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New Year, New You

Happy 2014 y'all.

I've seen people tweeting and facebooking all sorts of interesting things to introduce the new year. I myself am guilty in partaking in some of this hype as well. '2013- Thank you for the lessons. 2014- I am ready' is one you'll find on my Instragram account (JCriz for those of you wondering). And while I love inspirational and motivating quotes, I hate New Years.

Yep, you read it right.

In general, I'm not a fan of 'holidays.' Thanksgiving I truly love because its about food and fabulous people that I love. But things or occasions where there is pressure to find gifts or create fuss don't bring me joy. I have, on more than one account, been called a grinch. Guilty as charged... to some extent. And I will have you know, I tried very hard to get into the holiday spirit this year. I bought some new decorations and put up my tree. It worked a little bit.

Maybe I'm especially cynical this year, as I'd thought I'd have a partner to celebrate the holidays with and that ended up not being the case. But this December 31/January 1 was especially tough. It was nice having some quiet, with my two fur-children. It was also very hard being home alone in my leopard print onesy (even though I looked utterly fabulous if I do say so). I had to stop and think 'what am I doing right... or wrong?'

I don't buy into the 'new you' philosophy (this is a moment I wish my name was Phil so it could be Phil's Osphy). No matter how I try, I'm always going to be me. I may be different, but I'm not new. Just like the phrase 'New and Improved!'-- how can it be both those things? I don't think it can be. But I am going to make changes.

First and foremost, I have to make myself a priority. This includes consistently eating right and exercising. Being good about seeing doctors to make sure I am taking care of my body. I have to do things I enjoy. And I need to get more connected in Raleigh. I'm blessed with amazing friends all over the country, but a girl needs a posse in the city she lives too. So I'm going to stay Jessica. That won't ever change. I don't want it to.

New Year, New You? No way- I'm always going to be Just Jessica.

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