5 Things We Should All Leave in 2017
It wouldn't be a new year without goal-setting and a fresh list of intentions.
I know because I jump at every opportunity to start over. I'm the girl that gets a new phone and doesn't transfer any of her old photos. If you get me, you get me.
This year though I decided to do things a little bit differently, and instead of writing my intentions first (which I eventually did.. pictured below) I actually made a list of things and habits I needed to cut out of my life.
// Shop the journal/notebook/or whatever here. //
At first it felt like a really negative thing to do, like spreading negative energy or something. But it's IMPORTANT because sometimes the things we carry with us year-after-year are the very things that hold us back from the goals we keep setting. So here I go sharing 5 things we should all leave in 2017... because if it doesn't add to our lives, it will only subtract.
1. THE COMPARISON GAME
Comparison is the thief of joy... Theodore Roosevelt wasn't lying. That's why in 2018 the first thing I'm getting rid of is my tendency to compare. It's a hard thing, knowing that all of your life all you've done is value yourself in relation to others. I've wanted to be smarter, funnier, more athletic, more well-rounded, thicker, and then thinner (lol at standards of beauty, f that)... and joining the Instagram and blogging communities didn't exactly help quiet that voice in my head. But here's one thing I know: comparing will do nothing good for you. So let's stop doing it, and replace all of that negative stuff with a desire to just be better than yesterday.
2. SELF-DOUBT & THE FEAR OF TRYING
This kind of defined my 2017. I was preparing to take the MCAT with a relatively low-GPA (#premedprobs), I wanted to start a blog but I didn't think anyone would read it, and I was scared if I did start a blog that people would judge me. But guess what? I took the MCAT, started this blog, and received nothing but support from the realest friends a girl could ask for. Moral of the story here: Go after everything your heart desires because YOU CAN.
3. PROCRASTINATION & OTHER WAITING GAMES
I'm guilty of putting EVERYTHING off, small or big, whether it'd take 5 minutes or 5 hours. So this year I'm saying no to putting off the stuff that I really have no excuse for procrastinating. If it takes less than 30 minutes to do, or if you'll be drastically happier when it's over, DO. IT. NOW.
4. SAYING NEGATIVE THINGS ABOUT OTHER WOMEN
This one's self-explanatory so I'll keep it short and sweet. Few things make me sadder than women putting down other women. I'm as guilty as the next girl so in 2018 I'm making a point to cut it out. Whether she wears make-up or not, whether she's loud or soft-spoken, whether she commands a room or prefers to mingle in the middle... let. that. girl. live. And the next time anyone tries to compliment you by saying you're not like other girls, punch them in the mouth* for saying something so sexist. #womenempoweringwomen
*don't actually punch them.
5. THE "I CAN DO IT ALL" SUPERWOMAN COMPLEX
You don't have to be everything to everyone, but to serve others you do have to take care of yourself. Know when to say no, when to say yes, and when you've got nothing left to give. It's hard enough trying to be better for yourself and I'm guilt of constantly trying to be better for everyone else too. Respecting your limits does not make you weak, and self-care does not make you selfish. Remember that.
I hope you'll join me in getting rid of the things that hold you back. We can, and we will.
All love always,
Mez
