I always end the year by writing about my accomplishments, failures, regrets, and resolutions. I love this time of year because the calendar naturally motivates me to reflect and act. This post is about 2025 resolutions.
I know I have good qualities. I’m passionate and curious. I love trying new things and learning just for the fun of it. I’m also hyper-aware of where I fall short and seek challenges to grow and fill the gaps. But there’s always that critical voice that takes every simple goal and twists it into a demand to do better, to be better, because who I am isn’t enough.
I know I’m not alone in this. Most of us feel like we’re not enough. Therapy and age have taught me to hold these contradictions: I am incredible. I fail spectacularly. I do amazing things. I should do more. All of it’s true at once.
Being human is messy. Knowing it is one thing, but feeling it and accepting it with kindness? That’s a whole different challenge. I’ll show compassion to everyone else but struggle to offer it to myself. I cheer people on when they stumble, but when I fall short, I’m ruthless.
Well, okay, I’m not ruthless. I’m doing better. I want to continue the positive trajectory of showing myself the same soft, kind, protective energy I give to others. I’ll still aim high and try new things. But I want to celebrate what I achieve, big or small, and let go of the harsh self-criticism when I miss the mark.
Because here’s the truth: I am awesome. I know it. Even when I’m in doubt, I still know it in the back of my mind. So, that’s my resolution for the year ahead—to be just a little gentler and kinder to myself.
I’ll get there.