But the only truly irritating thing about the cliche is that we don't commit to our resolutions. Maybe if we did, instead of everyone being sick of hearing about the goals we have for ourselves, our friends could be happy for us. For sticking to our guns when our lives temporarily fell apart, opposed to turning ourselves into our own personal enemies. I believe one of the biggest challenges to overcome is realizing we are the only ones holding ourselves back. It is possible we are self destructive to make sure we have the energy to give everyone else what we lack. I don't think that makes us bad people. I think that makes us great people that need to adjust our priorities.
When all else fails, have your people. Everyone needs to have those people to coddle you when needed, but also know when to pick your ass up and get your head back in the game. And if for any reason you lose yourself in the chaos, they are there to ground you. They keep you humble and strong and they are the ones to remind you who you are. Those people will help you with any and every struggle you may have on this earth and won't expect a damn thing in return. Love each other. Love your family. The ones who stick around through the madness are the ones that will be there for you when you have no one else. Do things for other people with no expectations of getting anything back. Not even a thank you is necessary. What are we doing if not helping someone? What are we really dying to achieve if we aren't willing to stick our necks out for each other? Aren't willing to compliment for a simple smile? You do good things just to do those good things. It makes you feel better, it solidifies your humanity.
We should be able to trust ourselves. Not being so afraid of commitment, we break our compromises with the universe, with each other.
"Here's the deal," shouting to the stars, "I'll do this, you give me this."
Two weeks later, you're making excuses out of the agreement and you are asking yourself why, at least, the universe didn't keep up it's end of the bargain.
We have commitment issues. From our parents, from lovers, from friends. We are so easily and willing to distract ourselves from our engagements because our world has given us everything. And I understand, I too, am guilty of it. But we need to stop. We need to breathe. We need to live.
Put down your phone and read a book if you must slouch. Go back to the good old days where you can get engrossed in something with meaning. Take every moment in. Those times where you are crying from laughing and for a second you realize how happy you are in that moment. All worries disappear, all the stresses of your life are gone for those few minutes. Entangle yourself with that feeling of lightness and hold onto it for dear life. Breathe in the fresh, crisp air and feel it fill your lungs and chill your bones. Even on your worst days, get in your car and drive. Roll the windows down and blast the radio and sing at the top of your lungs. You will feel better. Go outside, work up a sweat, talk to strangers when you're feeling alone. We live in a beautiful state with everything we want at our fingertips.
Run, walk, skip, jump rope to your god damn dream. I don't care how you get there as long as you know how to apply yourself and live everything the world has to offer you.
Who gives a damn about everyone else? If you're feeling gorgeous or accomplished, post that shit on social media. Get that pat on the back you deserve. Fishing for compliments is hardly cute, fishing for respect, on the other hand, is admirable. Share your joys and the people that criticise you to make you smaller are small themselves.
We need more positives in our lives because we were built around pain and the idea of perfection since we learned to speak. (Seriously don't even get me started on the media.) Keep giving and taking advice to and from those who really love you and have motivation and sense to give. Stop being ashamed of your emotions and really feel them. Let them take hold of you for a moment because they are there for a reason. If they are irrational, you'll work through them. If it's painful, you need to feel it before you can move on. If it's love, know the differences between being friends, lovers, significant others, what they have in common and what they lack. Always know what you need and what you don't and you'll learn not to settle.
Make commitments this year and don't give yourself room to fail. Know what is achievable and what isn't. The new year is symbolic in practically every culture and there is no reason to stop trying to improve yourself. Get to know yourself this year. Cherish and take advantage of your strengths and work through your weaknesses. Love what you have, because you have what you need. Work your ass off to get somewhere you want to be.
