It’s New Year’s Eve, so now seems like the perfect time to discuss what we’re leaving in 2022. Personally, I’m not a New Year’s resolution person, but I do believe in looking back and reflecting. Please choose yourself by making the decision to leave behind those things that aren’t serving you. And with that, here’s a list of things we’re leaving in 2022:
One-Sided Relationships
We have to leave one-sided relationships in 2022. Relationships covers romantic relationships, friendships, partnerships and any other kind of “ship” you can think of. One-sided relationships are exhausting and stressful. Any good relationship requires both parties working together to make it work. Take inventory of your relationships. If you find that you’re carrying a relationship or that you’re the culprit of taking, but not giving, determine if the relationship can be fixed. If it can’t, it’s time to let that “ship” sail off into the sunset.
Wasting Time
Leave wasting time in 2022. Time is the most precious resource we have. You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time. Is what you’re spending time on getting you closer to where you want to be? Is what you’re spending time on paying off for you in a positive way? I’m not suggesting you spend every second of every day engaged in a never ending list of productivity projects, but I do suggesting you start asking yourself, “Is this the best use of my time?”
Smoke and Mirrors
We’ve got to leave smoke and mirrors in 2022. By smoke and mirrors I’m talking about pretending and painting false realities. Social media has put the notion of “keeping up with the Joneses” on steroids. Scrolling through social media will have you feeling like if you’re not traveling the world on a private jet, draped in designer labels and living in a magazine worthy 5,000 square foot house, you’re failing at life. And instead of embracing our reality sometimes we engage in creating illusions so we don’t feel left out. Playing make believe may be fine as a child, but it can be harmful as an adult. How many times have you seen people’s finances and relationships ruined because of smoke and mirrors? Let’s commit to leaving smoke and mirrors in 2022.
People Pleasing
People pleasing doesn’t serve any of us so leave it in 2022. People pleasing is rooted in wanting to be liked and/or accepted. Unfortunately, most of the time people pleasers find themselves bending over backwards for people who wouldn’t walk around the corner for them, much less match their efforts. We already talked about one-sided relationships so we won’t belabor the point here. More often than not, people pleasers find themselves being taken advantage of time and time again, not to mention being taken for granted. Constantly being taken for granted can leave you disillusioned and bitter. If you identify as a people pleaser, do yourself a favor and leave that in 2022.
Ignoring Our Mental Health
We have to commit to taking better care of ourselves in 2023. Studies show that we as Black Americans are less likely to seek mental health treatment. With all the societal challenges we face, we can’t afford to ignore the mental impact of those challenges. Ideally, we should be seeking out mental health professionals that are properly trained to meet our needs. If you’re not ready to seek out a mental health professional or in the position to do so, here are five books you should checkout in the meantime.
Ignoring Our Own Well-being
We’re leaving ignoring our own well-being in 2022. Sacrificing yourself on the altar of “do-goodism” needs to be done. If you don’t do anything else, make 2023 the year you seriously commit to your spiritual, physical, emotional and financial well-being. If you don’t, who will? Stop putting yourself on the back burner. I’m not telling you to stop helping others, but stop elevating others’ needs above your own.
Taking on Other People’s Problems
Sis, you’re not a super hero so take off the cape and stop taking on other people’s problems as if it’s your job to save them. Again, I’m not saying don’t help others, but don’t take on other people’s problems like they’re your own. Leave the savior mentality in 2022.
Shame
We’re leaving shame in 2022. Shame doesn’t serve any real purpose other than to make you feel bad, hide and avoid seeking the help you need. Shame doesn’t serve you. You can’t solve any problem until you acknowledge it. Shame requires you cover up the problem to keep others from finding out. Also, shame will keep you stuck in places you don’t want to be. I’m not suggesting you tell your business to the world, but don’t allow shame to cause you to hide from those who love you and are willing to help you. Don’t allow shame to rob you of what you need and deserve.
What are you leaving in 2022? Drop a comment below.