New year, new me? No thanks.

I hate that saying. It puts so much pressure on us. It makes people think that if they don't achieve with these lifestyle changes they have failed the year. Which is why I hate it.

I, for one, like the way I am. Yes I can work out more, eat better, etc., but if I make it a resolution I will only do it for a week tops and then forget to carry on. Then after a few months I will feel bad about myself because I Failed My Resolution. I have tried it before, and I will not be trying it again.

Now, this is not me saying that people should never change. I just find it ridiculous to set it on the basis of a calendar switch over. If that's how it works for you and if it helps you keep happy then go for it. But it can be a very stressful expectation for many people.

This year, instead of resolutions of what I can do to change myself, I've decided to carry on doing the things that I discovered made me happier and healthier in 2020 - despite it being a terrible year for everyone involved, it did teach me many things.

For one, I stopped making these wild limits for what things are exciting and what things aren't. To have an exciting day I don't have to go out and have a big adventure. I can have an exciting day by my mum saying there's garlic bread for dinner. I love garlic bread, so why shouldn't that be exciting for me? (I've said exciting too many times now)

The point I'm making is that I learned (accidentally, mind you, not much else going on) that by finding these little pockets of joy in my day, I can still feel like something good has happened to me even when I'm stuck at home.

Secondly, 2020 brought me a lot closer to my friends, something I didn't think possible. It really showed me that I can have just as fulfilling a relationship with the people around me through weekly phone calls and quick games nights as I can through holidays and club nights. (I still miss hugging everyone though)

I also absolutely fell in love with mantras, gratuity and affirmations last year. It helped quiet my mind and focus on what was important in my life. It also gave me a positive start to every day, so I plan to carry that with me.

I don't think the New Year should ever be about setting all these crazy goals to improve yourself, it should be about identifying what makes you happy and deciding to take those things forward with you throughout your life.

So I urge you to think - what makes you happy? Is it the glimpse of sunset you can see from your bedroom window at night? Or the first cup of tea or coffee in the morning? Maybe it's playing your favourite video game, or your favourite song/album/artist. Maybe it's that five minutes in the morning that you take to journal.

Whatever it is, I hope you carry it with you throughout this year and live healthier and happier than last year.