When I saw Allison from Live Well Life Blog declaring New Year, Same me I couldn't help myself. I all but stood up and clapped for her because it spoke volumes to me. We're all guilty of saying "New Year, New Me" when this time of year rolls around. Every. Single. Year. And I, for one, am guilty of always doing the same thing, until I saw her post.
Here's my comment on her blog post.
I love that you are declaring New Year, Same Me because isn't it the truth? It's a new year but i'm still the same person I was. It's not like the clock strikes midnight and I'm a new person. I'm always genuinely me, it's just that i'm always trying to be a better version of myself. I'm declaring the same for this new year. I'm still me, just a work in progress, as always.
So true, right? I know we all want to better ourselves this time of year and we can and should. It's refreshing and renewing to start over. We all need that but the thing is, that i'm not magically going to become someone else nor do I want to be. I like who I am. I've fought and worked hard to become her. Of course there's always room for improvements and that's what I want to work on. I still want to be me, just a better version of me so I'm declaring, New Year, Same Me.
When it came to finding a word to focus on for 2016, several came to mind. Balance, Grace, Faith, Positivity, and Patience were ones that crossed my mind. They're all great words, they're all words I need to focus on all the time. I struggle with finding just one to focus on but my word of the year finally came to me.
My word of the year for 2016 is Perfection.
Not in the sense that I'm striving for perfection or even believe perfection exists. I know it doesn't but what does exist is my idea of perfection. My house has to be a certain way, I have to look a certain way, my car needs to be cleaned a certain way. All of this is my idea of perfection. It drives me insane to not have things "perfect". So much so that I often say no to lunch dates and fun things with loved ones because i've set up this false "perfection" that I live by. I can't go to lunch with a friend because I need to stay home and clean my house. It's not like my husband expects everything to be perfect. He only expects love when he walks in the door, a hug and a kiss. That's it. So how silly is it that I let my idea of perfection take up my time with loved ones? It's pretty ridiculous, if I do say so myself. (And I do) because one day those loved ones might not be here but the messy house always will. So here's why perfection is my word for 2016. Because it's a word I want to take out of my mind and my life.
Perfection isn't there. It simply isn't. And i'm the only one in my life who is living by this false sense of perfection. It controls me sometimes so good bye to perfection this year. And Hello to new opportunities and fun in its place. Adventures await. Even more happiness awaits. It's going to be a wonderful new year.
New Year, Same Me minus perfection.
What are you saying goodbye to this year?
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Perfection is a completely constructed idea, not something that can be achieved. And I guarantee if you ever did reach "perfection" you'd find something else to find fault in. We all do it! I say strive for "done" versus "perfect." That's what's helped me grow professionally and personally! xo
ReplyDeleteThank You for sharing your lovely insights. You're so right, perfection can never be achieved and even if it could, we'd still find fault in something else. I love your focus on striving for done vs. perfect!
DeleteLove this! I actually pick words to go with my years also, last year mine was "done" trust me it wasn't as bad as it sounds. I meant it as being done with letting things stress me out, or dealing with drama, and lots of other reasons. It turned out to be a great year.
ReplyDeleteI love taking a word and focusing on NOT allowing it to control you. I think it makes it so much easier to stay focused. I love the word "done" in your terms, too! I hope your 2016 is as great as last year!
DeleteI love the idea of Allison's New Year, Same Me. I don't like the whole thing about people saying oh I'm going to be a new person with the new year. I get the being a better person, which is great. However, I think each day should be a day that you try to better yourself, not just the new year. I have been seeing so many bloggers do this type of post and it really has me thinking what would be my word for 2016. I will be doing a post like this as well with my word, once I decide on it. Also, don't be so hard on yourself. No one is perfect and we all need to live a little. I can't wait to see what 2016 has to bring for you and your blog!
ReplyDeleteThank You so much! I'm so happy for this community i've become part of. It means so much to get sweet, caring comments like this. I love doing a word of the year. It's exciting to find one thing to focus on through out the year! I can't wait to see what your word is and where this year leads you, too!
DeleteLove this idea! This year, I am saying goodbye to procrastination...because I tend to do it a lot. And, because of that, it was eating away at my time and energy. I am definitely focusing on BALANCE this year. Good luck, lovely!
ReplyDelete-Linh
Oh! Procrastination is a good one. I say that as I sit here and surf the internet instead of finishing taking down the Christmas decorations. That's something I need to focus on, too! Happy New Year Sweet Lady!
DeleteThis has inspired me to come up with a word of the year. I think it's much easier to focus on one broader goal that way!
ReplyDeleteI thought you did a word of the year! It's such a great way to keep focus through out the year.
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