I initially wrote this as a social media post. And then it became a whole beast for a measly comment on Instagram. And with that, welcome back to the blogging world, Morgan! I would say you’ve been missed, but that would probably be me with blown-up ego. With that - off we go!
The new year is coming! And with that… no fewer than 19 billion ads and memes about how we’re going to better ourselves.
Now. Up front clarity. I’m a firm believer in you do you. Like resolutions? Have fun! Like having a word of the year? That’s me! And mine is already picked out! I’m even taking it for a test drive this week because why wait until Jan 1?
I’m just popping on here to share a thought I had at the ass crack of dawn because I’m ridiculous like that. Some people have thoughts in the shower or while squatting on the porcelain throne - I have them laying in my warm bed while procrastinating getting out to a freezing room (not an exaggeration - my mother who thinks I exaggerate about everything will back me up on this).
The thought. (Spoiler alert: it still takes me a hot minute to get to the thought.) I’m used to all of the diet ads and whatnot and have a tendency to just roll past them after a lifetime of hating my body (aesthetically) and coming to a place where I can love myself AND still want it to change - because I can’t do all the physical things I want to do in the body I have. I don’t need a diet for that - I need a better diet (as in nutritional eating) and stronger habits in all sorts of ways that are not just physical. Because I’m firmly rooted in that - I dismiss the diet culture ads. I probably shouldn’t as they are pervasive and prey on the vulnerability of post holiday eating extravaganza.
What got me today was a meme that said something the effect that we are going to stop giving worry our energy and instead give our energy to all these other ideals, like creativity.
If dropping your worries is one of your goals - cool! Working on my still somewhat shitty self-esteem is one of mine - we’re in it together! AND. I’m in therapy for a reason. (Ok, a whole lot of reasons, and that’s one of them).
That’s the ENTIRE point of this massively long post that took me this long to get here. Lean on the resources you need to help you get to the goals you have.
For most folks, worry just doesn’t turn off like that. If it did, it wouldn’t need to take on the importance of a new year’s resolution to make it happen. Therefore, external assistance in building a toolbox of tools to tackle that worry (or whatever emotional struggle you want to put in place of the word “worry”) is needed.
Someone will probably be rolling their eyes at this point, shouting in their heads at me that this is just a meme and I’m giving it far too much import.
Social media has become anathema to many of our lives. And when a similar message is blasted at us - over and over and over again - we begin to internalize that message. If and when we’re in a vulnerable state (or a battered one from all of that messaging), a simple meme can easily take on much more import… and even potentially set us up to fail and more if we don’t maintain the self awareness to know we can’t do it alone.
Whether that means getting a therapist, a trainer, a new doctor, a group… whatever resource/s you may need to help you succeed at whatever it is you want and/or need to do.
And just to make 100% sure I’m clear. I’m all for physical related goals. I got myself as a birthday present a new Myx bike (thank you birthday coming up against Black Friday sales) and it just got delivered. The reason? I’m scared shitless to ride a real bike. The last time I did - I crashed into a pole (no joke). I’m even afraid to do all of those standing up shenanigans - on a SPIN bike - as in, it’s stationary. This is a challenge to me to get over my shit, so I can ride bike with my kid this spring and beyond. I’ve let my ex be the “wheels” parent up until now and doesn’t that just suck for me?
And if you are aesthetically driven - rock on! I get it! There are some clothing stores I’d love to be able to shop in again. All I’m saying is to check in with yourself that it’s because of a want or need for an aesthetic that is reasonable and possible in a healthy format and not driven by some societal expectation that you visually appear to fit a standard (one that changes that the whim of fashion and … I’m going to stop there as that’s a whole other diatribe!).
All of this malarkey is simply that. Social media is a difficult space with the driven ads and keyboard warriors coming out to play. It is also an amazing tool in finding connection and connections breeds empowerment.
All of this to say. Happy New Year. And with this new year, may you seek out and cultivate the resources you need to help you become the healthiest version of you.