New Year, New You.... But What do you Mean?
These four little words, “New Year, New Me”, can so easily be misinterpreted!
I have said it, you may have said it. There were are few years when I thought it, but didn’t say it out loud because I didn’t want to hear the “you should love your self without having to change” story. Hell, I have even SAID, you don’t need to be a NEW you because you are great just the way you are. But here is the thing, You are beautiful and wonderful as you are in this moment today AND you can have goals to change and to grow!
Self-love and growth can exist together! I believe in order to thrive we must grow and change and in order to do that, we must love ourselves first. Love and acceptance of who we are right now sets the foundation for developing goals, creating aspirations, and becoming the best versions of ourselves.
When many people hear someone say, “New Year, New me!” they automatically think this person doesn’t love who they are and they want to lose weight,. They throw shame and a feeling that they are not worth anything the way they are right now. But seriously people, haven’t we moved past this?! I think more people make this statement in the mindset of hope and optimism rather than shame and worthlessness. We know our worth is not measured by our clothing size and we know there is more to life than food and exercise. We know extreme deprivation and ridiculous diets don’t work, yet why is that all some of us hear at the onset of a new year?
If all you hear is the negativity and the need to correct this person. I highly suggest you evaluate your views on your own self-love and path in life.
Are you happy with your life in who you are right now?
Do you have a history of setting goals like, “I need to lose 20 lbs” or “No more junk food”?
Do you categorize food as “good” and “bad”?
Do you justify foods because of your workouts?
Do you “punish” yourself with exercise because of foods you ate?
Do you always feel tired during your workouts but keep pushing anyway?
Are you always looking for a new diet or workout plan?
Depending on your answers, maybe you need to explore a bit more of self-love and openness! Open your mind to the idea that a NEW ME may be more about the big picture of life. A NEW ME is about growth of ideas, vision, and simple evolution. It may include areas related to physical health, but I feel "A New Me” evaluates the eight dimensions of wellbeing to strive to be the best version of myself.
Rephrasing “New year, New Me” to “New Year, New Habits” may be more accurate of what we are trying to say. We want something different than our life right now. in order to get that, we have to change how we do things. unfortunately, we can’t just snap our fingers and be at this improved version of ourselves. It take time, work, and action. Action of creating new habits that serve us better!
So next time you hear someone say “NEW Year, New Me” ask them to tell you more! What do they mean? What are they striving for? What are they proud of now? What is their plan? What are they looking forward to? What are they most excited about?
Stay Healthy!
Ashley