Join Me! Let’s Break Our New Year Routine

For as long as I can recall, I start my new year watching the Tournament of Roses Parade. A few days ago, my 2019 began in the same way I expected. I anticipated the parade theme because each year, it’s a good guide of how I can look at the year ahead. So, picture the parade starting and the theme being announced… The Melody of Life.  

I was intrigued, but for some reason, it just didn’t resonate for me.  As the parade began, I noticed several unsettling things from technical difficulties to the whole vibe of the parade just being off.  I wasn’t the only one to notice.  The Twitterverse echoed my feelings.  That’s when it hit me ~ maybe 2019 isn’t going to start as smoothly as all the rest.

Personally, I’m recovering from a difficult December of several surgeries. It has put my home life and my work in perspective. As a hard-charging individual, I’ve had to rely on family and friends to help me with literally every single thing I do. Every routine I had has been shattered. Even the simplest tasks, like getting up from a chair or using the restroom, now required help. Recovery also gives you lots of time to think because there is only so much Great British Baking Show and Black Mirror that a girl can watch before the episodes run out.

So, while I don’t embrace the theme of The Melody of Life, I’m learning to embrace this as my theme: Just BE.

JUST BE

• It’s alright if you don’t push for a promotion, more work, or more reps at the gym.
• It’s fine if you don’t try to change every process in your world or buy every new piece of technology.
• You’re not a disappointment if you don’t make every single game your kid plays as you juggle other commitments.
• You don’t have to be friends with everyone- personally or at work. If a person treats you poorly or just generally don’t show up when you need them, drop them. If they don’t assume the best about you or spread false gossip about you, drop them. Cut negativity out of your life.

As I look back at my last ten years, I see many times when I was not gentle with myself. I was HARD on myself. I bullied myself and let my inner voice criticize me for my physical appearance, for work decisions and for ways I handled motherhood. Looking back, I realize I was wrong. Despite my best efforts to fit into what the world expected, I danced to my own beat. I stood up to bosses who were unethical at times. I did’t let people abuse me if they tried. I raised my children the way I wanted.

My wish for you, and for me, in 2019 is that we all be a little more gentle and kind with ourselves. Give yourself permission to JUST BE you and don’t worry about all the people out there telling you how to change.

It will be nice to have a year off from the constant push for change. Enjoy the ride!