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New year, new resolutions

Lazbuddie farmer sets sights on Australia

It's a new year, and the future is uncertain, so why not make a resolution that makes you happy?

That is exactly what Lazbuddie resident Anna Jennings has in mind; her goal in 2018 is to travel to Australia.

While the continent may seem like the far-flung reaches of the earth to some, it represents an exotic place full of wonder to Jennings.

Her fascination with Australia began over 30 years ago, when she wrote a report about it in the eighth grade.

She added that the warm climate and exotic locales made the prospect of traveling there that much sweeter.

Jennings would spend her time sightseeing and taking pictures as soon as she hit Australian shores, she said.

In addition to its landscapes, Australia's animal life is known to be fairly exotic, and in the case of its insect and arachnid populations, somewhat larger; Jennings, however, isn't deterred.

"I'd probably scream (if I saw a large spider), but I'd be alright," she said. "I can look at them from a distance. I don't want one on me, but if I woke up and one was on me, I think I'd be like, 'OK...'"

Jennings, who farms with her husband, has been held back from her goal in the past because of financial circumstances; in order to achieve it this time, she said she would have to sell some items and eat out less.

But if it meant crossing a nearly lifelong dream from her checklist, she is up for the challenge.

For her, setting goals gives the satisfaction that one has achieved something "besides my every-day life stuff. It just seems like that's a big goal, and you finally get to accomplish it."

Other area resolutions, shared on The News' Facebook page, range from less stress to closer relationships with God and seeking new experiences.

Sticking to those resolutions can be difficult, but the American Psychological Association has some ideas for success:

• Start small — Make resolutions that you think you can keep.

• Change one behavior at a time — Unhealthy behaviors develop over the course of time. Thus, replacing unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones requires time.

• Talk about it — Share your experiences with family and friends. Consider joining a support group to reach your goals.

• Don't beat yourself up — Perfection is unattainable. Remember that minor missteps when reaching your goals are completely normal and OK.

• Ask for support — Accepting help from those who care about you and will listen strengthens your resilience and ability to manage stress caused by your resolution.

 
 
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