It’s January 1, 2025. Before I get curt, let me wish you a Happy New Year, sincerely. Now, let’s talk about this idea of reinvention that has plagued my social media feeds. Every new year, we’re bombarded with the idea of rebranding ourselves—becoming shinier, trendier, more marketable. Since no one else is saying it, I will: most of this “reinvention” is just piecing together bits of other people’s personalities from social media, creating a copycat version of others that lacks individuality, authenticity, and charm.
What if the key to fulfillment isn’t becoming someone new but simply returning to who you’ve always been?
Think back to adolescence. Back then, life had a rhythm (one we often took for granted). We woke up at a set time, had structured days, balanced meals, social time, hobbies, and physical activity built right into our schedules. Sure, we may have rebelled against it at the time, but that structure did something for us: it supported our growth and gave us balance.
Somewhere along the way, adulthood stripped us of that balance. The hustle culture narrative told us that self-worth is measured by productivity, leaving no space for hobbies or joy. Social media told us we should be constantly evolving into something new, always chasing the next big transformation. But maybe the best move isn’t to reinvent—it’s to revert.
I realize that the most interesting and fun-loving adults that I know still have the essence of them from childhood built into their lives. In short, they are who they've always been, just an elevated version. Instead of committing to reinventing yourself for the new year, I present the idea of reverting to self.
Wake Up and Look Good (for You): Remember waking up early for school and taking time to look put together? Maybe it was wearing your favorite pair of hoops or styling your hair just right. As adults, we often associate looking good with external validation, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Taking time to care for your appearance, even if no one else will see you, can be grounding. It’s not vanity; it’s self-respect and the bare basics of establishing a set routine.
Reintroduce Movement into Your Day: Whether it was gym class, sports, or walking home from school, physical activity was non-negotiable growing up. You don’t have to do a boot camp or train for a marathon but find a form of movement that feels good for you. Walk around your neighborhood, stretch with some Pilates, or dance in your kitchen. Your body deserves the care it once received, without the pressure to perform fitness.
Eat Like Someone Cares: School lunches weren’t Michelin-starred, but they were balanced (at least most of the time). How often do we, as adults, skip meals or live off caffeine and snacks? Treat yourself like someone you care for. Prep your meals, eat your greens, and prioritize food as fuel, not an afterthought- especially as we see an unhealthy obsession with thinness resurfacing.
Rediscover Your Hobbies: This one is key, and I will tell anyone who asks that my life is so colorful, whimsical, and full of joy because I never stopped doing the things I enjoyed growing up. Do you remember the joy of extracurriculars? Art club, debate team, or just hanging out with friends after school? Adulthood has a way of burying those joys under responsibility, but they don't have to be gone forever. Paint something, play a video game, join a rec league, or just find your version of play.
Read for Fun: This feels almost ridiculous to have to say, but after seeing the deranged responses to a woman sharing her 110 read books in 2024, it is even more important that I say this. Reading wasn’t just for school, it was for learning, for pleasure, for escape. When’s the last time you read something without a goal attached? Reclaim that joy. I personally don't even formally keep track of my reads throughout the year. Whether it’s fantasy novels, biographies, or poetry, let yourself get lost in a book. I will judge you for reading too many self-help books though ;-)
Field Trips, but for Adults: Remember the excitement of field trips? As adults, we don’t need permission slips to explore. Visit a museum, go for a hike, or take a day trip to a nearby town. It’s not indulgent, it’s necessary and it does not have to be an instagram worthy travel destination.
This isn’t about nostalgia or trying to recreate your childhood; it’s about reconnecting with a version of yourself that wasn’t bogged down by societal expectations. Reinvention asks you to become something else. To be frank, it is corny and weird as a full blown adult to develop a personality by morphing into others and what social media is telling you to do. Reverting invites you to return to what’s always been there, after all, you've been waiting for you to return.
This is a much needed and refreshing read to start off the year!