I have some very strong feeling about New Year’s. For me, 2015 was a beyond crappy year, and while I grew a lot, I’m ready for this year to be over. I’m excited for a new year, where I can put things behind me and have a fresh start. Last year, my New Year’s Resolutions were usual ones, revolving around weight and exercise, and following through on them did not make me any happier. Most people follow those types of resolutions in hopes they will lose the “holiday weight” (Do me a favor, by the way- please try not to talk about diets, how much weight you’ll gain from those Christmas cookies, and avoid other negative body talk this holiday season. See how much it changes things!) I used to subscribe to that, but, this year, I have a few different types of New Year’s Resolutions.
Make choices that work towards happiness.
This means no longer using food and exercise as a type of punishment. This means having that cookie and baking with friends at midnight; it also means having a bowl of veggies or fruit when that’s what I’m craving. This means going for a run or getting on the elliptical because it makes me feel better and to deal with stress in a healthy manner and maybe picking up yoga or kickboxing. This means moving my body because I actually want to, not because burning calories is the only thing I care about. This means staying in to watch Netflix or work on a paper; it also means going to Tina Tuesdays because I’m excited about a night with friends.
Treat myself like I would treat my best friend.
This means encouraging myself when I’ve screwed up. This means talking myself down from panic and being easy on myself. This means buying myself that cute, funny shirt or that cup of coffee or the $20 dinner. This means telling myself that I deserve a good life; it also means giving myself the advice and wisdom I usually reserve for friends in need. It means allowing myself to cry when I need to and to then do something to make myself laugh.
Advocate for myself and be able to say no.
This means no longer taking my anger, frustration, or hurt out on myself. This means allowing myself to yell at others instead of taking a breath, walking away, and forgetting about it. This means telling other people how I feel and what I need from them. This means no longer keeping people in my life if I find myself constantly thrown into intense drama and emotion as a result of their actions, and talking to them about it. This means saying “no” when I already have a full class load, am under a lot of stress, or just plain don’t want to do something. This means learning to put my needs over others’ wants.
2015 has been a year where I’ve hit rock bottom and clawed myself back up. In 2016, I want to make strides towards the life I envision for myself. I will better myself by caring for myself and maybe by being a little bit selfish. I want to make choices today that support who I want to be tomorrow.
