New Year's: a time for reflection and change. The start of a new year means out with the old and in with the new. Well, to some people, anyway. Personally, I think most people use it as an excuse to go out, party, and get wasted. But what can I say? I'm a hopeless cynic. This past New Year's Eve, I didn't make it to midnight; I didn't see the ball drop. While I was looking at The Best of Tumblr on my phone, I could hear my parents chanting, "Five, four, three, two, one ... Happy New Year!" I stayed where I was, rolling my eyes while snuggled in bed. Honestly, I just don't think this holiday is as big a deal as people make it out to be.
With a new year also come new resolutions: "go to the gym more," "lose 30 pounds," "quit smoking," things like that. It sounds all well and good, but no one ever keeps them, so what's the point? Plus, they're usually about external well-being and are made by women. Nowadays, women are encouraged to self-monitor more than ever. It seems like every magazine has articles about dieting, weight loss, and tips on how to attract the opposite sex. Not conforming to these ludicrous standards makes you look like some sort of freak of nature, but let me be clear: You are wonderful exactly as you are. Instead of focusing on losing weight, focus on becoming healthier. Instead of vowing to go to the gym every day, try taking a walk or a bike ride a few times a week if the weather is nice enough -- baby steps. When making a goal, think, am I doing this for me, or am I doing this because it's what people want or expect from me? If it's the latter, try something else.
I never make new year's resolutions, because I know I'll never keep them. When asked, I typically say I don't have one; but if I'm feeling particularly snarky that day, I'll respond with something sarcastic like, "Drink more and care less." (Of course, anyone who knows me well would immediately know that I'm joking, as I've never drunk in my life.) While I believe the whole process should be eradicated entirely, as it sets you up for inevitable failure, I understand that will never occur. So, for those of you who insist on making these promises to yourselves, I have one for you to try: Take care of yourself. That means asking for help if you need it, accepting the support of those who care about you, finding something that makes you smile or laugh every day, cultivating positive relationships and severing negative ones, and being open-minded. When in doubt, remember that there is at least one person who loves you and you belong here, even if you don't know why yet.
Happy 2016!
