It's that time of the year again. New Year's. Every year for the past couple of years, I have said the same words I believe most people do on December 31: "New year, new me." But this year is different. I will not be creating resolutions that I only hold for a month -- OK, let's be real, a week. I will not try to become someone who I'm not. People every year make resolutions in order to try to change their lives in big ways. But why?
I sat down and thought about why I did it for so long when in reality, I really have everything I could need. I have an amazing family that has always supported me. I have the most amazing friends who I can count on for anything. I have a perfect dog who loves me no matter what. Here are some reasons why I believe you shouldn't put so much pressure on creating a "new you":
1. You are already perfect
This is so important to understand. You are perfect already because you are you. I can promise that people already love you for exactly who you already are. Don't put yourself down. Everyone has insecurities, but don't let them overcome you. Why? Because they're a part of who you are and what people love about you.
Whether you don't believe that you are pretty enough, smart enough, tall enough, good enough -- just stop. Whatever your "enough" is, just know that you are more than enough. Don't look at what other people have; look at all the blessings you have, and be thankful for them. Everyone now is so focused on what others have -- "she has boyfriend goals," "he just got a new car," "she has the most perfect body" -- they forget to look at the treasures they already possess. Take a minute to remember them. Take a minute to be thankful for them. Think about how far you have come in life: everything you have been though, the good and the bad times. Those were all experiences that helped made you become who you are today. And trust me, you are great. You are beautiful.
That is actually the only reason I have. But it's because it's the truth. You already are a great person who people care about. You are you, and you should never feel like you have to change in order to gain other people's approval. The only approval you need is the approval of yourself. So yes, it will be a new year, but I plan to go into 2016 as the same person who I have grown to love, and I hope you will too.
