The new year is truly an exciting time. There's something to be said about the refreshing feeling of the pure, blank slate that is a fresh year and the opportunities that come along with it. New Year's resolutions are certainly not a new or innovative concept, but it is one that has become increasingly more individually and narcissistically focused.
The most typical of resolutions nowadays is to lose weight. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to be healthier, the fact that most resolutions revolve around losing weight reinforces the fact that people feel as though the single most valuable attribute that they are able to offer the world is their physical appearance -- that if they have the chance to change one thing about their lives, it would be their weight. Why don't we take this opportunity, this new year, to resolve to improve something of true importance about our lives?
OK, so it might be difficult to think of resolutions that aren't "typical" or that have more of a value than the usual "go to the gym five times a week." I get that. It's hard to concoct and determine a meaningful, yet reachable resolution, so I started to come up with a few that might help get the brainstorming ball rolling. Some of these may work for you, some of them may not, and maybe none will at all -- but this is a good place to start.
1. Let go of the idea that you need to change things about yourself to be happier.
Sure, this may seem contradictory -- because a resolution is all about making a change -- but think of it more as a decision that will dictate how you live the rest of your life. We, as a society, seem to have an underlying feeling that one we change something about ourselves or reach a certain goal, we will finally be happy. But that's just not how it works. If you live that way, there will always be another goal, another milestone to reach, and happiness will seem like a piece of cheese on a string attached to a rat, dangling ahead -- no matter how hard or how fast you run, you'll never get there. This year, decide to be happy right now. Not once you get a boyfriend, not once you lose 10 pounds, not once you get a promotion. Right now.
2. Embrace more opportunities and say "yes" to more things.
This year, try to let go of the anxiety that comes with changing up your routine. This one might not be for everyone, not the adventurous and carefree souls who jump at a fun opportunity, but for the over thinkers, constantly weighing the pros and cons of trying something new. 2016 is your year to be carefree and live your life without scrutinizing every possible outcome (within reason, of course).
3. Fall in love with people, places, and experiences. And don't hide it.
Enough with masking your feelings, and downplaying your emotions. This is your year to feel things deeply, and reject our society's tendency to "play it cool". Forget playing it cool. 2016 means getting excited about things and falling in love with every single detail of your life, unashamed.
4. Be a better sister, brother, daughter, son, or friend.
This resolution is for those who are looking to think less about their own lives, and more about how they affect the lives of others. This year, vow to improve your relationships with the people you love most. Go out of your way for people. Listen intently to what they have to say and offer true and thoughtful advice. Let people see how much you care for them.
5. Respect your body.
No, not "lose weight," but treat yourself with respect. Eat when you're hungry, stop when you're full, move your body regularly, and fill it with healthy food (and treat yourself!). Stop scrutinizing every inch in the mirror, and stop comparing yourself. Make 2016 the year that you love and respect your body, unconditionally.
