In the new year, resolve to celebrate yourself

As every New Year approaches, it seems as though we’re encouraged to think, “new year, new me!” Sure, it makes sense … to an extent. The first day of the year marks the first page of a 365-day book filled with endless opportunities and possibilities. However, what about all those other 365-page books you’ve filled over the years? Don’t those count for something?

It’s easy to feed into what the media tells society - “new year, new you!” – and even easier to convince yourself that the only way this year is going to be better than the last is if you become someone new.

However, as the year progresses, you find that you begin to fall short on your resolutions. You become discouraged that your seemingly foolproof plan to transform into a “new you” isn’t working as you hoped. You start to feel disheartened by your inability to follow through.

Although this type of behavior is common, it isn’t healthy. So, instead, fill 2017’s 365 unwritten pages with positive statements. Fill them by doing things that will feed the soul. Fill them with intentions rather than resolutions.

The best way to live this life is to be your most authentic self. To do this, you must remember to appreciate who you are every single day.

The more we learn to appreciate our mind, body and soul, and all that we’ve accomplished in our lifetime, the sooner we can discover an even better version of ourselves.

And the sooner you discover a better you, the sooner you can live a better life.

As this year ends and the new one begins, we should celebrate ourselves: The hard work we did during the year to be the best we can be and the challenges we are prepared to meet in the new year. Believe that you can conquer even the toughest obstacles, and, most importantly, love the person you’ve become over the years.

ALYSSA SILVA is social media manager of Body Soul Inspired Personal Training.