Every year there is generally the typical X year in review and what an individual might want to change about themselves. "New year new me" recently has become a common saying as well as a meme about changing in the new year. I for one welcome change because it means growth.

With growth, I like to look at myself like a tree. Through the seasons with sun, rain and time I reevaluate myself each year. 2016 was the year of realizations for me.

I realized sometimes the people that you let in the closest are the ones that will sting the most when you have to cut them out of your life. I realized that my view of myself should not revolve around what others may think.

This year is the year for new beginnings. Finally ask that person out, buy the dress, or be on your own. I personally love to be on my own but I hate to be lonely. However, this year is going to be the year of me. The year that I learn how to manage my mental health better, the year that I stop saying sorry and realize how much I am worth( this one though might take more work due to the years of it being ingrained into my brain) to love more and show my compassion to others. I tend to have RBF (resting bitch face) and quite frankly I can be a little too blunt or overly needy in some ways and I am trying to fix that.

The main struggle that I have with New Years resolutions is the people who poke fun at other people wanting to change. Why do people do that? So what if he/she is not a typical gym goer? That does not mean that anyone has the right to make fun of them for trying to better themselves. I admit I have been both the New Year resolution gym attendee and also the one that would kinda poke fun at people that almost never step foot in a gym. I am not perfect. I am trying to change. I am striving to be a good person who helps others and does not judge but IT IS F&*!ING HARD. All I hope for myself and everyone reading this is that you will give people a chance. Not everyone sucks.....well maybe not everyone( cue the Cheeto-crusted troll doll that is our new leader)

I hope that everyone has a good year and remember to be kind to themselves