New Year New Growth...

“New Year, New You!” That statement irks me a little because there is nothing wrong with the old you. We simply want to grow the us that we already are. Although, how many times do we plan for January to be the start of our improved lives? We write out our goals, prepare our minds, and throw away all our favorite snacks we hid throughout the house. Then a week or two in we begin searching for said snacks only find ingredients, which ultimately means that our new routine of waking at six means that we are pacing thinking about what we should do, turning our workout into our walk into the store to buy new snacks and relapsing, becoming tired of pushing ourselves and falling back into cozy familiarity. It’s the new year's spiral, but I’m here for the challenge! I am excited about these goals that I have set for myself. To have something to push me and motivate me. Now in saying that, occasionally I become derailed or forget, becoming sidetracked, but life is littered with growth and constant evolution of progress. Looking back at last year's list of “ins and outs”, I am happy to report that I worked at almost all of them and I am unabashedly excited to repeat a few. To look over the steps I have taken to grow and to push myself even further; I am proud of how far I’ve come. It can often be a bit nerve-wracking to lay out your expectations for yourself to others because they may feel typical, cliche, or boring, but each goal is personal and carries its own story that is not for anyone to question. People don't always know the emotion or struggle behind the words, however, writing them down or telling others gives us accountability that we often need when trying to work on something. Now, I don’t know what this year holds, but I am looking forward to this new year of opportunities with you all. 

Working Towards 

1. Reconnect to dancing. 

If you know my story, you know that I grew up dancing and went (partially) to school for it. But, after moving, I no longer have a studio and I miss dancing. I want to pick it back up again. So, I want to find a studio and start taking a few classes.

2. Rekindle to my artistic side.

This was one from last year also, but I tend to go through waves (like most) when it comes to being artistic. I love painting, and it is typically my anti-anxiety medication, but I have gotten out of the habit. Art is an easy way for me to let go of my thoughts and yet turn my brain on all at the same time. 

3. Quieting my mind.

Again, one I had last year that I worked very hard on and think I made huge progress in was not overthinking. But, I still find myself overthinking my words, actions, and opinions. We should think before we speak and do things, but be confident once they are spoken or done. Over-explaining or becoming bashful is a quick way to allow ourselves to spiral. 

4. Life is half-full.

I am always working on finding the positive side in life because I tend to be well… so I am pessimistic, but that doesn’t mean I always need to be. So, I will continue to work on it until I finally see things half-full. I’ve made good progress, but there is always room to improve. 

5. Finding the easy way out.

So this goes for just about every aspect of my life. When things feel hard, confusing, or overwhelming I tend to shut down. I’ve done it since I was a kid. I would find the shortcut and maneuver my way around situations, and it has done me no favors as an adult. So I need to work on that. 

6. Therapy.

This one is pretty self-explanatory. My therapist moved at the same time I did, and I was putting off finding a new one because moving and breaking in a therapist seemed like a lot, but I am ready now. I highly recommend therapy for anyone and everyone, it is so nice to have someone there even if you aren’t going through something hard. 

7. Peace out comparison.

I am who I am and if you don’t like it well that is your problem and not mine. That is what I will be telling myself all year! Because it is hard living life, always wondering what others are thinking and demoting ourselves because we are comparing ourselves to someone who has a completely different life. 

8. Being alone.

Now I am an introvert, yes, but I hate doing things alone. However, that is not to say that there isn’t beauty in doing things alone. And this year I want to get comfortable in that beauty. 

9. My book.

Yes, that is right, this is now year three that this has made the list, and has a book been written…no, no it hasn’t. So I need to make a system of working on it like an hour a week or something. I want to make more progress on that because I will be a published author one of these days. But, I’m working on building credibility, okay? That is my story for not having more of it written, and don’t call me out for my excuse, because I am determined that I will have at least one book!

10. Read more.

I read a lot last year. And as much as I loved reading the books I read, I want to incorporate more books that help stimulate my brain instead of allowing me to disconnect with my world while the words of the pages consume me. 

That Is It For Now

I am sure there are a couple of other things that I will add to the list throughout the year, but for now, those are the written statements that I am working to be the best I can be this year. And you all are my accountability team. Sharing our goals feels personal, but without giving them the power to not be forgotten or shoved into the background, we tend to fall back or give up because growing is uncomfortable, and having people watch us struggle or maybe fall back a few steps and have to recover can feel intimidating. But, we are strong, and have the determination and power to make the things that we have written over this year to be seen thoroughly. And we will be there for each other! 

I am here to be your accountability like you are mine! Don’t give up, you got this. If you have written things down to be this year's goals then they are important and that means that you should see them through! Hopefully, the first few weeks of this year have been encouraging. Have an amazing weekend and let me know your top goal for this year so we can work on these challenges together! Don’t forget to subscribe, follow on Instagram (I will try my best this year to be more active lol), and share The Allie-Way with someone. Thanks for reading Allie-Cats! 

• Dru Allie