I’ve thought a lot about my Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for 2022. I’ve found that when I officially write my resolutions down something inside me clicks and I tend to keep them. So, here we are in 2022 and I thought I’d write a few down that I really want to commit to this year.

Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for 2022: #1 No Drinking

I started this one as a way to support my wife, Tyler, in her #dry2022. She told me a week before NYE that she was planning this. Ironically, she had a few drinks when she told me so I thought it might have been a fleeting wish. By the way, you should follow her dry journey on her drydiaries instagram account.

How it started…

On New Year’s Eve, I was stranded in Colorado because of all the flight cancellations that have been happening. While there, I was at dinner and ordered a bottle of wine after I asked the server if I was able to cork it and bring it home with me. Then, Tyler facetimed me and brought up the fact that she was having her last drink.

The next morning, I had a choice to make. I had a 3/4 full nice bottle of red wine that I wanted to take home. Also, I was flying first class so I knew I was going to be offered free drinks on the flight. It turns out, I was being put to the test almost immediately. Right then and there, I made the decision to leave the bottle behind. And my drinking.

I drank something most days like Tyler did and felt some of the effects of drinking that I didn’t like. For example, I don’t love feeling “fuzzy.” Conversely, I actually LOVE being productive, and this negatively impacted my productivity in the evenings.

Can we do some math about how much money was spent on booze in 2021 in the Benfield household? A bottle of wine a day is around 7500 dollars. Additionally, a couple of drinks at dinner 2-3 times a week is 9500 dollars. These are conservative estimates. Just imagine getting a 17000 dollar raise at work! That’s an added incentive for the Benfields in 2022.

Of course, there is the biggest reason of all: my girls. I want to be present for them. I want to be an example for them.

With that resolution under my belt, the others actually become easier.

Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for 2022: #2 Peloton Every Day

I got Tyler a Peloton for Christmas. It was honestly for her (I promise). I saw how much she loved working out doing Orange Theory and I wanted her to have something she could do conveniently right in our home. I loved the community aspect that Peloton offers, and know that Tyler responds better when she has that community to help push her.

Well, then I wanted to try it. It took me one ride to get hooked! Now I’ve done something Peloton every day. When I’m home, I ride. When I travel, I run or walk. And on my recovery days (and most nights) I do meditation. I’d like to get more into the strength workouts, as I’m feeling more confident and am really liking the way I feel during and after workouts.

If you’re on Peloton, add me as a friend! My username is @dalebenfield

#3 Post a Blog Every Day

I’ve spent years posting a blog every day. Coincidentally, I used to be really good at it. However, a few years ago, I stopped because “blogs were dead.” If I’m being honest, I missed it. And I missed you. But, most of all I missed sharing. My blog acted as my diary in some cases. Some of y’all watched Ellie grow up on this blog. I love that.

This year, I want to get back to blogging every day. So far, so good. This one will be the hardest, because I’m busier than I’ve ever been, and have been doing a much MUCH better job at spending time with Ty and Scout when I’m home (not on the road). However, I look forward to the challenge!

#4 Sell an NFT

For the 3rd of my Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for 2022, I want to sell an NFT. Do you know what NFTs are? If not, you will soon. Even reading this, your phone might start pushing NFT ads your way. I’m fascinated by NFTs, the blockchain, digital art, etc. As such, I want to sell a collection at some point in 2022 (hopefully soon). I have already started working on my collection, which blends photography and digital art. Stay tuned for that!

#5 Write and Publish An Online Class

Finally, the last of my Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for 2022, I want to create an online course! For the work I do for Arrow Senior Living, I decided to create a series of videos in a class about photography. Because of that, I’ve been shooting and editing together a photography basics class that covers composition tools, lighting tips, iphone camera and video settings, etc. I have been working hard on that (it is a ton of work), but I really enjoy it. If you don’t know, or don’t remember, I used to teach college photography!

After I finish, I already have an idea for two other courses. I’m not adding that to my resolution, however, as I want to make it through my first course before I commit to a certain number.

Talk to you soon!

Dale

P.S. Do you have a resolution you want to officially write down publicly? Leave it in the comment section!