New Year’s Revelations

This year, my post comes a few days after the beginning of the New Year. It comes to you with a great amount of thought and careful consideration on how to approach such a clichéd topic – rebirth, renewal, resolution.

Today, I’m refusing to provide you with a New Year’s ‘resolution’ and I will also spare you the timeworn, overused goals and objectives. … Those can be for my boyfriend to hear me moan about. I think I’m anti-resolution. I’m against the pressure we put on ourselves to completely change who we are. There is far too much of a burden surrounding what we consider negative about ourselves and what we hope to eradicate. You are you. You are amazing. Tweak, improve, fine-tune – pinpoint where you may have went wrong – but don’t tear yourself down.

Perhaps we can reflect on the past year and decide what we could have done differently. As humans, we (the majority of us, anyway) aren’t psychic, therefore we can only look at a situation that has already occurred and decide in retrospect whether or not we chose the correct path. If we did not choose the right path, we can do so in 2016.

I believe it’s best not to look back and think, “Wow, I’m completely out of shape. I’m awful. I’m eliminating anything delicious from my life now.” It’s better to think, “Wow, I’m completely out of shape. I took the wrong route with my eating habits but now I can take a different and healthier route.” It’s a less negative perspective. It’s a way to improve and not to disparage oneself.

There are many things I need to improve upon. There are plenty of times in 2015 when I went left when I should have gone right. I will use 2016 as a clean slate to change my thinking patterns and point myself in a better direction. In 2016, I will grow.

Hell, in 2015, I did grow. And I want to applaud myself for a few things I know I did right – cause we really don’t do that enough.

In 2015, I:

Made myself (my mental health) a priority.
I found a therapist who I see regularly to talk out my thoughts, positions, and reservations. In 2015, I chose to not sweep my feelings and moods under the rug.

Took risks.
In February, I moved away from my friends and family and jumped into a pool of unknown. Every day is scary, but every day is exciting and precious.

Stayed in touch.
… In February, I moved away from my friends and family and jumped into a pool of unknown. I’ve done my best to maintain my cherished relationships through all forms of communication. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, but distance makes the heart grow stronger – way, way stronger.

Practiced forgiveness.
In doing so, I liberated myself from hostility and chose happiness.

Opened my heart to love.
In the aftermath of failed relationships, we are often left wondering if it’s possible to love again, or to be loved – if we should even allow it. That was me – 100%.

It’s been a challenging year and against the odds, I’ve found another person that makes me feel complete. Prosperous relationships aren’t always easy, but they are most certainly worth it. I’ve opened my heart to patience, perseverance and passion – and I’m so grateful and proud of myself for that. Occasionally you have to throw caution to the wind and listen to your heart. Hurdles are made for jumping, not for approaching and turning around because they’re just too high. Mountains are for climbing – and are easier to climb together. I’m so happy that I have a bellyful of butterflies and the perfect hand to reach for in this big ol’ swallow-you-whole town. In 2015, I chose love. I will continue to do so.

Looking way forward to 2017, I hope I’ll be able to applaud myself even further for my growth and what I improved upon this year. I hope I don’t make the same mistakes.
I hope this for you too. Good luck! (and don’t forget to also give yourself a pat on the back for your successes)

PS – This blog might be taking on a little writing project in this beautiful New Year, stay tuned … xx