Naturalicious Ad | The Other Side of 40

The beginning of every year, on January 1, the message of “New Year, New Me” floods our timelines.

Lose Weight Now! Vision Board Party Friday! Start Your Own Business Today!

Can we stop trying to become new people every.single.year in 2021? 

Look, I get it. We all want to start fresh on the first day of the new year but hear me out… 

What’s wrong with you now? 

Just because you want to upgrade yourself by having better health, new goals or doing something completely different doesn’t mean we’re throwing The Who you are right now away.

I created The Other Side of 40 to dive deeper into who you are – learn about the good and the bad and LOVE them both. 

I’m sure you’re also asking, what do you mean, LOVE the bad. I mean, LOVE it! Because, for most of us, the BAD isn’t bad at all. 

Upgrade not New

Could you stand to lose a few pounds? Maybe.
Are you living your best life? Possibly.
Do you need to be more intentional with your time? Definitely.

But none of those things mean that you need to create a new YOU!

One meme that I loathe is:

You have as many hours in a day as Beyoncé | The Red Fairy Project

Although factually true, you know what you DON’T have?

  • Nanny
  • Chef
  • Personal trainer
  • Gardener
  • Chauffeur

And most of all, the permission to put everything on the back burner because her #1 purpose is to look amazing and entertain.

I think she’s probably an outstanding wife and mom. But when it’s time to make money, she has the luxury of being able to step aside and allow her support staff to pick up the slack. Did you see Homecoming? If I recall correctly, she worked hard on that performance – 18-hour days for 6 weeks!

I’m lucky if I get an afternoon alone and don’t have anyone to take up the slack if I had to take off 6 whole weeks! Do you have that kind of ability?

And remember, her parents were her first support system, making sure that she had everything she needed to start her career on a solid foundation.

Each Person’s Day is Different

I don’t know about you, but my typical 24 hour day includes:

  • Early morning workout
  • Spending several hours homeschooling my two daughters, helping them when they struggle with concepts
  • Inefficiently trying to work while they’re in school
  • Playing with them when the school day is over
  • Feeding them multiple times a day, as needed

The only way I get a workout in is if I get up before they do. And this doesn’t account for spending time with my son or my husband who also need regular attention.

I bring this up to point out that even though we each have 24 hours, very few of us have the resources and the support system to create a day like Beyonce. It’s our job to do the best we can with what we have.

New Year in 2021

So, in 2021:

  • Stop making excuses and be deliberate with your time – whether it’s to Netflix and chill, tend to your garden, or build an empire.
  • Stop comparing yourself to others – you have your own struggles, concentrate on those.
  • Apologize to yourself for your mistakes. Then move on. You wouldn’t beat up a friend, don’t beat yourself up.
  • Love yourself. All of you!

So, build on the foundation that you’ve already built, my friends. It’s smarter and let’s be real here: you’re pretty damn good as you are right now. 

Happy New Year and cheers to whatever upgrades you’re making in 2021!

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