Pop-Culturalist.com

It’s that time of year when everyone makes tons of resolutions and promises to become better versions of themselves. Sometimes, they stick to them all; most of the time, though, the resolutions fall by the wayside. Then, you’re left still sitting on your couch daydreaming of an improved you.

Despite that dreary fact of life, resolutions and changes are always worth making. Someday, the ideas and talk will turn into reality! So, since January is everyone’s favorite month for starting fresh, I’m going to spend some time this month reminiscing (#TBT style!) about some great moments in television, music, and film that embody the “New Year, New You” idea in some way. First up: a song by the great Kelly Clarkson.

“Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson is one of my all-time favorite songs to jam out to. I have some pretty great memories of blasting this song, driving around with friends and alone, wondering who I was going to be when I grew up. You can relate to this song at almost any stage of life. You’re always evolving, trying to take risks (whether they are simple risks like being more outspoken, or more intimidating risks like moving somewhere new by yourself), and figuring out who you are. “Breakaway” just captures that all in a catchy pop song.

“Breakaway” has been covered by countless singers. Several contestants on American Idol and The X Factor have tried it; Megan Hilty from NBC’s Smash covered it; it was performed on Glee. There have also been numerous uses of it onscreen–it began as a single for the movie The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.

Obviously, it is the perfect anthem for growing up and becoming your own person. Indeed, I think it is the perfect anthem for the start of a new you. So, happy 2016….embrace this year like Kelly Clarkson belts:

“I’ll spread my wings, and I’ll learn how to fly
I’ll do what it takes till I touch the sky
And I’ll make a wish, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway”