You heard what I said. Whether this is a pleasant little side effect of having ADHD or just my aversion to making commitments, I have never had a good relationship with New Year's resolutions or even the idea of them. They seem like a great way to set an unreasonable standard or goal and then beat yourself up about it when you inevitably fail to meet the mark. Besides that, they tend to be overwhelmingly focused on physical appearance, most especially for women. Lose weight, level up your fashion sense, diet, work out. Not only do these foster unhappiness with your body and a sense of shame and self-consciousness, but it's also incredibly triggering to those who have struggled with body image or disordered eating in the past (or who still do now).
So rather than setting a resolution for myself, I like to use the New Year as a time of reflection. What did I learn over the past year? What were my favorite moments or experiences? Who did I get to spend my time with? I also like to set mindful intentions, rather than physical or financial goals. I don't care about getting a promotion or losing weight or making money or buying a house. I do care about whether or not I take care of myself. If I spend my time the way I truly want to. If I eat food that is delicious and provides energy to my body. If I try new things.
A New Year's intention could be I will slow down and take time for myself. I will let myself sleep in on the weekends when I want to. I will spend time with people who make me feel good about life. I will try something outside of my comfort zone. (Not necessarily all of these at once, obviously.) And if I don't necessarily accomplish every single one or not as much as I would have liked to, there is no shame in that. Because no matter what, I have grown in age and experience, and I have done my best.
This year, just do your best, whatever it looks like in each individual moment.
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