please don’t fix yourself

Tue, Jan 3, 2012

I have a favor to ask of you in 2012:

Please don’t fix yourself.

Dream boldly

but be gentle as you enter new territory.

Stretch yourself

but don’t hold yourself to impossible standards.

Focus on your strengths

rather than on your weaknesses.

Ask for more

while contributing to others as well.

Simplify your life

to reveal the potential that is within you.

Please don’t make your intentions (or resolutions) about being “who you want to be.”

Recognize that the optimal ideal you are seeking is within yourself right this very moment.

It simply needs to be nourished and uncovered.

Less is the key to more of what you truly want.

21 Comments

21 Responses to “please don’t fix yourself”

Maggie Rose Says:
January 3rd, 2012 at 2:18 pm

This is such a great message Jess. Hoping that resolutions can turn us into someone we’re not only sets us up for failure. Except for my fitness intentions (which does NOT come naturally but needs to become regular practice) I think my intentions this year are mostly focused on getting back to the root of who I am – more time spent on hobbies that I love, time invested in the business that I love, and time spent exploring the city that I love! The fitness goals will be my “stretch” this year.

Lauren {Stylized Existence} Says:
January 3rd, 2012 at 2:28 pm

Thank you for this as I really needed it today (after feeling overwhelmed and embarrassingly shedding some tears when planning my 2012 goals). We must be gentle on ourselves.

Nikki Says:
January 3rd, 2012 at 2:33 pm

I love this. A great message for 2012. And I think my goals for this year and aligned with this. Thanks for being so inspiring, always. Happy New Year!

Jill Browning Says:
January 3rd, 2012 at 3:13 pm

I like this a lot. Thanks!

karlita Says:
January 3rd, 2012 at 3:54 pm

This is so true Jess.. when you already know who you are.. these days we usually get confused of who we are so going back to the roots and growing from there is a great start!

Haley Ruth Ognoskie Says:
January 3rd, 2012 at 4:29 pm

Hey Jess! The start of a new year always brings on a roller coaster of emotions for me. Today, I needed encouragement. Your blog is where I go on days like this and, as usual, your post uplifted.

I have never really been one for NY resolutions, but this year my goal is to allow myself to relax into who I am. Give myself permission to be me. Like you said, be gentle as you dream big and stretch yourself.

Thanks for sharing your great perspective!

Cathy Says:
January 3rd, 2012 at 4:29 pm

Jess, how do you always know the perfect thing to say? I’m in the process of writing my goals for the year and needed this reminder to be gentler to myself.

Lauren L. Says:
January 3rd, 2012 at 5:27 pm

Love this!!

vadjutka Says:
January 3rd, 2012 at 5:43 pm

Thanks Jess!

Piper Says:
January 3rd, 2012 at 6:14 pm

Great message Jess!! I decided that I’m breaking the rules this year – no resolutions, no shoulds, less being so hard on myself…lots more adventure & spontaneity!

artybecca Says:
January 3rd, 2012 at 7:45 pm

Wise words and just what I needed to hear today also!

Emily Says:
January 3rd, 2012 at 10:03 pm

Thanks for the positive reminder! It’s so easy to get carried away with becoming this perfect person during this time of year. This was a nice step back to look at the big picture.

Sydney Says:
January 4th, 2012 at 10:29 am

What a beautiful post! EXACTY what I needed to hear/read today! I’m printing this out and hanging it above my desk Thank you for all the inspiration you provide, truly, lots of gratitude energy your way my friend

Jess Says:
January 4th, 2012 at 12:16 pm

Happy new year everyone! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on your intentions and your approach. I’m so grateful that this has hit home for some and possibly is helping a gentler approach to 2012.

Jenn Says:
January 5th, 2012 at 4:22 pm

I’m sending THIS letter to myself in 2012 via FutureMe.org – thanks Jess!

Kelly Says:
January 5th, 2012 at 10:51 pm

Thank you for this post! I definitely set goals for 2012, goals I’d greatly like to achieve…but I made them with the intention of doing my best and adjusting my expectations to meet any obstacles. Basically, exactly what you said in this post…you just put it into words so much better than I could! Thank you : )