December always makes me feel reflective, and I know I’m not alone in this. Something about this time of year always gives me the urge to reinvent myself. I’ve made a lot of changes in 2021–namely, moving to a new city in a new country. Relocating somewhere where you don’t know is thrilling because of that same December promise–it’s a chance to reflect and become someone new.

These kinds of fresh starts are less about wanting to push myself into version 2.0 though, and more about being grateful for who I’ve become. Often I face a new challenge and think of how a younger version of me would not have been able to handle it. What will I do a year from now that today’s version of me would be absolutely amazed by?

I’ve been setting goals for myself to reach that level of amazement. They’re not concrete things, rather, a bit more fluid–how do I want to feel? What do I want to prioritize in my day-to-day? How do I want others to view me?

Seeking emotions, not outcomes, is my approach. I can’t ensure that x or y or z will happen, but I can chase experiences and lifestyles that I know bring me joy and satisfaction. I have the confidence, too, that I have enough emotional intelligence to be okay even if I don’t feel those emotions, with the knowledge that nothing is wrong with me. (Psst- if you’re looking to increase your emotional intelligence, too, check out our School of Emotions.)

I’ve made a lot of changes in my life and I’ve had a lot of opportunities to reinvent myself. From all these changes, though, I’ve learned one key lesson–reinvention isn’t necessary, but self-acceptance is. I’m doing all I can to take things as they come, with the knowledge that I can handle it all.

I don’t think I’ll be writing a long list of New Year’s Resolutions this month. Instead, I’ll be reflecting, in gratitude, that I am capable, resilient, and comfortable in the joy of being me.