THE 5 THINGS
I Refuse To Change Going Into 2021
(WITH ZERO REGRETS!)
So it's gotten to the time that everyone sets goals for the incoming year and everyone vows to change this thing or that thing for whatever reason. I CALL BULLSHIT.
While everyone else is making plans for change, I am thinking of all of the things that I don't want to change with the new year. And yes, I recognize that change is good and that it is awesome to set goals for yourself. (Growth can't happen if we don't strive to be better and aspire to do more. We can't move forward without goals, and. I'm not saying that I don't have goals because I do.)
Actually, what I am trying to say is how proud I am to be myself and to possess so many gifts. I'm proud to have learned the lessons in life that I have been blessed to have gained experience from. I'm glad that through all of the struggle I have come somewhere, that I pushed through to get where I am today. Life isn't all roses and butterflies; when we are put in the position to cower or to stand fast, it is up to us to make the best out of whatever is handed to us and stand our ground.
So now on to my list of things I refuse to change in 2021 (because I'm a rebel, just ask anyone who knows me in real life.)
First up is being stubborn and headstrong. I have been a very - difficult - person to deal with in certain situations because I refuse to budge on even the simplest things. Yes, it has gotten me into plenty of issues in the past, but for the most part my stubbornness has given me the drive and perseverance to get through some of the roughest times in my life. My courage has failed me many times, more times than I care to admit. But I always had a strong will and it gave me what I needed at the time to overcome - because that is what we do, we overcome.
The second thing that is NOT on the chopping block for 2021 is - you guessed it - my elaborate vocabulary. My 'potty mouth' is enough to make a sailor blush and I'm damn proud of it. Sometimes the confines of regular language isn't enough to express oneself, and so I swap it out for a few choice words when necessary. If it means dropping an f-bomb here and there then yes, I will do it.
Which leads me to number three - I strive to be the most authentic version of myself at all times, and I refuse to apologize for being who I truly am. In being myself I am standing in my truth and living happily; anyone who would ask me to alter it isn't interested in me being happy or comfortable with myself, and they also aren't someone I would want to keep close. If someone is unwilling to accept you as you as you already are then they aren't worth the time or energy you would spend on them.
Let's see... number four. My love of books and the book community. Following up on number three, the book world means a lot to me. Reading, writing and the friendships I've made in the book community has gotten me through many times of uncertainty, depression, trauma and overall shitty situations. I wouldn't change bring part of the community for the world. There are people in my life who grow tired of how often I speak about this community or reading or writing. But everyone has the one thing they are passionate about, and I happen to love books most of all. So I doubt I will ever leave my lovely fictional characters and book boyfriends behind.
Lastly, I refuse to change my diet and exercise. Now hear me out before you go on a rampage. Yes, I know I have to be concious of my health and it is unwise to say something like this. I am happy the way I am physically and comfortable with how I look. I have rolls and stretch marks and cellulite. Everyone has it to some degree. I used to obsess over my weight and how I looked but as I've gotten older it matters less to me. I am a mother of four children - some of the baby weight will never go away and the stretch marks make me proud. They remind me of the four times I carried a life within me and brought them into this world to love and cherish, and for the traces they've left behind I will never be sorry. If it's unsightly to others, oh well - their opinion doesn't matter anyway.
At the end of the day, always be yourself unapologetically - those who truly love you and care about you will accept you as you are.
About Krystal
USA Today bestselling author Krystal Pena resides with her four children near Boston, MA. She writes PNR/UF and fantasy, and enjoys writing stories about strong women who overcome the greatest obstacles to achieve their dreams or goals.
Aside from writing, Krystal enjoys photography, archery, horseback riding and MMA. She loves history and art, and frequents historical sites and art galleries in her spare time. Above all else, she loves being at home, baking and cooking with her children, visiting her family and reading bedtime stories. She works as a personal assistant to other authors by day and writes late into the night, a strong cup of coffee always within reach.