Exploring Resolutions, Reflection, and Redefining Success
In Episode 7 of So, Mom, Adele and I dive into the rituals, myths, and realities surrounding New Year’s resolutions. This episode, titled The Myth of Fresh Starts, examines the societal pressure to reinvent ourselves with the turn of a calendar page and the quiet power of embracing imperfection. Through personal anecdotes, family traditions, and a touch of humor, we explore how resolutions can become more about authenticity and less about self-imposed expectations.
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Summary of Episode 7
For many, New Year’s Eve carries the promise of transformation—a clean slate to achieve lofty goals. But as I shared during the episode:
“I used to be a resolutions person until I realized I was just setting myself up. Now, I try to embrace the idea that enough is enough.”
This shift from self-improvement to self-acceptance has been a significant turning point for me. Letting go of the relentless pursuit of perfection has allowed me to focus on what truly matters: being present, finding joy in small victories, and recognizing that wellness doesn’t come from endless protocols but from listening to what feels right for you.
Adele, too, reflected on her history with resolutions, confessing that she has eight years’ worth of New Year’s intentions saved on her phone. These lists, rather than feeling like blueprints for success, have become a snapshot of her family’s personalities and priorities over time.
Family and the Evolution of Playful Traditions
Growing up, New Year’s Eve wasn’t about wild parties or extravagant celebrations. Instead, it was a time of connection, creativity, and yes, a touch of self-improvement. Adele fondly recalled her childhood New Year’s Eves spent at her grandmother’s house: “My cousin and I would make tiny gifts and joke books, then open them at midnight, followed by giant bowls of heavenly hash ice cream. It was about tradition and togetherness, not transformation.”
This emphasis on family and reflection over grand gestures has shaped how we approach the holiday today. Even as adults, we’ve carried forward the idea that resolutions should focus on incremental growth rather than radical reinvention.
“My cousin and I would make tiny gifts and joke books, then open them at midnight, followed by giant bowls of heavenly hash ice cream. It was about tradition and togetherness, not transformation.”
The Pressure of Perfection
Our conversation also delves into how societal expectations, particularly for women, can make the idea of fresh starts feel like a burden rather than an opportunity.
“True success isn’t about meeting everyone else’s expectations. It’s about understanding your unique path and finding joy in the process.“
This sentiment resonated with me deeply. The pressure to constantly optimize every aspect of our lives can overshadow the simple joys of being present and finding contentment in the here and now.
The Legacy of Resilience
One of my favorite moments from this episode was sharing the story of a former trustee I admired deeply. She told me about how, as a student, she began every school year with high hopes and meticulously prepared notebooks, only to fall behind within weeks. Her story wasn’t one of failure, but of resilience—how she grew to redefine success on her own terms. It’s a lesson I’ve carried into my professional life and one I hope to pass down.
Reframing the New Year
As we wrapped up the episode, Adele and I agreed that New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be about fixing what’s broken or chasing external ideals. Instead, they can be a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and celebrate the small, meaningful ways we grow each year.
“Resolutions can feel like an internal memo from your own desk to yourself—a way of saying, ‘Here’s what I care about, and here’s how I want to honor it.’”
This year, rather than chasing perfection, we invite you to join us in embracing the idea that simply being enough is more than enough. Have you redefined the way you approach New Year’s resolutions? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your story in the comments or tag us on social media.
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