The pressure of making a New Year’s resolution was looming.
Lila stared out her apartment window, watching the flickering city lights. Her phone was buzzing on the table—texts were lining up about making New Year’s plans, resolutions, and how to approach the coming year’s issues.
She sighed and picked at a loose thread on her sweater. She felt overwhelmed because the world seemed chaotic and in transition, just like she was.
She’d tried resolutions before—work harder, save more, be “better.” But by February, they always fizzled out, leaving her feeling like a wilted plant in a forgotten corner. This year, the thought of making a big commitment to a goal or idea felt unachievable.
Her eyes drifted to a framed photo on the bookshelf. It was a picture from a sunny day on a hike last summer. She was mid-laugh, her hair a wild mess, cheeks flushed, looking like she’d just conquered a mountain—which she had.
In reverie, she reflected on the moment she paused on the trail to pick a dandelion that had gone to seed. She’d closed her eyes, made a wish, and sent the seeds on wings flying with a soft puff.
It hit her now—that wish? She’d attained it this year, even though she hadn’t remembered until this moment. She smiled at the memory. The day wasn’t planned; it was intended to be fun and flow without expectations, and it was perfect.
“Why can’t every day feel like that?” she pondered while picking up the photo. Her best moments weren’t from checklists or goals. They happened when she followed her instincts, like picking the dandelion and trusting the breeze to carry her wish.
“Okay, Lila, let’s try something new,” she stated aloud. No more resolutions. No more “New Year, New Me.”
Instead, I’ll focus on being me in the moment. (The Lila who laughed too loud, who always had paint under her nails, who loved helping but was learning to support herself, too.)
As the countdown to midnight began, she grabbed her notebook and jotted a quick promise:
“Just be you – The new year will follow.”
She slid open the sliding door and stepped onto her small balcony, the cold biting her cheeks. Fireworks burst overhead, filling the sky with light.
Lila smiled, the words from her notebook echoing in her mind. She didn’t need to change to feel better or create a detailed goal list or resolution.
She just needed to trust that being herself was enough. She always knew what to do, deep down.
This year, she wouldn’t chase disciplined goals. She was going to make, write, laugh, help, and take care of herself along the way. That was the plan. And honestly? It felt perfect.
Fireworks crackled in the distance, and she whispered, “Happy New Year, Lila. You’ve got this.”
Just Be You eCard
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