New Years Anti-Resolutions

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The following is an article I wrote for a online-based Greek publication, The Odyssey. Enjoy!

New Years Anti-Resolutions 
Along with a new year comes a flood of possible resolutions – perhaps to lose a few pounds, further your career, get better grades, whatever it may be. However, instead of the constant pressure we put on ourselves to look better, perform better, BE better, here is my list of resolutions with a little twist. Basically: Things to stop doing in the new year. 

Stop caring so much about what others think.

Chances are, other people aren’t paying attention to you as much as you would like to think. Exciting news: Other peoples’ opinions will not make or break you. Be you, love that person and stop wasting energy on people who simply don’t matter.

Stop saving your fitness goals for the new year.

While the new year is a great time to make a positive change in your life, why save any and all resolutions for a new year? Each day is another chance to change, so make use of your time.

And additionally…

Stop treating your body like crap.

Sure, that late night run to Wendy’s probably sounded like a nice idea in theory, but you’re really doing your body zero favors. Eat minimal junk and do something daily to get moving. Our bodies are capable of so many great things, but only if you are fueling it correctly. Your 78-year-old self will thank you down the road. Not to mention, endorphins are nice…it’s like a big, fat mood enhancer, or your free prize for treating your body well.

Stop neglecting your family.

Call your mom. Call your grandma. Call your eighth cousin, twice removed. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a family. Don’t take them for granted.

Stop giving your time to crappy people.

Is that one “friend” of yours constantly making you feel like you’re trash? Is that relationship absolutely exhausting? Let them go. Life is too short to not have incredible friends, even if that means just a few of them.

Stop being so hard on yourself.

People make mistakes, all the time, every day. It’s OK that you may not have made the grade you had hoped for on your exam. It’s OK you can’t run a mile like you could in high school. It’s OK you didn’t throw on some makeup today. Love and happiness comes from within; don’t waste your time putting yourself down when love is the greatest gift you can give others and yourself.

Stop giving so much time to social networking.

Peoples’ lives aren’t perfect. People will only put their best foot forward on social media – that new job, new significant other, a proposal, vacation, handbag, whatever. Because we’re humans and we’re consumed with striving for perfection, even though that perfection simply doesn’t exist. Spend more time doing things you love with people you love. Be present and in the moment. Your phone can wait, I promise.

Stop leaving your makeup on overnight.

No, but seriously, take it off.

Stop – and enjoy the moment.

Make some awesome memories and enjoy each and every moment, no matter how small. Take time to look around at the places you’re in, at the people you’re with. As Ferris Bueller once said, "life moves pretty fast; if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it."
Oh, and happy New Year. : ) 

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