please don’t fix yourself

January 3rd, 2012   /   23 COMMENTS   /   life

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.

 

 

  • http://www.maggieroseonline.com Maggie Rose

    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.

  • http://stylizedexistence.blogspot.com Lauren {Stylized Existence}

    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.

  • http://cupcakesforbreakfast.com Nikki

    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!

  • http://jillbrowning.com Jill Browning

    I like this a lot. Thanks!

  • http://thepurplebow.blogspot.com karlita

    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!

  • http://www.hlively.com Haley Ruth Ognoskie

    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!

  • http://www.fiscallychic.com Cathy

    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.

  • http://www.lifeuncluttered.org Lauren L.

    Love this!!

  • http://vadjutka.hu/eng vadjutka

    Thanks Jess!

  • http://onesydneyroad.com Piper

    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! :)

  • http://www.artybecca.blogspot.com artybecca

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

  • Emily

    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.

  • http://takemeforatwirl.blogspot.com Sydney

    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

  • http://www.makeundermylife.com Jess

    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

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

  • http://beagleandbear.blogspot.com Kelly

    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 : )

  • http://stripesandsequins.com Grace – Stripes & Sequins

    I love this post… I feel exactly the same way, thank you for saying it!

  • http://margaritatartakovsky.com/blog/ Margarita

    Jess, I LOVE this post! It’s so positive and inspiring. I’m linking to it tomorrow on my body image blog Weightless. :) Happy New Year!

  • http://www.lainthebay.com Lauren (L.A. in the bay)

    absolutely loved this!

  • Pingback: More Inspiration For Creating Authentic Intentions | Weightless

  • http://lottsandlots.blogspot.com/ Lotts

    A great post – less is definitely the key to having more – I’m trying to simplify this year. Have a great 2012 x

  • farah

    love your blog!

  • http://jesslively.com/ Jess Lively

    Thank you so much!