Be kind to yourself and others

January 1st. That magical day when everyone makes these amazing promises about the coming year.

“I’m going to lose 20 pounds.”

“I’m going to quit smoking.”

“I’m going to the gym every day.”

February 1st. That magical day when you’re sitting in your recliner watching Netflix, eating your way through a bag of Cheetos and rubbing your orange fingers on your sweatpants.

Yep, that would be me.

I gave up making New Year’s resolutions a long time ago. I don’t need the added guilt of telling everyone what I’m going to do and then disappointing them as I reach for that third piece of pizza.

That doesn’t mean I don’t make strides in my life every year, though.

I try very hard to be a better person, to find something new to learn about or maybe turn down a Butterfinger here and there.

Really, that’s all we can ask from each other. Kindness. Gentleness. Happiness. These are things we can all accomplish without feeling the guilt or pressure of a New Year’s resolution.

Be kind to yourself, too. Be gentle with your feelings about yourself. Find a reason to smile every day.

Those are promises you can make and keep all year long.