Instead of a ‘New You,’ Reconnect With Your OG Self

No more New Year’s resolutions. I’m giving myself grace in 2021.

afrobella
ZORA

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Black woman singing freely into a microphone.
Photo: Hello World/Getty Images

When I look back on the last 12 months filled with devastation and pain, Lucille Clifton’s 1993 poem “won’t you celebrate with me” comes to mind.

…here on this bridge between

starshine and clay,

my one hand holding tight

my other hand; come celebrate

with me that everyday

something has tried to kill me

and has failed.

Last month, as I waited for 2021 to arrive, I saw myself on that bridge, holding my own hand. Hugging myself. I am filled with gratitude, wonder, and other more complex emotions at just having made it through an unbelievable year of loss, struggle, and pain. Now, as we enter the first full week of the new year, I’m finding that the old clichés no longer fit.

We’ve all endured so much over the last 365 days that I suggest taking one more moment to celebrate the you that made it through, flaws and all.

Things I used to do? They didn’t feel right anymore as the calendar page turned. I had no…

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