New Year, New Goals

It's the start of a brand new year! All of 2013 felt like a new start; coming to a new school, developing new friendships, surviving in a new apartment with new roommates, it's all come and gone so fast. Even a year ago, at the start of my second quarter, I was unsure of my relationship with my friends. I second guessed whether or not they actually valued our friendship as much as I valued them. "Am I being too clingy? Ooh, maybe I shouldn't have said that" were a couple of the many thoughts I had whilst conversing with my potential best friends for life. Who knew building friendships from the ground up would be so thought consuming? However, aside from all those thoughts, I realized that the relationships I had with my friends were ones that were mutual, and that we were all just as insecure as the next person. As people, we tend to assume that our insecurities are much bigger than others, but we are all self-conscious, maybe in different aspects, but we wouldn't be human if we were perfect. Putting myself out there was the only way I was able to develop the relationships I have with my friends now, and taking that jump is crucial... unless, of course, the surface-level "how you doin'" is your conversation of choice, to each his own. Now I'm not saying that my relationship with my friends is perfect, it's only been a year after all, but I am striving to deepen connections with people in my class, and making an effort makes all the difference.
Relationship goals for 2014:

• Build/maintain deeper bonds with friends/roommates I already know and am close with.
• Spend time with people I am not as comfortable with.
• Speak to people in my English classes... rather than falling asleep...

Spiritually, this year has been interesting. As a freshman, I felt lonely many times throughout the year, and without trusting in God, I don't know if I would have transitioned into college as easily as I did. He has honestly blessed me so much this year, answering prayers for a good group of friends, a good church, good roommates, and a good fellowship. Pretty much, God is good... more than good! I honestly did not spend as much time with Him as He deserves, and I hope to become more faithful in the upcoming year. To be completely truthful, I didn't always want to pray or read the Bible (it was the laziness talking), but, as a Christian, these two things are critical in growing my faith and relationship with God. I learned that He does listen, and He does reply, though when trouble strikes it doesn't always feel like it. Also, going to San Francisco urban missions completely opened my eyes. Never did I think a city within my own state of California would be so broken. Sure I have heard of drug dealers and homeless people, but I have never encountered them to the extent that I had in San Francisco. I've been to Ghiradelli Square, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, but I definitely have never set foot on Sixth Street... that is until this past summer. How ironic is it that we, the middle/upper class, people who were raised with accessibility to school, food, and a home, are so prideful that we choose to look past the people who have nothing? Don't get me wrong, I was definitely afraid of the homeless people walking in, and to a certain extent, I still am. On the other hand, I see them as people who need our help, and in God's eyes, aren't we all equal? God gave me the resources I need so that I can be used to glorify God by blessing others, and that is something I really hope to improve upon in the upcoming year. I am writing this here so I have to keep my word and not only talk the talk.  

Spiritual Goals 2014:

• Read the Bible and QT daily.
• Reach out to those on campus.
• Bless others through what God has blessed me with.

Physically, this year has been a roller coaster ride for sure. During the week I eat healthy and exercise as much as possible... the weekend is my enemy. When Friday hits, its all over. Eat what I couldn't during the week is pretty much my motto, and this is not good for the body. Freshmen 15 is a true statement and, let me tell you, it hits hard and fast. I just want to feel good about the way I look and not regret everything I eat, and because I like a challenge I'm doing something crazy. No meat (except fish), no carbs. Starting tomorrow (because I ate meat and rice yesterday and today... fail). January third can still count as the first, right? I want to test out the waters, and see how it makes me feel. Starting with a month onwards. Baby steps. Maybe I can bribe myself by splurging on some kind of article of clothing or accessory every month I succeed. That's a pretty good deal, right? Food is literally my heart's best buddy, but my stomach's arch enemy. In the name of health! Sigh... posting on this blog means I have to keep my word. Thank you interweb for keeping me accountable...

Physical Goals 2014:

• Take out them carbs and meats (other than fish).
• Exercise at least 5 times a week (unless something serious prevents it).
• Stop snacking every time mouth is bored.
• Walk to school everyday.

Let's see how long this goes... Hmphhh

-S.Park