By Jonathan Lawrence
Even though a third of all New Year's resolutions are abandoned by February, there's no reason you can't pick a goal and stick to it. To make it happen, choose a resolution that's both specific and achievable, but most importantly, true to what you really want. Whatever you choose to do, Calgary has plenty of opportunities for you to realize your goal. [Photo credit: istockphoto.com/ca/portfolio/wavebreakmedia]
Finding a new hobby you love may take some trial-and-error, but eventually you'll find your groove. You can pick up a camera at Vistek or The Camera Store and learn to shoot photography, practice painting (and drinking wine) at Vin Gogh Paint and Sip Studio, dance your heart out at Premiere Dance Academy, (finally) learn how to cook at ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen or study acting at Company of Rogues Actors Studio. The options are limitless!
We all need more levity in our lives, so let's hope 2018 is a bit lighter than the last. A surefire way to let off steam and smile a little more this year is by going to comedy clubs, such as The Comedy Cave, Yuk Yuk's or The Laugh Shop.
Most people plop down onto the couch after a long day's work, but how many of us experience relaxation the way we should? Make mindfulness your goal in 2018 and you’ll see results in all areas of your life. Start by trying a yoga session at Yoga Mandala, getting a deep tissue massage at Therapeutic Hands Massage Clinic or by having a spa day at Pink Lime Salon and Spa.
Adopting a healthier diet is probably right up there with exercise as among the most common New Year's resolutions – and the quickest to be broken. 2018 is the perfect opportunity for another crack at it, though, so start it off right by picking up some quinoa, kale and bananas at Community Natural Foods, Sunnyside Natural Market or Morning Sun Health Foods. Soon enough, you won't even think twice about a cheeseburger.
If you’ve found yourself in a rut lately, that’s a good sign you need to get out of your comfort zone and see something new. Even if you don't have a destination in mind, the friendly agents at Expedia Cruise Ship Centres, Flight Centre and Travel Masters will certainly be able to help you. Even a weekend trip to Palm Springs will get you out of the stay-at-home slump.
Exercise doesn't only make you physically healthier, but mentally as well. For those who want to make it a new habit, visit GoodLife Fitness or Anytime Fitness, both of which have numerous locations throughout the city, each with fair rates and helpful trainers. You can also try One Cycle Spin Studio if you want to quickly burn off those holiday desserts – you did just book those tickets to Palm Springs, after all.
People always say they want to make time to read, but they rarely do. Well, it’s time for that change, isn’t it? Whether you’re interested in fiction or non-fiction, there’s surely something that will catch your interest at some of the coziest bookstores in Calgary, including Cabin Fever Books, Fair's Fair, Pages Kensington and Shelf Life Books.
Volunteering not only makes you feel more helpful and productive, but it's also a great way to meet people – two resolutions in one. You can look after dogs and cats at the Calgary Humane Society, assist a newcomer to the country at the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society or offer tutoring and other educational services at the Calgary Public Library.
If you’re looking to expand your cultural influences beyond Netflix in 2018, there are plenty of opportunities in Calgary to do so. You can see a new exhibit at the Glenbow Museum, explore musical history at the National Music Centre or catch a live show at the Lunchbox Theatre, to name a few ideas.
Rumour has it that one of the best places to meet a potential suitor is at wine tasting sessions. Some of the best venues in the city to wine taste and mingle are at Metrovino, Kensington Wine Market and Mission Wine and Liquor.
Most of us wish we had a bit more confidence. Do yourself a favour and seek out some self-improvement courses, such as those at Chinook Learning Services, which offers numerous courses to improve communication and assertiveness.
Your New Year's resolution doesn't have to peter out come the third week of January. By choosing a specific and achievable goal, you can kick your 2018 off on the right foot. Happy New Year!
