We all laugh at people that caption their photos "new year, new me" when Jan. 1 rolls around. It's true that people hardly ever pull off a total overhaul of themselves overnight, but the cool thing about the new year is that it presents us with an opportunity, and some motivation, to do some things differently. Instead of suggesting new year's resolutions, however, I wanted to suggest that we let some things go this year that hold us back from becoming more passionate, more interesting, more kind and more productive. So here goes: 16 things to let go of this new year.
1. FOMO.
Fear of missing out is a real thing. I know it to be true. We never want to be the person who didn't see that one catastrophe go down or miss the time that all our friends sat around the Whataburger table together and cried laughing. But the thing is, we really, honestly, cannot do it all. We can't be at every event. And I'll let you in on a little secret: people really don't give a crap whether or not you made it to the party. And it's highly likely there will be one just like it next week.
2. Grudges.
They really serve no purpose other than to make you miserable and bitter. Sometimes grudges serve us by protecting us from making the same mistakes over and over again. Most of the time, they just make us kind of spiteful. Forgiveness does wonders for the soul -- don't forgive your enemy for them, do it for your own happiness.
3. Sleeping past noon.
You are wasting the whole day! Unless you're deathly ill, I think you ought to get up and get something done. Even if that something is keeping your butt in bed and watching "Pretty Woman" yet again.
4. Negativity.
I cringed while typing this. It sounds very hippie of me. But in a very real sense, taking my grandmother's advice and saying nothing at all when I didn't have something nice to say would have kept me out of a whole lot of trouble.
5. Idolizing models and movie stars' bodies/faces.
I definitely watched the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (like most of the rest of the world's population in possession of a television). And while I sat there drooling over Adriana Lima's perfect stomach and the piece of pizza in my hand, what I neglected to remember was that their job is quite literally to work out all day so that they can look like that. And that basically everything we see of movie stars is airbrushed, contoured, photoshopped and plastic surgeried.
6. Trying to be older than we are.
My little sister has a friend who has Kylie Jenner-esque fingernails that make her look like she's 27, about 13 years premature. I have friends that are worried about finding husbands and getting jobs as freshmen in college. We shouldn't suck the fun out of being 14 and 19, respectively -- if we grow up too fast we'll completely lose the years we spent thinking about being older.
7. Reenacting funny moments for a Snapchat video.
I am guilty of this. But honestly, no one else thinks it's as funny as you and your best friend do that she choked on a Cheez-It. I promise.
8. Filming entire concerts on Snapchat video.
While we're on the subject of Snapchat video: there's nothing worse than sitting next to someone at a concert that is literally Snap storying the entire concert. Please enjoy your concert that probably cost you $170 or something to go to. It's way more interesting when you see it firsthand.
9. Clutter.
I am a pack rat by nature, but I really don't need the receipt from a pair of jeans I bought three years ago or my seventh grade math binder, and I probably shouldn't have laundry from last month on my desk. The fact of the matter is is that most of us operate better when the place we live in doesn't look like a bomb went off in it. (Someone remind me I wrote this next week when they walk into my room and the floor is covered in clothes.)
10. Worrying about whether or not you should like your crush's picture on Instagram.
This is self-explanatory. We worry way too much about this crap.
11. Being judgmental.
It's really none of my business why people are the way they are, but usually what we see of someone is pretty one-dimensional. Judging people based on their clothes, the way they talk, or the one time I met them is not only a bad way to handle things, it's also a really bad way to make friends (if I judged every book by its cover I would probably have about four friends).
12. Being lazy.
I don't know about you guys, but I usually feel better when I've done something physical during the day. Whether it's actually making it to the gym or just taking my dog around the block, getting some exercise is so good for you on so many levels!
13. The worldwide obsession with the Kardashians.
Please, God, can we all let this go this year? Let this be the year that we all stop overanalyzing their every move. Mainly I just want to stop seeing that picture of Kim crying.
14. Putting off the things we love.
Or forgetting the things we loved as kids. I spent so much time reading books when I was younger; growing up, I just stopped making time for it. The same goes for my friends who are ridiculously artistically talented, or who love music or spending time with family. We need to make time in our lives for the things that make our hearts happy.
15. Comparing ourselves to other people.
Teddy Roosevelt once said: "Comparison is the thief of joy." I think that's a pretty valid point. If we are constantly measuring our achievements, looks, friends, or IQs with those of the people around us, we will never ever be happy.
16. Toxic people. (Or habits.)
It can be hard to let go of people or things that hurt us, especially if they've been in our lives for a long time. But if you thought of someone or something that makes you routinely unhappy when you read this point, this is a perfect time to start weeding that thing out of your life. The reality of toxic relationships (frenemies, ex-boyfriends who treat you like dirt, boys who break your heart) or habits (procrastinating, laziness, drug dependency, social media obsession) is that they are not only hurting you, but people around you. And as hard as it is to let go of those things, it's probably a whole lot harder living with them.
I'm praying for happiness, health, and continued growth in this new year! Best of luck in 2016, friends.
