I’ve had a hard time putting together a blog post for the theme of S.M.A.R.T. goals and personal sustainability. I have a lot of dreams for my future. I want to become a better runner, get into UW, become fluent in Spanish, travel the world, make a difference, and so much more. I wasn’t sure how to write about any of these aspirations. While brainstorming for days about what to make this article focus on, I started thinking a lot about my most cherished memories and what in my life makes me happiest.
All the ambitions I mentioned above, as well as the many that I didn’t, will have very different impacts on me. But in the end, they will all be memories. So the goal I’m going to write about here is my hope to collect many beautiful moments. As many as possible. Things that are meaningful. Whether that be my high school graduation, making another record in my cross-country journey, the feeling after doing something good for others, or even just small but ample events like sitting on a roof watching the stars with my friend. I want my one life to be one filled with times of happiness and excitement and curiosity. I want to experience all that I can in the time that I have.
Most of the major aspirations I have seem difficult to achieve, but attainable and overall worth it. I will work towards all of them with as much of my physical and mental strength that I have to offer, but I will also do my best to keep in mind that life goes on even if I don’t reach every one of them. In my first two years of high school, I spent so much time worrying about my GPA and test scores and each assignment grade (which at the time seemed like the most important achievements), and already I regret not spending as much time with my friends and family.
My goal has many aims that go along with it. To be more present in my community and relationships, more grateful for what I have at each moment, to stress less about things that ultimately don’t matter, to help others, and to find myself.
Every year, season, day, and even hour, is an opportunity for experiences and changes. I can’t wait to start working towards this goal. Taking more hikes, going out with friends, trying new things, exploring the amazing PNW, enrolling in classes that I’m interested in, and much, much more.
So here’s to collecting beautiful moments ♡
In My Backyard 