Geerthana Uthayakumar In 2019, my resolution was to prioritize my health, well-being, and happiness. It meant resting when needed rather than overworking myself as a means of coping with stress and sadness. It meant taking time to understand how and why I react the way I do and coming to the conclusion that I needed to let myself face my emotions. It meant confiding in trusted people. It meant severing the bonds with people that did not positively impact my life or that of my family in any way, even though they came with the title of “family.” It meant realizing people only gossip when they see something in you that they are lacking. It meant forgiving and understanding that everyone is battling their own demons.
The past year, I practiced setting boundaries, saying “no” and not feeling guilty, and cutting out/limiting my interaction with people that drained my energy. Instead I made effort to spend time with people that made me happy, allowed myself to feel whatever I was feeling, and forgave myself for mistakes that resulted from simply not having known any better. I actively strived to not only be the best mother, friend, daughter, sister, and partner like I had done in the past but also the best version of myself for me. And that is when I started noticing the growth I wanted to see. I’m looking forward to the new year and decade with the goal of living a more simpler, slower, minimalistic lifestyle so I get the opportunity to relish in each day and be more present while raising my family.
You can set goals anytime of the year but there’s just something so invigorating about making goals for the upcoming year. I hope you all take the time to reflect on your own lives, and the changes you want to see, and take the steps no matter how small to make that happen. And remember that changes don’t happen overnight, they happen gradually. And if you find you’ve broken your resolution, keep keep in mind that all is not over; you have not failed because you can start again. Any day of the year is a good day to start on working towards a happier life and better version of you. Afterall it’s our intentions that become our reality.
Happy New Year’s Eve everyone!
