#NewYearNewYou, right? I’ll be frank – I have a problem with that phrase. Though I’ve used it for myself in years past, so eager to FINALLY get myself “on track,” I’ve realized that well – the “me” I am right now is just fine. Actually, she’s great! I don’t need to be a new me, I just want to keep working on accomplishing the goals I set for myself. You don’t need to be a new you, either.
When we set resolutions we’re often, and sometimes ONLY, highlighting what we dislike about ourselves.
I want to go to the gym 5 times a week (because I’m not ok with the way I look)
I want to do a cleanse (because I feel desperately horrible about my holiday bloat)
I want to eat clean (because I fear that if I keep eating the way I do, I’ll gain a ton of weight)
I want to do this.
I want to do that.
Because I am not good enough as I am.
Our tendency to pick ourselves apart, and set goals for the new year based on where we think we fall short, is a dangerous game.
If we are focusing on our shortcomings or flaws for an entire year, how does that help? What happens if/when our resolutions go on the back burner and we find ourselves at yet another new years eve making a list of EVERYTHING we didn’t accomplish last year, and everything we want to fix about ourselves in the year to come.
What if we focused what we already like about ourselves? What if we decided that our new year’s resolutions were about making our already fantastic selves, more fantastic? I’m not saying we shouldn’t make goals to be healthy, to exercise or to rid ourselves of bad habits. I just think we should be aware of the intention surrounding our new years resolutions, so that we may honor our value – no diminish it.
We should choose resolutions that make us more aware and confident of our worth.
I want to eat clean because I love the way my body and mind feel when I am prioritizing my health.
I want to go to the gym 5x a week because I love how strong my body is, and I want to keep getting stronger.
I want to maintain my daily meditation practice because it helps me maintain harmony in my otherwise chaotic life.
I want to start going to yoga more often because I feel like I can conquer the world when I leave a class.
I want to eat mindfully because I value my body and mind enough to know that I need to take better care of it.
I want to have daily dance parties because I feel utterly unstoppable when I do. And dancing makes me happy.
I want to get a promotion because I deserve it.
I want to make more money because I have been devaluing myself and I know that I am worth more.
Your resolutions may not have to change, but your attitude towards them – and yourself should. Make sure you are acknowledging how fantastic you are ALREADY are, and find resolutions that will make you’re already amazing self shine brighter.
The new year is a wonderful time to set and accomplish new goals. Just make sure you’re not beating yourself down with negativity, and focusing on the things you don’t like about yourself. Your value and worth are immense, so honor that.
New year, Same AWESOME you.