New Year, New Me... Right?

After years of making New Year's resolutions, I eventually realized my personal goals and expectations annually set me up for certain failure. My extremely unrealistic ambitions led not only to failed resolutions, but also created a false sense of hope this year would be monumentally different than the last. This negativity made it extremely difficult to focus on achieving any of my goals because I knew subconsciously they would not be completed at the high standard I set. These limitations hindered any possibility of ever accomplishing the said goals.

So how will 2017 be different?

While 2016 was nothing short of amazing, crazy and, at times, overwhelming, the many challenges I faced gave me a greater perspective on how much I can handle and how to control my emotions in certain situations. In 2017, I hope to push myself out of the “millennial safe space” I have subsequently created for myself (a ring of self-pity every time something goes wrong) and put on a tough façade to actually deal with the problems around me.

I’ve learned the hard way you have to work hard for what you want - people won’t always be there to hold your hand. Not every friend will be there for you when you need them most, and that’s life. Find the people and things that make you happy and run with it. You never know what adventure it could lead you on.

This year, my resolution is to be more in tune with myself. As I mentally and physically prepare to travel the world for the next few months, I know uncomfortable and new situations are going to arise. I plan to take risks, step out of my comfort zone and not depend on other people to make me happy. I’m not saying other peoples' presence and feelings can’t contribute to your overall well-being and happiness. The problem arises when you constantly worry about their reactions and judgment. By agonizing over them, you will find yourself constantly running in circles trying to please everyone.

Like the stewardess will most definitely remind me as I board my next flight, “Remember, put on your own oxygen mask first before assisting your neighbor." The same idea stands in life: If you aren’t able to love and appreciate yourself first, how can you expect others to do the same?