It is often said that “we accept the love we think we deserve.” Well, I think the same goes for guilt. We accept feelings of guilt far too often, because we are wired to think we should feel sorry for doing certain things. We are also always told to do what’s best for us. Unfortunately, all too often, doing what’s best for us is often seen as selfish and something we should feel guilty for. These two things do not need to be connected any more. You don’t need to accept guilt when you feel you are doing what is best for you. This year, my New Year’s resolution is to be more selfish and not feel guilty about it.

This year, I will stop making excuses for people. I am not going to spew out a continuous string of “It’s okay, they were having a bad day” excuses anymore. Instead, I will ask myself if it was a bad day, or really just a bad person. I will no longer accept people treating me poorly simply to avoid conflict. I will tell people when they hurt me instead of holding it in so I don’t bother them. I am not going to feel bad for asking for the respect I deserve from people. I have spent way too many hours of my young life worrying about making people feel bad if I chose to address something they did that I didn’t like.

I will stop spending time with people who I dread seeing more than look forward to. I will not choose to stay in their lives simply to avoid conflict. I will instead focus on those who are always there for me and those who inspire me to be better every day. Life is too short to not be surrounded by good people. I will make a point to meet more people and learn from them and laugh with them. I will open my eyes to the good that is in front of me rather than the good times that are no longer.

I will make time for myself and for what makes me happy. I will sleep in when I need it, and I will not share my dessert. I will take an hour to work out when I feel in over my head. I will escape from the world in my own little ways. I will do what I think will keep me level-headed and content. I will stay in when my body needs a break, and I will go out when my mind needs a break. I will stay and dance to one more song if I am not ready to go, and I will order cheesy bread when I get home. I will be sure to take an hour out each day to sit down with my friends and laugh without worrying about my responsibilities.

This year does not come with a new me, but rather, a new perspective. I resolve to be a little selfish and do what is best for me.