In 2019, I hope to...
1. Exploring new music - Lately, I have been finding myself listening to indie music and coming across new artists each day. My "skrrt skrrt" playlist remind me of my own self during high school but I feel that I am not the same person that I was in high school. Rap music gave me the energizing thrills but with each song that I encounter nowadays, I seek all the components of a song - the lyrics, the rhythm, the tempo... My ears are filled to the sounds of Lany's Malibu Nights, Aquilo's Silhouette, and of course, The 1975.
2. Daily writing - At the beginning of the year, I practically begged my mother for a simple journal. She was under the notion that the journal will just be in my bookshelf, awaiting for dust to collect upon. But no, not this time. After several attempts, she caved in and since then, I have been writing in my journal each day as a means of worshipping but also to let out my feelings. It has helped me out tremendously in a multitude of ways. It's one thing to release my emotions all on paper but also, it has given me an in-depth perspective of my own actions and why I do things the way I do.
3. Read twenty books - While I am a pre-med student, I discovered my passion in Gender and Women's Studies last semester, thus, I decided to earn my certificate in this subject. Friday's quickly became my favorite day of the week because of discussions for this course and it was fascinating to hear different opinions but most importantly, it was definitely my TA who encouraged me to pursue a certificate. Just last week, we decided to meet for coffee to discuss about life and different opportunities I can pursue during my time here in Madison. My TA was telling me about a New Year's Resolution for this year: reading twenty-five books. Although twenty-five would be a bit of a stretch for me, I loved this idea. Due to my acquired interest in reading, I always wished I had more downtime to read so I am looking forward to completing this goal of mine. Currently, I am in the midst of reading two books - Garrard Conley's Boy Erased for leisure and My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor for my Honors paper. Two down and eighteen to go!
4. Become more involved with the Navigators - This is definitely what I am most excited for in terms of this year and for the upcoming years. I encountered many firsts last semester: my first time in Wisconsin, my first time attending Sunday Service, and my first time worshipping. After encountering such amazing individuals in this community, I knew that I wanted to pursue a relationship with Him but I remember the moment when I decided: I was on a plane ride back to Wisconsin and I looked through the windows and there it was: the place where I now call my "home". That's when I knew. My wavering contemplation of whether I should join Bible Study this semester faded away because I knew that I wanted to involve myself in this. I feel like this is my first step in involving myself with the Navigators and I look forward to growing my faith and knowledge.
5. Social media cleanse - Honestly, though. I think we can all use one. With this generation today, we are sucked into a vortex in which social media can take over our lifestyle. It's that easy to mindlessly go through our social media, only to find out that those consumed hours could have been spent with friends or studying. This "cleanse" can just be a week off of social media or even more. As for me? I deleted my private Instagram and turned off of my notifications for social media. Try it - you won't regret it. :)
6. Let loose and enjoy the moment - This might just be my hardest challenge out of the rest of them. Sometimes, the pressure of academics and the drive to accomplish my feats build up inside me and in the moment, I sometimes feel like I am drowning in this pool of stress. Oftentimes, I forget to take a minute and appreciate the little things in life. Simply said, it's almost like meditation. I just need to breathe and realize that the moments I have are ones I cannot take back but to only be reminisced by.
7. More photos, more memories - There is this hidden beauty in photos that remind you of a single moment, story, experience. It's the spontaneity that urges one to take a photo and those are the ones that create the essence of photography. For this year, I hope to continue this passion of mine and one day, be reminded of my own experiences.
8. Say yes - Shonda Rhimes is right. To say no is an easy way out and from my own personal experience, it is. I was so used to cutting corners throughout my life that saying "no" became my go-to answer. I am lucky enough to be given the opportunity to attend UW-Madison and as cliche as it sounds, I don't know where I will be in my own life if I had chosen to go to another school. This semester, I have been trying to minimizing my no's and turning my opportunities into yes's - it has been working great so far.
9. Strengthen the relationships around me - It's second semester and I have a community of individuals where I feel the utmost comfort when it comes to discussing about my personal experiences. The radiance of support that emerges from this community allows me to be my own self. First semester in Madison felt like my first day of kindergarten but like over a span of days, weeks, and even months. I definitely was channeling myself as the shy kindergartner who was scared to introduce myself to my peers. But now, I only hope to strengthen the friendships I created and offer back the support that they have given me when I needed it the most.
10. Continue to influence my readers - When I post these articles, I receive some of the most heart-warming text messages or phone calls and I just don't know where to begin. It means so much that I have this support and love around me. Writing a blog was simply an idea - I still can't believe Karisa and I created a website where we have allowed ourselves to talk freely about our experiences. I am so excited to continue writing and sharing stories with all of you.
With love all the way from Madison,
Yui Sato
Instagram: @crazyaznfoodies ♡ VSCO: yuissato ♡ Email: yuisofiasato@gmail.com
(by the way, none of these gifs are mine haha)
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