Why You Need To Make 2018 ‘The Year Of Me’

There’s always something beautiful about the concept of starting over on January 1st that never seems to get old. Goals to get back to the gym, eat healthier, or save more money are made. Whether its scribbled inside the backside of journals, saved to our phone’s Notes section, or shared via Facebook statuses, we try our best to assume some form of accountability in the new year.

When my Mom said that 2018 was going to be “the year of me,” I nearly doubled over in laugher. In typical daughter fashion, I slyly remarked, “And how is that different than any other year?” probably coming off a little more frigid than I intended. It wasn’t until one of those 45 minute showers (you know, the ones where you acknowledge that the Earth never stops spinning on its axis or that maybe you’ll come back in your second life as a butterfly), that I realized she was on to something.

All of these resolutions, they all have one thing in common – they bridge the gap between who we are and who we want to be. They get us closer to the idea of being the best version of ourselves. That maybe, just maybe, we would be the ideal version of ourselves if we were thinner, had clearer skin, drove a nicer car – whatever it may be. While some of us have swallowed more bitter pills than others in this past year, looking forward, it’s hard not to reflect on how much you may want it to be different than last.

So what exactly does “the year of me” mean? While I may not have figured it out in its entirety, “the year of me” quite literally means making myself (or in your case yourself) a priority.

In no way does putting yourself “first” mean putting others “last.” In no way am I suggesting going around with your nose pointed towards the sky with an egotistical, all-knowing attitude. Rather, I’m suggesting you treat yourself with the respect and love you give to others. Look at the bigger picture and make the conscious decision to grow. Growing isn’t about being boastful, it’s about assigning value to your worth.

Continue to hold the door open for others because it reminds you that you were raised properly. Continue to surprise your loved one with “just because” gifts because it reminds you that you have something to be thankful for. Continue to treat yourself to that manicure, massage or new outfit because it reminds you that you earned it.

Question yourself, educate yourself, challenge yourself, surprise yourself, forgive yourself. Whatever it may be, just do it for yourself and do it fearlessly.

When you begin to peel back the layers and unravel all the bullshit, you are left with only thing – yourself, and you will be until your last breath. So make sure that person, who you are at your core, is someone you love, admire and have respect for. It’s said that if you don’t feel good about you, it’s hard to feel good about anything else, and I find that to be true. 2018, “the year of me,” is about self-love, and I’m here for it.