New Year 2019
I tend to never make New Year’s resolutions but this year there are a few things I’d like to try.
1. I’m not going to shave my legs.
Why? Because I don’t know why I ever started. My 6yo felt my prickles on my legs the other day & I didn’t know how to explain that I needed to shave & I actually found myself not wanting to explain. It’s stupid that women do this. Trust me, this is a big deal. I’ve been so conditioned my entire life to care about how I look. Western culture puts way too much emphasis on image & I am trying to break that cycle for myself & my family. This is a start to being comfortable in my own skin, err hair.
2. I’m not going to pluck my brows
After years of over-plucking for theatre shows, etc (WHY?) I am finally going to let the hungry little caterpillars do their thang & grow. This includes not plucking the strays. I love a good wax so this will also be a challenge but I’m going to embrace my inner Frida Kahlo. Empowered in my womanhood.
3. Wear more bright colours
A few months ago, I started to feel the urge to upgrade my wardrobe to brighter colours, patterns, and wear more daring fabrics. My preferred style has always been safe neutral & dark outfits so I could blend in with the crowd (too risky to stand out!). Now I realise that doesn’t fit with how I feel on the inside at all. I’m not boring. The world is full of colour & I want to embrace it! Let that shit shine!
4. I’m not going to make an effort to maintain relationships that aren’t authentic & positive
I’m just not going to give my time to those people anymore. Remember that book “He’s Just Not That Into You?” Yeah, that book changed my life years ago. I’m going to apply that mentality to this next year of my life. If someone is into you (I’m talking in all relationships, not just romantic), they show you. They ask you how you are, they call, they email, they want to know about you & your life. I am often the one spending too much time chasing others to keep the lines of communication open, & I’m just not going to do it anymore. That’s not to say there’s no room for kindness or for understanding. Of course there is. But I’m not going to make an effort to maintain relationships with people who make me feel yucky.
5. To continue to be ok with uncertainty & fear
A constant work in progress. No one has all the answers. No one knows what the fuck they’re doing. Everybody hates standing in lines. Everyone is suffering. There is no right or wrong. We are all in this together.
What sort of changes are you after for 2019?