NEW YEAR. SAME ME.

NEW YEAR.

SAME ME.

A little different form the hype of the “New Year, New Me” we see all over the media.

Just about everywhere you turn there is a company promising you that they can make you “new” for the New Year.

But what about just starting this new year and the “same” you?

The SAME ME.

The clock strikes midnight, the new year is here, and by the end of the first day of the new year we already feel the rush of resolutions and before you know it the anxiety kicks in that we already failed.

All in the first day of the New Year.

We put these expectations on ourselves to be and do this and that, but all this reaching for your “new me” is impossible before most of us don’t even like and know the the “same me” to begin with. 

We think that this extra money, a perfect number on the scale, a new or better job, or relationship will change the base of who we are—the “me.”

Now don’t get me wrong, we all need goals and aspirations for the minute, hour, day, and year.  But as we head in to this fresh new year, start with giving yourself more credit and self love for the “same me” than setting yourself up for more disappointment and failure on trying to create a “new me.”

The past few years have been hard and has taught us all so many things.  Not to take good health for granted, spending time with loved ones is really what matters, and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of busy go- go- go life is really what we all needed. I’m sure this year will be just as challenging as the last, but whatever happens we always have ourself our “same me.”

It’s time to love yourself.

You are the same person today as you were when were born. You were cared for before you could even care for yourself. Some of us have had more struggles from day one than others but these hard days have shaped us to who we are today.

Today, it is time to care for yourself. Today is in your hands.

Time to create the next minute, day, and new year for you.

So how do you start loving your “same me?”

This can look different for all of us, but here are a few tips I plan on continuing this new year:

1. Morning stretch and reflection.
   • I always start the day with a good stretch. No yoga degree required, just a good back, arm, and hamstring stretch. Just enough to get the body ready for the day. This is also good time as well what keeps you grounded. That could be bible study, inspirational readings, just quiet inner talk, or journaling.
2. Get in the sun.
   • I try and take lunch outside or near a window for some fresh air and vitamin D. This always refreshes me after working and taking care of the kids all morning. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.
3. Get active.
   • This could be a bike ride, walk, or gym session. All of these get your endorphins pumping and in a positive mindset and over that mid day slump.
4. Drink water.
   • I’m the worst at this one, but our body’s thrive off water and dehydration is no fun. It only leads to feeling sluggish.
5. Positive self talk.
   • Every time you say something negative about yourself, stop and re-direct your thoughts. This may be super challenging for you, but it is where the self love comes from. Let’s say you walk past the mirror and think, ”ugh, my stomach.” Redirect those thoughts and point out what that stomach has done for you. In my case I say, ” This stomach has housed 2 kids, full of nourishing food, and strong enough to support my kids as I hold them.
6. Make goals.
   • We have all made those new year goals that lasted 2 weeks and then we spiraled back 4 weeks. Make small goals. Day to day, not week to week. Celebrate your victories and forgive yourself for any challenges you faced. Learn from those challenges and change your goal the next day. This leads to less failure and more of loving your “same me.”
7. End the day with reflection.
   • I always end the day right before I shut my eyes with a little thanks. Thanks for today, the struggles, the joys, and for my mind and body. It survived going through the daily challenges and created new memories and adventures with my family.
8. Reach out.
   • This self isolation, quarantine lifestyle of the past can really do a number on our mental health. Don’t feel ashamed for reaching out. Either to a friend, family member, therapist, or a hotline. I promise you are not alone in your feelings and reaching out is a great way of getting out of your struggles. 

I hope this next year brings you joy within yourself and a year from now you will be the “same you,” but even better—because now you love yourself more than ever!

Cheers and blessings to the new year!

Love,

Ashley