Be

During the first few days of every year it seems that I read a magazine article, watch a television commercial or view a morning show that starts off with the phrase, "New Year—New You." These pieces always suggest that the new year is the perfect time to start again, to lose all the weight we ever gained, to find the love of our life, to get a new hairdo, to get rid of the old and embrace the new, and to change into something better than what we were before.

Well, I have to confess, there is something about those four little words, "New Year—New You," that just doesn't sit right with me. They annoy me. Okay, they annoy me a lot. Truth be told, these four little words completely drive me crazy. I mean WHY would any woman really want to be a "new you" in the new year? Haven't most of us worked really hard to create who we are? Why is new better? Why is such complete change so good for us? Isn't it okay to be who we are?

I just don't see the need for all that new stuff. The way I see it you are already wonderful, unique, a work of art, a one of a kind. You are on the journey of creating you, discovering who you are, defining what matters, making relationships and building your life. You have put a lot of time, consideration and heart into all the decisions you've made to create the one and only you. I am pretty sure that all the new stuff and a new hairdo alone won't make you happy. Well-being and happiness come only when you honor your journey, respect your choices, stretch to meet your next goals and value who you are.

You don't need to start over again every year or ever again because your journey began long ago, and all the learning and discovery along the way is yours to keep and use as you continue to create the life you imagine.