According to a recent article in the UK Daily Mail, the top ten most popular New Year's Resolutions for 2012 are:
1. Losing weight
2.Getting fit
3. Eating healthier
4. Saving money and spending less
5. Getting a new job
6. Spending more time with people who matter
7. Trying new things
8. Getting out of a rut
9. Going on vacation/visiting a new country
10. Reading more

I feel like I tend not to set New Year's resolutions. Or at least, that is, I think I don't... Maybe I do and I just don't call them that. I think I have a general idea about 2012 on the whole, as a unit of time and I think about all of the things I'd like to do over the coming year, but I like to keep things somewhat spontaneous. I also feel like by not setting defined terms that are too specific, I will have nothing to be disappointed about if things don't work out.

When I look at this top ten list, these are things most people would like to accomplish, and I wouldn't exclude myself. However, I think a lot of these coincide with other things I would like to generally improve upon or find more enjoyment in, anyways, which I suppose makes them some of my own resolutions on my own terms.

I am trying to get into better shape, but that coincides with a lot of the things I want to enjoy in Waterton. I have the great fortune of living in some people's vacation dreamland, an untouched natural wonder, full of adventure. I don't know how anyone could not take advantage of all of the great things the park has to offer. This winter, I'm going to ski and snowshoe to my heart's content and enjoy burning calories, outdoors with mountains, lakes, wildlife around me and my camera in hand. I've also been doing yoga in my down time, which has many great benefits. Some of the benefits I've enjoyed most are the stamina and flexibility I have to go skiing, from getting a good stretch and practiced breathing beforehand. This summer, I plan to hike as much as possible and take as many photos as I can too, which goes with getting fit but is a past-time I really enjoy, regardless.

I also feel like by doing all of these awesome physical activities, I'm going to save a bit of money too and spend more quality time with the people I care about (more resolutions on their list.) Rather than spending money to drive somewhere out of the park on my day off, or just go to the bar every night (which of course, I'll still do.. just not as often) I want to try to explore within the park more and do things I haven't done yet (see #7: trying new things.) One of my favourite activities this past summer, in addition to hiking, was hanging out on the beach at the Dardinelles. We would bring our fishing rods, cold drinks and snacks to sit on the edge of the water and cast a line out. We would wear our swim suits, and if we were feeling brave, might jump into the glacial water for a quick swim. A few times, my boyfriend and I brought our paint sets and easels, and painted on the beach. Other favourite and relatively money-smart summer past-times were: roasting hot dogs over the campfire with friends, going swimming/hot-tubbing at the rec centre and taking turns having dinner-and-movie nights at friends' homes.

I suppose I'd like to read more too (#10.) With Waterton being so quiet in winter, it's the perfect time to curl up with a book and I just ordered 3 new books from Indigo, with a gift card my aunt, cousins and uncle gave me for Christmas. I also love to cook and I do want to eat healthier, but I want to make things that also taste delicious and don't compromise my enjoyment for food. As for the rest of the list, my job is awesome (#5)- -I'm at work right now, blogging and it's in my job description! I don't feel like I'm in a rut(#8)- -I feel pretty happy with the direction of my life right now. Going on vacation (#9)? sounds good, an escape from the snow eventually could be pretty nice or even going downhill skiing one of these weekends might be fun. Geoff and I have been talking about going to Castle Mountain, Fernie or Banff for some fun. It's good to have a change of scenery every now and then.
These are my non-resolution resolutions for 2012 and I wish you all of the best for whatever resolutions you may or may not have. One suggestion for your 2012 goals: make a trip to Waterton!