Someone asked me the other day if I’ve thought of any 2016 New Year resolutions. It caught me off guard. I’ve never been one to seriously think about what I wanted to do most with these upcoming 365 days. Instead, I’d jot down a few positive things I wanted to add to my “new year, new me” mindset and pretty much forget about them as soon as week 2 rolled around. Standard, right?

This year, as I’ve embarked on a new journey in the Queen City – I’ve felt like it’s absolutely necessary to create a list of resolutions to kick-start a new adventure. Bring it on, 2016. I cannot wait to see what you bring into my life!

Something new.

When I moved to Charlotte, I knew that I had to veer outside my comfort zone. It’s way too easy to come home from work, throw on sweats and hit play on a Netflix series, but this girl was not about to let that be the standard norm. I’ve made a little pact with myself to try something new at least once a week. Let me break it down. I’ve already hit up a few Charlotte favorites Nan and Byron’s, Good Food on Montford and Amelie’s French Bakery and I’m quite smitten for all them, however, I can’t just keep going to those 3 places all the time. I’ve made a tiny agreement with myself to continue to try a variety of something new – restaurants, bars, coffee shops, boutiques, rec teams?, etc.

Savings conscious.

You know those so-called penny pinchers? Consider me part of their squad. As a newfound renter, I’ve pretty much learned the hard way that when bills hit, all of the bills hit hard at once. Not cool, car payment, not cool. In all seriousness though, I’ve been way more price observant especially when it comes to grocery shopping or rationalizing that Starbucks nonfat Café Misto purchase. Not going to happen, Sbucks.

Pro-solo. 

Being new to a city isn’t necessarily the easiest thing in the world, but I’ve pretty much embraced the fact that doing things solo is inevitable. Whether I’m hitting up Target (crossing my fingers that I’m being savings conscious – see above) or just exploring a new bar by myself, I’m doing my very best at veering outside my comfort zone…solo.

Yes New Friends.

Making friends was pretty easy circa 1998, but hey when you’re a 20-something-year-old in a new city, friendships can take a little more time than they do on a tire swing. This year, the whole mix of trying new things and embracing solo quality time will hopefully set me up for new friends. Maybe? Crossing my fingers. If not, I’m totally going to pick up a boutique job for friends...and mostly the discount.

Go with the flow.

Going with the flow is neither my strong suit nor my mantra, but hopefully it’ll make some appearances in 2016. A girl can only hope.