So, it’s New Year’s Eve. It’s a time of celebration, reflection, and resolution-making, complete with glitter, confetti, and all other things that are a pain in the rear to clean up (including red wine spills). As we look forward to the new year with sparkling eyes and open minds, we are also forced to reflect upon the past year. In doing so, we tend to get a little nostalgic and perhaps even sentimental. Some folks thumb through old photos and messages to one another, while others…ugh, who am I kidding? It’s the age of technology. We all review the sappy little year-end video that Facebook has already created for us, which saves us the trouble of…thinking on our own. Thank you, Facebook. Some of these memories we welcome and remember warmly, while others we mentally file under “forget immediately” (enter: bad dates, Fireball, shady acquaintances, and snakeskin print leggings). And then, something magical happens — we turn the page and start a new chapter that hasn’t yet been written. We close the “Pandora’s Box” that is 2014. We shout aloud and with much enthusiasm, “That’s a wrap!” (Side note- If you perform this cathartic act as I did, while standing alone in a room with only your dog as a witness, said dog will give you the stink eye while passing judgement…so much judgement.) 
Moving on!
What are you bringing with you into 2015, and what are you leaving behind? Is there a new art class you’d like to try, or a sporting event you’d like to attend? Would you like to spend more face time with your friends and family (no, not FaceTime), and less time consumed with your tech gadgets? Whatever it is, figure it out. After you figure it out, make a list and try your damndest to stick to it. There is a reason you have these convictions and these goals – try not to forget them.
As for me, I’d like to continue on a journey that I started in 2014 when I decided to wander down a path outside of my comfort zone and one that was unfamiliar to my human GPS. Those who know me well already know that I could manage to get lost in a brown paper bag, so me getting lost is not new news; however, this time was different. I was really lost – as in Google Maps and Siri couldn’t even save my ass. I had lost sight of myself and subsequently my own happiness, a heartbreaking yet common side effect of people pleasing. I had gotten so wrapped up in nurturing outside relationships that I neglected one of utmost importance – my relationship with myself. I forgot how much I loved to dance and sing, write, create, explore and wander. So I wandered. I danced and sang so loudly that my dog often found refuge under my bed or in my closet at night. I daydreamed and brainstormed, and I began writing again. I rediscovered the joy of smiling and laughing without effort. I stumbled across new people and experiences that changed my life and renewed my spirit. Even my trials and failures contained an element of refreshing satisfaction. My sense of self reached an all-time high and I became addicted to the reality of it. I just felt like — me.
Before the clock strikes 12 tonight, I encourage you to consider this — who do you want to be in 2015? If you’re struggling with this question, look no further. I am here to help. I took the liberty of narrowing down a vast list of options and possibilities to 5, and gave them a little test drive…
1) Lindsay Lohan 
To secure “the Lindsay Lohan”, you’ve really got to master that bewildered, just-climbed-out-of-a-dumpster look while simultaneously appearing offended and maybe even a little frightened. Smear a little soot under your cheekbones if you’re running low on bronzer after a long night of partying and no one will ever know the difference. Go for a light peach toned gloss or stain to plump up that pout, and get your strut on, crazypants. Just keep in mind that “the Lindsay Lohan” is renowned for its clumsy recklessness, so strut slowly, if you must.
2. Colbie Caillat 
The best of both worlds — “the Colbie Caillat”. You get tingles in your toes, but only on the left side. It makes you crinkle your nose, but only on the ride side. This look is perfectly indecisive chic for the indecisive chick. Do you tend to answer with, “I don’t know” when your significant other asks what you want for dinner? Have you changed your college major 5 times, and you’re now considering major number 6…maybe? Do you want to stay in bed tonight and complete that Netflix marathon, but you’re also itching to hit the town and rage? No worries, “the Colbie Caillat” has got you covered. Now go for it! Or don’t…whichever.
3. Kylie Jenner 
Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s Restylane. To pull off “the Kylie Jenner”, you’ve got to be really, really committed…to your phone, your selfies, and yourself. That’s it. Wait, no it’s not. You also need to be committed to the stories you tell. For instance, if you privately bid farewell to certain physical features that you were born with and then suddenly appear in public sporting a newly enhanced bee sting pout, you must continue insisting it’s au natural when questioned…over, and over, and over again. #Natural #RedLips #Selfie
4. Olsen Twin #1 
Ahhh, the elusive “Olsen Twin #1”. So elusive that I don’t even know which twin is which, I just know that there are two of them. They are dark, and myserious…or at least one of them is. This little Dark Knight of beauty is a deep thinker…or is she? Do you want to stop people in their tracks with your blank stare and make them wonder? Well, they will. And you will too. You don’t even know what you’re thinking. You just know that you’re really, really hungry.
5. Olsen Twin #2 
The “Olsen Twin #2” is a great option for people watchers. You don’t have to say much and your main duty is to appear generally disinterested in…well, everything. Your daily routine consists of observing, smirking, observing a little more, and smirking. This is not a complicated process, so don’t make it one. If you like routine but desire a lifestyle that’s not quite so monotonous, you can throw in a Starbucks latte here and there to change things up a bit. Whatever you do, just don’t take your designer shades off. Rain, shine, indoor, outdoor — the aviators stay on. Just trust me on this one.
If you still don’t know who you want to be in the new year and any of the aforementioned options are appealing to you, you can become one of them in 2015! All you have to do is refresh your wardrobe and your makeup bag, refine your social circle, drop all of your old habits, learn a few new tricks, and tweak your personality. If you don’t have the time, money, or dedication it takes to transform into a generic version of someone else, just be yourself! Be your best self in 2015. There are already too many folks out there pretending to be someone else. Don’t be afraid to wander, explore, and create. You don’t need a new identity, you just need new goals to exercise your mind and fill your heart. Put your best face forward in 2015 and make it great!
Wishing you all the safest and happiest of New Year’s!
Witty Critty out.
Witty Critty 