Why “Be More Like Tonks” Is the Ultimate New Year’s Resolution

Nymphadora (don’t call me Nymphadora) Tonks. Bad-ass Hufflepuff. Brave. Witty. Tonks is one of those characters who is deeply fascinating, even though we see so little of her. She’s talented enough to become an Auror, yet young, vibrant, and full of energy. She’s never afraid to be herself. And that’s impressive considering her amazing Metamorphmagus powers. Her character provides us with a role model that we should strive to emulate as part of 2020.

One of my better New Year’s resolutions for 2019 was to “be more like Tonks.” At the time, I wrote it as a “fun resolution” – something just to keep in mind, perhaps simply to balance out my more boring, traditional resolutions. You know – save money, lose weight, etc., etc. But as the year went on, I kept coming back to that resolution in particular. It meant more to me than my other resolutions, because I really delved into what “being Tonks” meant. And I saw that it was perhaps the best resolution I could have written for myself.

Tonks is a character who provides a great female role model in the world of Harry Potter. And that’s saying something when you have a plethora of other great role models – Hermione, McGonagall, Ginny, Luna, Mrs. Weasley… the list is rather long. But between her feisty and playful temperament and her drive, passion, and loyalty, Tonks is perhaps one of the best to try and emulate in one’s own life. So here are some New Year’s resolutions to be closer to one of the best characters of the Harry Potter series!

1. Never be afraid to be yourself.

This is perhaps the number one rule that underscores Tonks’ character, but it’s an incredibly important one as well. Tonks is never interested in being anything other than herself – from her aesthetic and style to her fun and clumsy personality. As a Metamorphmagus, Tonks has the ability to change any aspect of her appearance at will, and yet we see her using her powers simply as a way to extend her own personality and never to hide her true self or use her powers for superficial reasons. That kind of self-confidence is truly inspiring.

Art by wingedcorgiart

2. Walk along the boundaries of life.

This one stems from number one, but a whole section of the Tonksian philosophy (that’s the official term) is to push yourself or try new things. And this doesn’t mean a complete overhaul of your life, but perhaps it’s just reconnecting with those passions you’ve let fall by the wayside or doing some soul searching to work out what you want out of life. Perhaps it’s as simple as rocking a new hairstyle? Tonks shows us that life is too short to hang around waiting for what you want to fall into your lap; you have to be proactive in chasing your dreams – and sometimes insecure werewolves – to achieve the kind of life you wish to lead.

art by The Afterlife

3. Hold forgiveness in your heart.

Tonks has an amazing capacity to forgive, which is complemented by her fierce loyalty and unwillingness to give up. And while all these qualities may seem contradictory, they’re just aspects of what makes her character so real and human. While she fights for those she loves and the causes she champions, she also knows when it is time to forgive – a very admirable quality that the world needs more of.

…. Tonks, her hair miraculously returned to vividest pink, Remus Lupin, with whom she seemed to be holding hands …” (HBP 597)

Tonks’ character is equal parts bright, humorous, passionate, and fierce. She makes no apologies for being who she is and expresses that inner self for the world to see. This is why she makes such a great role model and a great source of inspiration for those New Year’s resolutions. Plus, she has the outright disapproval of the Dursleys – so really, what more could you ask for?

Anyway, that’s not the point,’ interjected Tonks, whose pink hair seemed to offend Aunt Petunia more than all the rest put together, for she closed her eyes rather than look at her.” (OotP 765)