Is it a “New Me”, Though?

I grew up quite familiar with the phrase “new year, new me” being used days preceding January 1 as people shared thier resolutions and hopes for the new year.

As I have become older, resonating with the idea surrounding the phrase above became increasingly difficult (as it has been over used to the extent it no longer carries any meaning, at least to me). Instead, the idea (or perspective) of being just the same old me - but as a person who continues to evolve, learn, and grow each day, each week, each month, and each year* resonates more and more each new year.

When it comes to evolving, learning, and growing each year, I also have come to understand and learn a few things as well:

The idea of resolutions come with this rigid contraint that makes it easy to abandoning it all at the slightest inconvience/barrier/roadblock. Setting intentions on the other hand, which are more flexible and have done a great job at honoring where I am at as a person have helped me ask myself questions like, “What do I want to invite/continue to invite into my life this year?”

Aligning the mind, body, and soul is important to unite different aspects of self, integrate a sense of balance (quite subjectively defined) and foster well-being.

“The Only Constant in Life Is Change.” – Heraclitus. As change is constant in life, change can be hard when it is large scale. Therefore little steps could go a long way. Whether it's a morning routine, a gratitude practice, or regular self-reflection, these little (but big) steps are laying solid foundations to further build upon.

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” – Albert Eienstein. If starting the new year a particular way hasn’t been successful (subjective definition), I have worked on changing up my thought process, behaviour, plans, etc.

Letting go of what is no longer serving where I am or want to be is an iterative process that happens as the year goes by to makes room for the new and meaningful not a one time thing. “To let go does not mean to get rid of. To let go means to let be. When we let be with compassion, things come and go on their own.” – Jack Kornfield

A question for you: What are some things you have come to learn either about yourself or in general over time about starting a new year? Drop me a line if you feel like it as you know I love hearing from you. With that said…

To the endless possibilities that await you, Happy New Year! 🎉

*Acknowledging that while I am writing this based on on my life experience thus far, I am open to alternative thoughts here!