This Year, I Hope You Can Learn To Just Be
By Gabi Crowley
“New year, new me,” the classic line far too many people use every start of a new year. Guilty as charged.
I think we can all admit that 2016 was one hell of a year, that ended with our nation electing a reality TV star as the next President of the United States (deep breaths, deep breaths, deep breaths). Gonna go ahead and say it again… one.hell.of.a.year. In addition to the transition of power of our country’s leader in a few days, here we are in the second weekend of January and I’ve already locked myself out of my iCloud account, consumed more pizza than salad, and definitely have done more bicep curls with beer cans and wine glasses than I have with dumbbells.
So this year, instead of making resolutions that we’re (gonna go ahead and assume that I’m not the only one here) obviously not good at sticking to, I think we can all agree and focus on one thing… to BE better human beings. To really BE an example of what kind of world we want to live in should be something we all should want to do, despite our differences in politics, not only for the sake of others, but for ourselves.
So as I sip my over-sized glass of Merlot and think about the next meal I’m going to eat while I’m literally eating right now (some things never change), here are just a few simple things I’m going to try and be better at this year… and I think you maybe should too.
Be thankful…
Once a day, think of one thing that you have in your life that you truly appreciate, no matter how big or small it may be. SO many others in this world, don’t have the luxury of things we take for granted every single freaking day.
Be kind…
To yourself. You are doing the best you can, and if you truly aren’t, today’s the perfect day to start.
Be patient…
That person in front of you is having a worse day than you’re having. Those couple extra minutes you’ll wait in silence will make their day a bit less shitty.
Be present…
Live in the moment. Put the phone down for even just one hour a day. (Says the Snapchat addict, I know I know… but I’m honestly trying!)
Be accepting…
Have a conversation with someone with an opposing opinion and really LISTEN. You may not agree with them at the end of it all, but realize that being different is what makes living so great.
Be confident…
Remove the word “sorry” from your vocabulary unless there is an absolute need for it. More times than not, there’s no need to apologize.
Be loving…
Snuggle your friends and family whenever you get the chance. There’s no such thing as “too many hugs.”
Be generous…
Buy the homeless person on the corner a meal instead of giving them cash. There’s nothing better than a hot meal on a bone-chilling cold day.
Be supportive…
We need each other more than ever today. Be there for your family, friends, and whoever else needs a little extra attention.
Be forgiving…
Let go of the grudges you’ve held on to for far too long. That weight off your shoulders will be an instant relief.
Be friendly…
Say “hello” to a stranger passing you on the street. You never know whose day you will make with one simple word, or if that person will even turn into a lifelong friend.
Be a voice…
For those who need one. Advocate for something you believe in, and stand up for what you know in your heart is right.
Be brave…
Do something that scares and challenges you. In the end, it will better yourself.
If it’s one thing we can all do this year, it’s to be a little something greater than we already are. So let’s be, 2017. Let’s be.