Written by Lydia, Illustration by Ellie
Ah, the New Year. Viewed by most as a chance to clean out the cobwebs of 2014’s cupboards and begin again with the stroke of midnight (after the hangover’s passed, of course). Yet with so many people setting ridiculously high goals and failing before January’s half over, is it even possible to change your old habits? Read on and learn how to fill 2015 with the happiness and confidence that you’ve been dreaming of.
1) Clean out your room. If this seems like the most basic of tasks, then you’re not doing it properly. Sort through your desk and throw out anything that you know you’ll never, ever use again, like that cupcake shaped notepad you’ve had sitting in the top drawer since you were 12. Change your sheets. Maybe get new ones. Get rid of makeup that’s more than 6 months old. Clear out your wardrobe, and maybe even buy some new clothes. Organise the files on your computer. Never underestimate the impact that a neat, dust-free room can have on your life.
2) Eat whatever makes you feel good, whether that be avocado on toast or an entire red velvet cake. Listen to your body and what it tells you to do, because it knows better than anybody else in the entire world what’s good for you. That being said, try to eat plenty of fruits and veggies because they’ll make you feel really good and give your whole body a natural boost. And make sure you drink heaps of water. Honestly. Keeping hydrated makes your skin super fresh, cleans out toxins, and generally helps you feel happier. Plus, it helps you avoid the sore, chapped lips of winter. And who doesn’t want that?
3) Breathe. Set aside time to do what you love. Everyone is so busy these days. When was the last time you sat down and did something for yourself? Read a book, or take a walk, or press flowers. Do something really indulgent and forget about all the deadlines and panic that exists outside of the perfect little bubble of happiness you’ve created for yourself. You’ll spend more time feeling fulfilled and relaxed, and less time feeling like a work-crazed robot with no “off” switch.
4) Forget about the people who make you feel bad. Get all those negative vibes out of your life. People who make you feel bad about yourself are clearly not worthy of your radiant company. You are an incredible person and you deserve nothing but the best. The people who have the honour of sharing your life with you should make you feel safe and happy. Pull a Miranda Sings and tell the haters to back off. If you’re finding this a difficult thing to achieve on your own, maybe enlist the help of someone you trust.
5) Love yourself. This is maybe the hardest thing to do, but it’s definitely the most rewarding. Start out small. Recognise that you have errors, but so does everyone, even the people you see as perfect. Realise how amazingly complex your body is, and how silly it is to break it down to “fat” or “skinny”. Yeah, maybe your tum is real ‘squishy’, but your body’s done that to keep you safe for when there’s no food. And so what if your legs are ‘spindly and bony’, they can still walk and run and jump. Instead of looking in the mirror and hating everything you see, just think “EVERYTHING ABOUT ME IS GREAT AND I AM AMAZING!!!” Even if you don’t believe it. Fake it ‘til you make it, folks. It might take you a little while, but soon you’ll finally see the superhero that you’ve been all along.
Wishing you a happy New Year and a fresh and bright 2015.
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