Every year on Facebook and Instagram I see that stupid graphic in what is supposed to be firework font that says "new year, new me" and I suddenly feel my lunch coming back up my throat. Partially yes, this is because I'm judgmental. But I also really just think that's a stupid phrase and a stupid mentality.

I like to think I'm very realistic, sometimes pessimistic, but at the very least, realistic. I've never really been one to make resolutions and honestly, you shouldn't either. Don't hold yourself to something you know for a fact you're gonna give up in three weeks. Instead of setting myself up for that kind of disappointment, I never go into the year with huge expectations. I know I'm not suddenly going to start hitting the gym or eating healthier, I'm not going to stop eating so many cookies, and I'm not going to drink more water no matter how much I tell myself I should.

Instead, since I usually hate the year once it's done, I go into the new one assuming that it's going to be the same old piece of dog poo as the year that just left. I don't feel any different, I don't hope that I'm going be any different and I know that humankind isn't going to become less trash so don't put such lofty expectations on yourself or on others.

I know that my mental illnesses aren't going to suddenly be cured because one digit of the year on a calendar changed. I know that I'm not going suddenly start wearing bright colors and listening to more jazz. I'm not going to suddenly transform into some gregarious girl with social skills and friends. I will be the EXACT same person I was before midnight just a few minutes older, and so will you.

No, you're not going to suddenly want to travel to Tanzania, you probably aren't going to win the lottery and let's be real, are you REALLY going to stick to that diet?

Trust me, I know for all you "positive Pollys" out there, this seems a bit bleak, but trust me, there's a point here! The point is, don't chalk 2018 up to be this wonderful thing. Because it probably won't be the defining year of your life; I mean it could be but for the majority of people, it won't be. Basically, if you go into it thinking it's going to be ordinary, you'll be surprised by the truly important things that happen to you!

Yeah no, you're probably not going to suddenly start buying designer clothes if you weren't before, at least I hope not for the sake of your bank account. But maybe you'll make a new friend, maybe you'll discover your new favorite artist, maybe you'll fall in love with a new TV show, maybe you'll accidentally walk into what becomes your new favorite local shop, at the very least maybe you'll find $5 in the pocket of a pair of your jeans!

You don't have to become a new you in this new year. Unless of course, you're a trash human being then maybe there should be a new you for 2018. But for the rest of us, keep being yourself. And don't expect everything to be grandiose and defining. Simplicity is key! Look forward to the little things! Different doesn't mean bad and new doesn't mean extreme and exciting.

As for me, on New Year's Eve, I'll be on my couch at home with my parents as I always am watching those stupid countdown shows and going into 2018 with a grand total of no expectations except that it'll probably at least as trashy as 2017 was.

Happy New Year, kids!