"New year new me!" A phrase that seems to either send us into motivational overdrive or sparks serious fear into our stomachs everytime each January rolls around. So it's safe to say we have all been hearing this expression dotted around recently - folded into conversations with friends, as headlines in maagazines and promoted on live saturday night TV. 

Personally, I believe it's very inspiring and fulfilling to be able to create and delve into a new outlook of a new year and set goals that benefit you as an individual. However, for many it can be overwhelming and feel like a looming pressure over your head to change who you are or take up newly discovered habits that are difficult to maintain. In return, this can cause us to feel even worse about ourselves when this is the exact opposite energy we should be bringing into the new year. Whether it's dabbling in dry January or venturing into veganism, society plants the idea of restricting, limiting or pushing ourselves into trying to take on specific tasks for the sake of it. Which I think is amazing if it's truly something you want to try and have been thinking about it for a long time - but not because social norms cause you to rush to try the latest challenge.

From my own experience, the last couple of years I have had have proved extremely challenging so for me this year I am looking to just survive the year. To live freely and to the fullest (excuse my cringey reference), therefore I am not setting myself unnecessary challenges to take on. What I am trying to say is it is more than okay to listen to what you need and not put overaching pressure on yourself just because that is what you have been recommended to do. 

Therefore, does New Year have to really mean a "new me"? To all those creating resolutions and new habits to try this year I wish you all the best. Furthermore, to all those simply looking to survive the year and create a good atmosphere without any specific "resolutions" or "challenges" at the start of the year that is more than okay. It is most important to be kind and understanding to yourself and others this year. 

Here's to 2023!