We see it in the media; we hear it from our friends; we even are guilty of telling it to ourselves. Like clockwork (pun intended), as soon as the calendar page flips to January 1, we are inundated with the same popular phrase: “New Year, New You.”
There’s something about the start of the year that makes us feel obligated to change. Try this haircut; lose that weight. You are told to make resolutions; to take this next year to totally transform physically, mentally and spiritually so come December, you are a completely different person. It’s as if you are being told that the individual you have become the last 20-something years just isn’t good enough. Crumple up that version, toss it in the trash, upgrade to “You: Version 2.0.”
But what if the person you are today isn’t so bad? What if, dare I say, you like yourself just the way you are? Instead of this “new you” concept that has plagued us for too long, we here at CollegeFashionista invite you to be the “same you” this year. Instead of casting aside all the wonderful things that make you, well, you, embrace them. Be confident in your skin, embrace your quirks and feel empowered to share yourself with the world.
We’re not saying to not grow, learn and find out more about yourself. But there’s a fine line between self improvement and a total overhaul. Take this year to celebrate the things that you love about your life. If you are passionate about yoga, explore new poses you were once fearful of trying out (I’m looking at you headstand). If you enjoy making people laugh, consider doing an open mic night and sharing your gift with the world. Workout if you want to, not because you feel you have to. Eat ice cream for breakfast if that’s what your body is calling for. Do the things you have always wanted to try; say the things you have always wanted to say. Share with loved ones and strangers your talents, passions and self. Embrace and celebrate that there is only one of you in the world.
So instead of “out with the old in with the new,” we invite you to keep your “old” self around this year. Besides, we happen to think she’s pretty rad.
