New beginnings
New Year’s always the same; resolutions end up being January in the gym, and February to December in the booth at Domino’s. Problems don’t melt away when the clock strikes twelve, and you still have that untouched book sitting on your desk. Change takes time. So, here are a few resolutions that you can complete.
1. Stop comparing your body to other people. You’re always going to be too skinny, too fat, too short, and too tall but it doesn't matter. Forget that girl has beautiful hair or that boy has a brighter smile. You don't have to fit into size 2 jeans, and it’s normal to have folds of fat on your stomach when you bend forward. Be comfortable in your own skin.
2. Spend time with your family. Go to drive-in movie theatres, and laugh until it’s hard to breathe. Go for picnics with your grandparents, sneak out of the house with your sister, and buy your little brother his favourite cupcake on your way home.
3. Don’t be mean. Stop being critical or judgmental about people you’ve never spoken to, stop gossiping about girls who “dress provocatively” or boys who are “too cocky”. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything.
4. You don't need to evaluate every sentence thrown your way. Some people live to bring others down and you don't need to waste away on meaningless words.
5. Tell the people you love that you love them. Thank them for listening; thank them for being there when you needed them the most. Always remind them that you will be there for them too.
6. Forgive yourself. It’s easy to get angry and go so close to setting the whole world on fire when you get a B on the test you studied so hard for, or for having too many freckles on your face, or for not meeting expectations. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Stop crying over projects and overdue homework. Be okay with less than a hundred percent.
7. Eat. There’s no point in watching food shows while your stomach churns, or running until you can’t breathe. There’s no need to check food labels for the calorie count; eat that cookie if you want to.
8. It’s okay to be alone sometimes. No one cares if you sit alone at the lunch table or if you take the bus home by yourself. People won’t think you’re a loser just because you walk to class without someone beside you.
9. Make time for yourself. Go for a jog on Saturday morning before the rest of the world wakes up. Have brunch on Sundays with a book and a bottle of water. Go home instead of the party on Friday nights. Dance in your kitchen, soak in your bath, scream at the sun. It’s okay not to be included in everything.
10. You will be alright.