I have figured out over the years that I get a little depressed at this time of year. Why? Well, it is because everyone is promoting to find the “new you”.
The thing is, I like the regular me. I started working out about 3 weeks ago. The trainer says (in a motivating way), “Keep working out with me and I will give you the body you always wanted.” I like the body Heavenly Father has given to me.
Do I want to be healthier? Sure I do! But, I feel like there are so many other things that I need to change and my body is going to stay the same.
We get so caught up in looking like someone else. The media is great for letting us know what areas we lack. The fact is, I am NEVER going to look like my beautiful friend Ashlie. (Think Jennifer Lawrence but, even prettier) First of all, she has a dedication that I lack ( we can start there. 😉 ) Not only that, she is taller and has a completely different body structure than I do. I am shorter and stockier. However, we both have the desire to have the healthiest bodies we can, we are just at different levels. ( Also, she is almost 20 years younger than me).  One thing I admire most about her though is her personality. She is funny. She is fun to be around. She is gospel oriented. She has such love for others and she is supportive. There are more things to be worried about than what we think of our bodies. ( thank you Ashlie, you influence more than you know.)
Anyway, why do I need a new me? Why isn’t my old me good enough? The reality is….it is good enough. My body does amazing things. It helps me to parent 20 children and 1 grandchild. It has the strength to  allow me to teach 21 kinders. I am able to exercise, walk, bend, pick up, work, play etc…
I also don’t want a new me personality wise. I have worked hard to be the person I am today. I have gone through trials that have opened my eyes and inspired me to change, to be better. I have made many choices that I still regret. There are things I have done that I wish I could take back. But, I can’t. I can only go forward, trusting in the atonement of the Savior.
So, I don’t need a “new me”. I just need to love the me I currently am and strive to make improvements to better myself.
Be happy with you. You are important. You matter. I don’t need a “new you” and neither do you. I like you the way you are. You are my friend. I love what you bring to our friendship. That is good enough. We just need to find peace and joy in the way we are. This year is all about being the best me I can be. Every day, I will strive to be my best.
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