22 Things to Try in 2022

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January 13, 2022

In high school I had a friend who was great at New Year’s Resolutions. One year she gave up ice cream for a year, another time she gave up chocolate. For. A. Whole. Year. I don’t know about you, but I could never (maybe ice cream). Maybe you know someone like this; maybe you are this person; maybe you’ve given up your resolutions one too many times to try again. Wherever you fall on the spectrum here are some things (22 in particular) to do in this new year.

1. Reach out to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. You could grab a cup of coffee or just send them a short text. I’m sure they’d love to hear from you.
2. Take a hike. Not in a “I’m being mean; take a hike” kind of way but in a “go on an actual hike” kind of way. The area has some great ones like Humpback Rock, MacAfee’s Knob, or Cole Mountain (if you haven’t already been with your hall).
3. Learn to make a good meal. Cereal and eggs are great but find a recipe that sounds good and learn to make it! No more toast for dinner!
4. Write someone a letter. People love getting letters! Bonus points if you actually send it through the postal system.
5. Read a book each month. If this is chump change for you, good job! If not, find a genre you like, get some recommendations, and get reading.
6. Try a new sport. Pickleball, slacklining, kickboxing, windsurfing. Find a sport that sound interesting, some friends to do it with, and give it a go. Maybe we’ll see you in the Olympics someday.
7. Experience live music. There is no better time to see live music than in college. Especially at Liberty, most shows are either free or super affordable. The energy created by a full on concert or even a little street band is something truly special.
8. Dress in a different aesthetic. Don’t worry, I’m not asking you to change your whole closet, just your outfit for a day. You can even do it with a group. My freshman year, my hall all dressed up as e-girls and went to Convocation. We were only like 60% embarrassed.
9. Have a PowerPoint night. Grab a group of friends and have everyone come prepared with a random topic to present on.
10. Go thrifting or antiquing. A sustainable way to find some really interesting stuff!
11. Not for CSER, or because you have to. Just find someone in need and lend a hand when you can. Or volunteer for a Vacation Bible School this Summer – they always need help.
12. Watch the sunset from a rooftop. Or the top of the Runk & Pratt… I’ll let you choose.
13. Go on a picnic. You can go full on picnic with this one – checked blanket, wicker basket, and all. Or, you can just grab some food and eat outside on a nice day.
14. Go through everything you own. Figure out what you need to donate, trash, or find a new spot for.
15. Give something up. A fast if you will. This post is all about doing, so why not let one of the points be a lack of doing. Give up social media for a week, go vegan for a month, or quit your bad habit of chewing your fingernails.
16. Be it a day trip or tropical vacation. Go see someplace you’ve never been before.
17. Be a tourist of your own city. This is a fun one! Go to all the touristy things you’d never usually go to, take those cheesy pictures , maybe even by a t-shirt or keychain. You might just gain some newfound appreciation for your home town.
18. Go to a drive in. Whether it’s one of Student Activities’ or one in a big grassy field. Enjoy a cinematic experience from the comfort of your own car. I recommend bringing pillows and snacks as well, but those are optional.
19. I don’t journal daily or even weekly, but when something big happens or you want to remember things you are thankful for, write them down. It will be cool to look back at the year and see what God has done.
20. Do something artistic. It’s okay if it’s not your thing, but just for one day: paint a picture, write a poem, make a friendship bracelet, come up with a new TikTok transition idea… whatever floats your boat.
21. Host an event. Put some work into it! Plan something like a dinner party, a brunch, a birthday party; give it a theme if you want; and invite people to come and celebrate: just for fun!
22. Amongst all the doing, don’t forget to take time and just be.

Happy 2022 everyone! Even if you don’t do everything on this list, I hope it has given you some fun ideas or inspiration to make some memories this coming year. Let’s make it a great one!

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