Believing In The New Year: Why 2016 Will Be Better

Written by: Lauren Martins

​May our hearts never hold regret, rather the refusal to face the feeling of regret.

Every year around the end of December, it becomes common to reflect on the past 12 months and all too often, think about what we did wrong. To, think about what we didn't do enough of, or what we missed out on. It's a beautiful thing really, because it means we believe in the possibility for personal growth and self improvement.

We've all heard them, a million times. New Year's resolutions. 

People swear by them, that the new year will be better than the last. That goals will be met, weight will be lost, jobs will be gained, degrees will be earned, families will grow, and happiness will be achieved.

And you know what? They're right.

The whole point behind the new year, new me phenomenon is not to become an entirely new person. At best, it means to make the things we don't favor about ourselves different, and to strive for even greater greatness than we did the year before. It's a name for the epiphany we all want for the fresh start of the new year. And it isn't a bad thing. 

While I personally don't favor the term "New Year's resolution," I do believe in the idea that the new year can be revolutionary. 
We should never wait to accomplish the things we want to, but beginning in a new year isn't a bad place to start. 

2016 will be better than 2015 because the future can still be impacted. The past can't be changed, and that's the beauty of this life. What is had for us in the new year can only be an improvement on the last year because it means we are growing. The baggage and the memories we carry only get heavier and heavier as we live our lives but, the greater that weight becomes, the more you have under your belt. 

We have the opportunity to create things for ourselves, to move on from tragedy, and to pick our battles. It's a time where our choices directly alter our paths or keep us on them. Getting a chance to change the future is better than any reflection on the past. Moving on from heartache and obstacles only means we've already become stronger than we once were. Moving forward means we've made it through the past. Accepting the new year as a step towards the future means we've reached the point at which we can trust in the unknown and what is destined for us. It means we are willing to grow. 

May our hearts never hold regret, rather, the refusal to face the feeling of regret. The best we can do is work to excel in what we were once good at. It's a blank canvas to paint a story of evolution and passion on. It's a time for dreaming, learning, and living like no other. 

​2016 will be better because like the number, life only goes up from here. I have to believe that. 
Here's to a better, newer, greater year. 

Lauren MartinsBorn in Cali. Raised in Miami. Life's in Charleston. Heart's in Brazil.