Written by Emma Grosskopf
I don’t like to make New Year’s resolutions. To be honest, I feel like people always fall off the wagon around the beginning of February, and I don’t like to feel like I’ve failed. I have a massive, crushing fear of failure, but that’s a column for a different time.
This year, I didn’t make any promises to myself like, “let’s lose 10 pounds by spring break” or “try to stop cursing so much” or “try to do homework on time.” Those are all (at least for me) unrealistic, trite, and frankly, not going to help me become a better person on a molecular level.
This year, I’ve decided to put my foot down. it’s none of this “new year, new me” crapola. This year, my mantra is “new year, better me.” I don’t have to reinvent myself. I’m not perfect, but I’m fine with the way I am.
This year, I told myself as I was drunk at a bar in Fredericksburg on New Year’s Eve (flirting with a stranger, of course), is all about self-care.
Some of you might call this a resolution, but I don’t like labels. All I know is that this year, I am taking care of myself. That’s physically (Come on people, how many times do I have to say it? Skin care is important!), emotionally (I’m finally figuring out that bottling everything up inside is probably not the most healthy habit), and spiritually (as much as I hate to say it, I’m finally understanding that some things are out of my control).
I don’t have any specific, measurable goals for this year; however, making a conscious effort to eat better, sleep more, take better care of my skin, trust my friends, ask for help, get my butt in that gym, drink more water, love myself, and just generally have a good time being who I am, the best version of myself. This is what 2019 has in store for me.
For a while now, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and stressed, and I’m willing to bet that I’m not the only one. Sure, a goal to lose a few pounds or work out every day is nice, but it’s not too late to switch resolutions. Why limit yourself?
Take this year, and screw “new me.” Try for “better me,” and loosen the reins a little. Drink water. Call your mom. Reflect a little. And for the love of all that is unholy, have fun. We’re young, dumb and broke, so let’s enjoy it in 2019, being our best selves.
