As we come into the second week of 2014, I find myself still thinking about my New Years Resolutions. I've always had a hard time coming up with a resolution, something I wanted to change for the next year. I always found myself bottoming out a couple months in, and actually just being more disappointed in myself for not reaching my big goal. I've spent the past 9 days racking my brain to formulate a list of things I could call my "resolution". I also spent a great deal of time reading articles on goal setting, watching videos and listening to podcasts about sticking to a goal, creating more tangible goals, and goal manifestation.
After having a rough couple of days, I decided this morning that my "New Years Resolution" would only to be nicer to myself. While reading my daily devotional, I realized just how much time I've spent thinking about things like: "I'm not like so-and-so", "I don't work as fast as others" and "I'm not where I thought I would be at this age". I constantly have been putting myself down and comparing myself to others, mostly people I don't even know! The internet makes it easy to do this, with a constant Instagram and Facebook feed of entrepreneurs and writers doing great things and making things happen.
In my previous post, I mentioned Trish Blackwell. Her words stuck with me day after day, and I realized if I ever want to be someone that others look up to, I have to stop comparing, contrasting, and striving for someone else's goals. She reminds me that each of those people I see on social media also has their own struggles, and most likely have experienced doubt within themselves and self-hate at one point or another.
So, instead of making a crazy list of things to "manage" and "do daily" (I already have enough damn lists!), I'm keeping it simple this year and striving towards self-love, because without that, any goal I do manage to conquer won't be as fulfilling. I challenge you to take a step back and just mindfully be aware of how nice you are/ be to yourself. I guarantee you will enjoy your journey a lot more.
By January 1, 2015, I will be able to say I loved myself more, I loved others more, and truly enjoyed a year of simply making myself happier. Simple.
What are you planning on manifesting for yourself this year?
Listen to Trish's Anti-Self Bullying Podcast here, and enjoy what Kelly McGonigal has to say about sticking to a simpler resolution.
Happy New Year!
-Leah
