Yesterday was the first day of 2025. And leading up to this day, I saw people in many different formats discussing what the New Year will bring. There was a lot of language about letting go of the hardships of 2024 and embracing their upcoming improvements., There was discussion about the resolutions people were making to change or make over themselves. It is not like this language is new this year. It comes around every year during the holidays. And to be honest, every year I struggle with it.

So why is this language that appears to be so positive and motivational make my skin itch? It is because underneath this language is a foundation of beliefs that I do not hold. The first belief is that there is always a need to be improving or changing ourselves. It is as if our culture has bought into the idea that we are never enough and they are selling it everywhere. Please understand that I am not against self-improvement. When I give my attention to something I want to change about myself, I want it to come from a place of “enoughness”. None of us is perfect, but we are all enough. Just the way we are. Any shifts in our thoughts or behaviors should come with total love for our flawed, beautiful, messy, amazing selves.

The second belief I bristle at is the concept that the new year gives us this huge cosmic do-over. This is the time we can begin again. I’m sure my journey with cancer influences my distaste for this. See, I never know if I will be around for next year’s huge cosmic do-over. Cancer says, “If you want something to be different, this is your moment. Don’t wait for a moment you may not have.” The truth is I can give myself a do-over right this second. For getting impatient with my impatient cat. For eating too many Christmas cookies yesterday. For being anxious about things over which I have no control. Right now, I can create a shift in my thoughts and choices. So can you.

So, what is my message in all this? One, you and I are enough. Period. Hard stop. Two, we can choose a do-over at any moment in time. It is ours for the taking. Just reach out your hand and grab it. But remember to love yourself, as you are, while you do that. My dear readers, all i want for you is to walk your own path knowing that none of us have this life-thing nailed down. We are just doing what we can do.

Be well.