New year resolutions | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Just Because It’s The New Year Doesn’t Mean You Automatically Get A Do-Over

You're allowed to start over fresh, but you can't ignore mistakes that you've made this past year.

40
Just Because It’s The New Year Doesn’t Mean You Automatically Get A Do-Over
Shamin Jamadar

At the end and beginning of each year, we all look back at the year passed. We look at the changes in our friendships, our families, our colleagues, and ourselves. We look back at our mistakes and success, as well as our highs and lows. We'll smile or frown; we'll laugh or cry.

2019 starts us all out on a new year. My hope for us all is that this year is full of learning, falling, new perspectives, laughter, joy, and much more growth.

A new year gives us the push to embark a new journey for health, well-being, spontaneity, and just about anything you wish to change in your present life. However, while we are making these changes and allowing the new year to let us regroup and revamp who we want to be, let's not falsely presume that a new year means hitting delete to all our past mistakes.

In this new year, you're allowed to start over fresh, but you aren't allowed to ignore any mistakes that you may have made.

In a year, we all change immensely, and in this process, it is likely that- somewhere down the line of our growth- we've hurt someone. And just because a new year gives us the ability and reason, if that is what you're looking for, to change or let bygones be bygones, it doesn't erase a time where you may have been hurtful, been significantly rude or mean, or just not have been the best version of yourself to someone.

Unless you apologize and approach the person, you don't get an automatic do-over. You don't get to pretend like it didn't happen.

Everyone wants to let bygones go. Everyone wants to start the new year off positive and cut out any toxicity. But it is incredibly unfair to pretend like you didn't make a mistake just in the name of a new year. It's not fair of you to put someone in a position where they have to shove their hurt and misgivings under the rug for the sake of a new and positive new year. New year, new you, but the you three weeks ago is still you. You are still accountable.

However, a new year does make it easier for everyone to let things go. No one wants to hold onto past grudges. This means that it is the perfect time for you to reach out, explain your actions, or even just apologize.

By apologizing, not only are you proving that 2019 is your year of growth and a year for a better you, but you are allowing the other individual to let go of any hurt or grievance against you. So, it really is a win-win situation.

So go. Allow this year to be a "do-over" year, BUT after you've rectified old mistakes and taken care of loose ends that may prevent you from being the best version of yourself. Even if it is for a pang of small guilt that you may have, clear your conscious of it.

Give yourself every inch of freedom to achieve the redo you want and make this year a year truly full of growth.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

129440
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

29491
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

27269
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments