Almost one month into the New Year we are still in the whirl of the “New year, new me” wave. Nah. I am not a huge fan of that phrase or way of thinking. Though we are constantly going through the cycle of death and rebirth, do not quickly cast aside the “old you”. Leaving a version of yourself behind is growth and does not always equate that you will feel like a new person. There is no waking up to a new year and being brand new. I focus on change and growth. So, as one who always falls short on her own New Year’s resolutions. I was determined with the energy surrounding 2020 that I wanted to live the year full of intention and purpose.
Vision Boarding
I had a vision board party a month or so before the end of 2019 in preparation for my New Year’s resolutions. I went into this process with nothing in particular in mind, except for knowing I wanted happiness in 2020. While flipping through the pages of many National Geographic magazines, I saw images and words that jumped out at me and moved something within my soul.
My vision for 2020 consists of a connection to nature which ultimately means a better connection with myself and my goals. I feel looking at nature we can learn a lot about ourselves and each other. In fact, in 2019, after being a plant mom for a bit of the time – I was in awe with how similar we are with even our house plants. Through my cacti-babies, I learned:
- As people, we need sun and water to be happy and healthy
- Our soil (environment) directly impacts our growth
- Clean air is essential
- Music affects us
- Imperfections make us beautiful
- Our very bodies let us know what we need, read the signs
- Death and rebirth is just part of life
This year, I plan on being more environmentally conscious and to dedicate myself to my own growth and happiness.
How to Vision Board?
If you don’t have immediate access to magazines and other craft supplies or simply do not have the time, did you know you can also create a virtual vision board? It can be as simple as curating your Instagram feed to see positive things that fuel your soul and dreams. There are also countless apps that can help you with the task as well! You can learn a bit more about vision boards and apps that can help here.
New Habits
The new year is a perfect time to start some new and healthy habits! My focus from here on out is my health – mental and physical. For the month of January, I am omitting sugar from my diet! Easier said than done, soon as I am listening more to my body, I began to realize that sugary things were making me feel very bloated. Day ten of this regime: I am not bloating and I have more energy! Who would have thought?
For myself, I struggled with the idea of “watching what I eat”. To do so made me feel that I would not be able to enjoy food and to live out my life as a foodie. Now I am realizing that watching what I eat will only help me achieve that goal more. Because I am omitting sugar, I am spending less money daily which ultimately means: more funds to splurge on delicious food!
I have also been more physically active, hiking, and practicing grounding exercises to bring me back into my body. So far, so good.
My Mental Health
This proves to be the hardest thing of all for me to get a grip on and is on the top of my list for my New Year’s resolutions. Usually, I determined my worth on external forces. Needless to say, that approach has hurt and disappointed me. I’m finished with it. Or at least, I am trying to be. My eyes opened my past birthday, every year of my life I would wish that someone would make my day special. Suddenly, I realized that I can take life into my own hands. I treated myself; made reservations for a spa and a restaurant on the waterfront to get me some lobster and champagne. I can never go back to depending on someone else for this special day.
I digress: My point being is that I am understanding that I am in control of my happiness and that my happiness starts with me. Now, I am honing in on my inner validation. In my last relationship, it became clear that I could not depend on anyone else for validation (in fact I was forced to have it all come from myself or others outside of my relationship). Though the situation was negative, I came out of the other side stronger and more aware of what I need to do in order to be happy.
Me, Myself & I
I took a vow that from now on, I’m gonnan be my own best friend”
Beyoncé
Finally, my priority for 2020 is myself. I am finished looking externally for love and affection. I am no longer putting in the effort to desperately try to teach someone how to love and understand me. There will be no more begging for attention or always being second. This year, I am diving into the vast pool of self-love. I will bathe in positive affirmations, soak up unconditional love; all that I have poured into others will now be going into me. Life is too precious to waste it on individuals that do not recognize your immense value and worth.
At last, I will receive the love and dedication I truly deserve. All from myself and anyone who comes short of the love that lives and breathes within me can very kindly keep stepping. Now, it’s your turn. Step into your truth and the new year with new habits, mindset, or a new outlook. There is no need for a brand new you. All you are seeking is inside, you just have to give her the spotlight. What are your New Year’s and life resolutions?