Happy 2013, everyone!
I can't believe we've officially said goodbye to 2012, but I am ready to bid that year adieu.
Now, I've always been a sucker for the concept of new beginnings. I live for the promise of a clean slate and the opportunity to give myself another chance- at being nicer, at being healthier, and at being better, generally. 2013's start gives me that seemingly overdone type of hope that characterizes the modern "New Year." It motivates me, as cliche as it may seem, to be a greater version of myself. I love that.
But in truth, this year I have a slightly different perspective on the concept of resolutions. I don't know if it's because I'm getting older or because I'm starting to view the world more realistically, but I've realized that the stroke of midnight on the 31st doesn't really imply the start of a new life. The turning of the new year doesn't magically give us the strength, or the motivation, or the determination we deemed ourselves as lacking 12 or 24 hours prior. We're the same people. I can try, but the changing of the date doesn't mean I'm going to suddenly and devoutly resolve to read more, or go to the gym three times a week, or be more compassionate. It just doesn't work like that.
That's not because I don't wholeheartedly believe in or support the concept of bettering oneself. It's because that, in actuality, if we want to make changes in our lives, or go after something, it doesn't matter what year it is. We can accomplish those things, or begin to, the day, the minute, or the second we resolve within ourselves to finally and actually do so. To realize that we deserve this change, or that our friends deserve to be treated better, or the like. It's not the new year that does that, it's us.
2012 was an interesting year for me. I remember thinking at the onset of last year that I wanted to be braver, to take more chances, and to stop being afraid of making mistakes. And looking back on the last twelve months, I'd say I did that. Last year, I truly adjusted to my new life in San Diego as a college student. I met some of my closest school friends in fateful and serendipitous ways. I can explain our friendships as nothing less than meant to have happened. I had my heart broken, a few times. And for anyone curious, it's getting fixed. I've come to appreciate my family and my life at home, and realized that my parents are truly there for me whatever the circumstances. I have learned that I am stronger than I ever knew, that I can bloom and be happy in new places, and that I should grow to trust myself a little more. I know now that I'd rather live and love at the risk of getting hurt, than remain within the barricades I built for myself long ago.
This year, I hope to be better. I've resolved, as you'll probably have guessed, to have no formal resolutions. I'm just going to try to become a greater version of myself- to be kinder, to worry less, to finally start going after some things I've long wanted. I'm going to take it day by day, and that's all I can really ask of myself.
So this year, I'm daring myself (and you) to love a little harder, laugh a little more, and be, in whatever way, a little better.
I'm sending you all the best wishes.
Much luck and happy, happy 2013.
