for my health, and I want to be mentally present for the people I love, including myself.
• Resolution 8: Write an inspirational thought every week. Why I picked this one: Doing this will help me to stay on task that week, and keep an upbeat attitude. 
• Resolution 9: Finding ways to be more organized. Why I picked this one: This will help me keep track of things, so I can tackle the mountain of papers on my desk. This will also make my boyfriend very happy.
• Resolution 10: Mindful spending (no frivolous purchases). Why I picked this one: I need to address my impulse purchasing. I live in a small space, so only buying the essentials will help to keep things tidy, and also enable me to save for the future.
• Resolution 11: Setting aside at least $50 a month for my future. Why I picked this one: Having a healthy rainy day fund means less time worrying about how I’ll afford the laundry or an Uber for emergencies. It also means a nice vacation in the springtime when the weather is best.
• Resolution 12: Learning how to be more assertive. Why I picked this one: I’ve always been a people-pleaser, and as the boss of three PCAs, I need to act like more of a boss and advocate for myself. I have a lifelong fear of being too demanding, or fitting the stereotype that I must want everything done for me since I have CP.
• Resolution 13: Read one book a month. Why I picked this one: Reading relaxes me. A healthy mind is a way to educate myself by reading about new people and experiences.
• Fix my blog
• Resolution 14: Bringing a packed lunch from home to save money and stay healthy. Why I picked this one: This will not only save money, but also make it easier for me to eat well. 
• Resolution 15: Believe in myself more. Why I picked this one: There are days where I feel like I’m not a good boss, partner, or friend. With this attitude, it’s hard for me to have a good connection with the people in my life. By believing in myself more, I can maintain healthy relationships even if I’m having a bad day.
• Resolution 16: Get up earlier (6-7a.m.). Why I picked this one: When I do have to go out early, it gives me more time to get ready. If I’m not rushing, I have a better day overall.
• Resolution 17: Try something new once a month. Why I picked this one: I want to broaden my horizons and experience as much life as I can.
• Resolution 18L Tell my boyfriend one thing I like about him every day. Why I picked this one: I want my partner to know I respect him and love him. He does a lot for me, and I love our life together.

When I was born, my parents adopted a dog for my brother because they weren’t sure if I’d ever be able to come home due to my condition. Back in the 70s, very little was known about CP, so it was unclear if I would live a long life or if I could ever be independent. Many people get stressed about the idea of getting older and a new year starting, but for me, each year is a gift and I want to make the most of it. My resolutions are a way for me to remind myself that life is still going on and that I have the chance to try new things and be a better person each day.

I hope that putting this up on my blog will show people that no matter who we are, we all have our own resolutions to be better. I hope you enjoyed this read, and I hope you have a wonderful 2025!