202–4 being unapologetic and empathetic
Politely, new year’s resolutions can get stuffed. I am still trying to decide mine (currently I am aiming for something a little more high brow than 1. Not changing my food order last minute and 2. Skinny dipping in the GC) – and I will get there, but I do have a theme for the year. Being unapologetic and empathetic as possible.
Not giving a fuck, kindly.
It isn’t a year of being reckless, instead a chance for me to lean into being more open, transparent, authentic and vulnerable with others and myself. I want to embrace my creativity, spontaneity and independent spirit, without letting external expectations or or what is conventionally ‘appropriate’ dictate my decisions. I want to serve myself, without being self-centered.
I think selfishness is typically an inconsiderate trait, but has an unfairly negative connotation. It’s much easier to commend selflessness, because of its inherent nature of giving back or helping without obligation. Both of these ideas have validity, but I believe doing things for other people is differentiable from people-pleasing and full selflessness can be damaging. I also think there is a place for selfishness and it is ok to fill your cup before filling someone else’s.
I’m striving to find the happy medium by being unapologetically empathetic.
Alla Madagascar penguins, I have smiled and waved to appease situations or not come across a certain way. This can have a time and place, but there have been moments where I bit my tongue too hard and refrained from honesty. In these instances, I’ve found myself frustrated or unsatisfied with the outcome–whether that has been in work or in relationships.
This year, I want to be unapologetic with my feelings–unafraid of taking action and telling people how I feel in a compassionate and considerate way.
I can be a fleeter. What I mean by that, is when I’m overwhelmed or uncomfortable, I’ll typically avoid addressing this instead of acting constructively and communicating how I feel. I think this has even been a preemptive measure I have taken, as I’ve withheld from sharing vulnerable thoughts, feelings or an insecurity I’m struggling with. Moving forward, I want to have these conversations with more openness, confidence and sensitivity. After all, being true to myself and doing what I enjoy, has always served me. I think it is important to be aware of how your actions impact those around you, but wholeheartedly believe that your biggest cheerleaders always want to see you thrive.
This year I want to set my own path, wearing my heart on my sleeve at each step of the way. Following an unpaved path does feel scary and sure, a touch cliche, but that’s what I’m going to try and do. Unapologetically and empathetically.