resolutions

Resolutions are a funny thing. Going into it, we all have the best intentions when making them until they kind of sputter and burn a few weeks after we've entered the new year. In fact, I haven't really put much thought into making any the past few years (Lent is hard enough for 40 days; how am I supposed to last a whole year?!), instead just going into the new year with a feeling of anticipation and hope.

I think I'll try it again this year. Most are far-fetched ideas that sound good at the time but will never actually come to fruition. Like, working out or something ridiculous like that. But for me, I've been thinking about this particular thing for the past few months, trying to improve upon it as time goes on.

For my new year's resolution, I want to become a better communicator.

Personally, I enjoy getting quick replies to text messages I send out to people. I get a little anxious when I'm waiting for a response. So when I hear from my friends that I'm one of those people that never answers the phone or responds to texts, I feel bad and it makes me make a little frowny face in my soul, like this.



I promise that I'm not ignoring you! I swear, when I read each and every text message I, uh, read, nothing else in the universe is crossing my mind other than those little digital characters. I acknowledge the message! I comprehend the message! I think deep thoughts about the message!

It's just that when I get to the 'replying' part of the message, I kind of fail at life. See, as I get older I'm realizing that I'm partially a lot OCD. And along with OCD comes forgetfulness. I'll read the message, reply to it mentally and forget about said message. Until I remember in a flash hours or (days) later that I haven't replied yet.

Dear reader, you're probably thinking to yourself, 'Mike, I don't care. Just move on already!'. And to that I say, 'But I care!'. I want to be one of those people that can be trusted with a quick response to text or call, or Facebook or email or you name it. I want to be more like my dad...and less like my mom. It's a win-win for both you and me.

You - a response. Me - more responsive than a potato.

That's just one part of the communication side of things. The other one is more of communication when it comes to relationships, or life in general. Being able to talk candidly with someone, acknowledging and maintaining relationships...these are the kinds of thing I'm talking about. And I mean well. Honest to goodness, I mean well. But sometimes the execution side of things comes short. You can have the most fantastic treasure chest filled of wondrous things, but if you can't open it what good are they? I don't want to be that potentially awesome treasure chest that's as responsive as a potato. I want to be someone that you're better off knowing, and is actually worth some of your time.

I'm 20. I'm trying my best at this thing called life, along with everybody else. No one has the answers. We're all just figuring it out as we go, giving it the best that we've got. I like to think that I'm doing alright with my life and that I'm headed in the right direction. But I know that I have my rough spots (as we all do), so I'm going to try to clean up the spot that is communication this year. Hopefully, it's something that can become me, so people can consider me someone who does respond to texts in a timely manner, or a great communicator in the workplace, or a worthwhile relationship to have.

We'll see.

=)