It’s that time again–the new year, when resolutions are thrown around like coffee orders. And soon enough the gym selfies roll in on the heels of sustainably-sourced, artfully-plated weeknight dinners. The whole thing is almost enough for me to swear off bettering myself for good.
It’s not that I’m against resolutions; they represent wanting to make ourselves better than we were the year before. Whether it’s spending more time with your family, exercising, or eating better, I applaud your efforts. It’s amazing that there are so many people who recognize there are areas in their lives that they’d like to improve.
The thing is that resolutions are so…resolute. They don’t leave room for errors or the curve balls life throws to fuck with our plans. I’ve never made a resolution in part because it’s a lot of pressure, which got me thinking: what if I resolved to go easier on myself? What if 2017 was the year I gave myself a little more grace to make mistakes and ask for help when my plate is too full? That sounds like a resolution I could keep.
If there is anyone out there already quaking in their boots thinking about the resolutions they made to work out five days a week, read 100 books in 2017, cook healthy family meals, and make more time for your significant other, it’s ok. It’s going to be ok. Do what you can and know that you’re enough.
Katherine Laurin 