It's that time again; the New Year has arrived and with it, the countless promises of "New year, new me." Some people interpret this differently than others, but most say it as a joke. Although some individuals say it after altering their hair or changing up their wardrobe, I don't believe the saying is about changing one's appearance. It's also not an excuse for making empty resolutions you won't keep. I think this simple phrase is more than just something to slap onto a meme; it perfectly sums up what the promise of the new year (2016)... a chance to be a better version of yourself, a new you.
Maybe you're perfect and you don't think you have anything to improve on. Well, gold star for you! But I'll bet that the majority of us (myself included) are grateful for the new year and the chance to leave 2015 behind. Not to say 2015 was bad—like any year, it had its ups and downs. Many of us look back on 2015 wishing we had done things differently, but of course—with no regrets. If your 2015 was just awful, 2016 presents the chance for a clean slate, a fresh start, and an opportunity to renew confidence in yourself.
If you're like me, you suck at making New Year's resolutions and keeping them. I think it's better to go about the year with optimism about yourself as a whole instead of listing off specific things you want to do better and trying to stick to them. If resolutions work great for you, that's awesome. But if they don't, no sweat—try setting little goals for yourself or go into the new year with the mentality that you will make a conscious effort to avoid the things that have caused you problems in the past. Below are some general suggestions to think about as your new year begins. They sound simple, but I believe they can make a huge difference.
Love yourself more.
I think everyone could use a little more self-love. If you struggle with body image, like most Americans do, don't be hard on yourself. Yes, try to exercise more, and avoid the dessert buffet in the caf, but don't hate yourself when you falter from your resolution of "I'm going to go to the gym every single day." Life happens, man. And if you've suffered from a heartbreak during 2015, think of 2016 as an opportunity for turning the page and choosing to focus on your future and loving yourself while you heal. Focus on how to better yourself as an individual instead of how to rebound off of the person you just lost. Be yourself, treat yourself and love yourself. When you focus on those things, a new you will come naturally this year!
Don't dwell on the past; move forward.
Forgiveness is hard. Especially when it comes to forgiving one specific person—yourself. If you had a rough year, don't let the negative thoughts of what you could have done differently consume you; just promise yourself to not make the same mistakes. These mistakes teach lessons, they help you to learn and grow. As the wise Rafiki says....
Rafiki would probably say, "Simba, it's 2016—new year, new you!"
Have an open mind.
Trying new things can lead to some truly great opportunities and experiences. Having a closed mind can be one of the greatest dangers. As someone who is often afraid of going through changes or pushing my boundaries, I can honestly say that when I do, I'm pleasantly surprised with where it takes me. Step outside your bubble and meet new people, agree to joining a club you wouldn't normally be a part of, or maybe take a class that interests you but you were too afraid to take because your friends thought it was lame. Let go of your reserves. New year, new you!
Just look at Troy and Gabriela—they tried a karaoke song and ended up falling in love! Who would have thought that having an open mind would allow them to meet their soulmate?!
Now that 2016 is here, I don't think there's anything wrong with treating the phrase "New year, new me" as a mantra. It's something to meditate on if you're slipping away from a goal or resolution. If you need a little something to inspire you when you feel yourself turning back into the old you, just repeat "New year, new me" in your head. It might make you laugh; I'm chuckling a little just writing this. But honestly, the phrase is not so silly if you really think about it.
