Essence: 15 Self-Care Pledges Every Black Woman Should Take To Manifest More Greatness

No shade to the whole “New Year, new me” thing, but we’re all about improving upon who we already are in 2019.

Instead of reinventing the wheel, we’d like to challenge you to cherish what makes you special and protect the people and aspects of your life that bring you great joy. Before you can better the world, the good has to start within —and with these 12 pledges we’ve gathered, you’re one step ahead.

Below, ESSENCE staffers shared what personal pledges they’re making to themselves in the new year. Take notes, apply and check back in with yourself throughout the year.

I PLEDGE TO DO LESS WISHFUL THINKING AND MORE WANDERLUST

I PLEDGE TO POUR INTO MYSELF AND LOVE STRONGER AND HARDER

I PLEDGE TO LET MY WORK ETHIC MATCH MY DREAMS

I PLEDGE TO NOT LOOK OUTWARD FOR VALIDATION

I PLEDGE TO ACTUALLY DEFINE WHAT HAPPINESS MEANS TO ME

I PLEDGE TO ASK FOR WHAT I WANT

I PLEDGE TO SPEND REAL QUALITY TIME WITH MY CLOSEST FRIENDS

I PLEDGE TO TAKE AT LEAST THREE MINUTES TO MEDITATE OR PRAY EVERY MORNING

I PLEDGE TO BE MORE GRATEFUL FOR WHO’S IN MY LIFE

I PLEDGE TO CELEBRATE MY OWN DOPENESS AND SPEND MORE TIME ADMIRING MY OWN ACHIEVEMENTS

I PLEDGE TO MAKE MY HEALTH MY WEALTH

I PLEDGE TO UNDERSTAND THAT I CANNOT CONTROL OTHER PEOPLE’S ACTION, JUST MY REACTIONS

I PLEDGE TO SHARE HOW I TRULY FEEL

I PLEDGE TO MAKE IT A POINT TO CONGRATULATE AND COMPLIMENT MY SISTERS AND FRIENDS

I PLEDGE TO SAY FAREWELL TO MY REPRESENTATIVE AND ALWAYS BE MY AUTHENTIC SELF