A Common Resolution with Uncommon Rewards by Stacee

A Common Resolution with Uncommon Rewards by Stacee - January 2016 Scholarship Essay

Ever since the beginning of our progressive society, the 31st of December has always had an intensely sobering effect on us. It is as if life is ending and beginning simultaneously. Forget that most of the time the same obstacles we had on the 30th often trail us into the New Year… right? Wrong! That night, that magical eve gives us a breath of oxygen so pure it intoxicates our excitement. It’s only natural we'd begin to swear off all things we feel influenced our previous mistakes. Natural for us to believe in tomorrow’s unknown possibilities. Then it happens, January 1st. And the streets have quieted. The intoxicating air has stubbornly returned to its usual polluted smog. And you find out your balloon of promise was filled with hot air. Convincing yourself and others how flimsy resolutions are anyways.
But what if you made a resolution and kept your word? What if we all did? What would change in society? Furthermore, would the magic continue to intoxicate us year-round? If maybe we became; trustworthy.
For me, it’s not just a resolution. It’s a personal promise to oneself, a commitment to change. A practiced resolution is a choice to refuse to become stagnant in predictable mediocrity. Thus, my commitment to myself is to maintain a healthy diet & exercise regimen. My resolution, albeit dreadfully common, is still the best resolution to make and keep.
As a full-time, disabled student with epilepsy, diet & exercise make all the difference between the frequency and affect seizures have on my body. Diet regulates our cholesterol and glucose levels. It stabilizes our blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen. It even ensures a healthier sleeping pattern. Since our bodies, when well rested tend to operate at our optimal best, an improvement in sleep is detrimental.
Meanwhile, including exercise into our daily routine will guarantee a focused mind, flexible mobility and good blood circulation. It’s imperative to extend and maximize our fragile lives. For me, it helps in all areas of my life, but especially in regards to my education. Diet & exercise has improved my focus and discipline when studying. As my health has begun to improve, I’m more dedicated attendance. I’m more confident, courteous and less intimidated by tough assignments. Improving my health has even influenced my ambition. Before I became committed to my resolution, I was uncertain about school and my ability to successfully complete the coursework, now; I believe no one can make me feel inferior but myself. Similar to my new regimen, getting my degree is all about time management and habitual resilience.