The New Year season usually pans out like this: new goals + wine + notebook / notes app = new year resolutions, but what about the things we need to leave behind? What about the bad habits, thoughts and regrets we do not want trailing behind us into our fresh new start?
Didn’t think about that, did you? Yeah, me neither.
During the holiday season, I had the chance to ask a few kick ass ladies these exact same questions, and while their answers varied from abandoning mental behaviors to unleashing a new level of authenticity, the theme of putting themselves first was more than apparent.
Go on, take a peek:
As the year comes to an end, I plan on leaving behind procrastination–a habit that’s been glued to my hip since my days in college–and worry that I, or my work, isn’t good enough. I have had moments in 2015 of believing I wasn’t capable of the good that was coming to me, thus putting me in a funk that left me unproductive for days on end. In turn, I fell behind on projects and posts and let procrastination take the wheel, creating even more anxiety within myself. In the last few months, I’ve come to fully understand that my purpose is made specifically for me and only me and that no matter what I do, I am worthy of all the things that come my way. I do, however, have to continue to work effectively and efficiently to receive the additional things that are to come. Tapping into your purpose and thriving in it is a never ending journey.
– Erica Nichole of EverythingEnJ.com
My best friend and I decided on a mantra for 2016 recently: no filters, no fucks.While it may have taken years to realize, editing ourselves doesn’t do anyone any favors. Authenticity is key and to be authentic we need to be honest first with ourselves and second with those around us. So, I am leaving the edited version of myself behind in 2015 and am promising to myself to be intentional, to be honest and to share the authentic Lauren in the New Year- even when she may have an unpopular opinion.
2015 was the year I decided I was going to KICK-ASS, but in doing everything I thought I needed to get done NOW, I neglected ME. From being constantly burned out and overextending myself to meet deadlines both in my personal and professional life, I knew this was not the life I want for myself. I was giving to everyone else but me, and this year helped me to realize the importance of investing in ‘me time’ – to indulge in things that bring me life, that awakens my spirit and takes me on a new and refreshing path. I am leaving 2015 with more focus on giving wholeheartedly to myself, assessing how I feel and the things that make me feel alive or connected to who I truly am – it’s doing more listening, slowing down and identifying what consumes me.
I spent the bigger portion of 2015 feeling small. Tense. Inadequate. And when I did stand tall, full of light and love, part of me felt guilty about it. That part was my anxiety and depression – my unrelenting internal neighbors who, over time, have become mental landlords.
In 2016 I will evict all feelings of worthlessness, doubt and torment. I will stop trying to prevent pain and start learning how to heal. I will not silence, resize, or contort myself to fit in with people, places and ideas that do not serve me. Instead, I will take up as much beautiful space in the world as possible and will not apologize for how radiant I shine.
Now that you’ve heard from them, here is our question to you, 10s! What are you leaving behind in 2015?
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