What is your Intention for the New Year?
I love achieving goals. Which is why I dislike the “New Year’s Resolution” tradition. Resolutions are tough because quitting something “cold turkey” can be tough. Especially if it’s something that has been your coping mechanism during a difficult time. So my advice to you as we start this fresh, bright new year is above all, be gentle with yourself. The last two years have been really hard, and it’s ok if you had to find ways to survive that were maybe not ideal. Because you did it.
That being said, instead of quitting whatever that thing is that helped you through; maybe it’s eating too much decadent food or drink, or binging tv shows, or closing yourself off in isolation, etc. May I suggest focusing on a new intention instead of harshly cutting off your “security blanket?” Because let’s be honest, that takes A LOT of willpower and energy that you may not have right now. Which is ok!
What does this look like?
Maybe your intention is growth. You could focus on taking a course in something that interests you. An intention for a more healthy lifestyle could look like going for a walk in the park regularly or learning how to cook new dishes. Your intention could be choosing yourself more. Be more intentional with your choices of who you hang out with, paying attention to how you feel when you are with those people. Choose wisely! If you are the person who is always caring for others, you can make sure you are doing a little something for yourself each day. Something that brings you joy, even if it’s only for five minutes. If you find that your anxiety has gone through the roof lately, you can try taking five minutes in the morning to meditate and/or focus on a positive affirmation for the day, or get regular massage to help you check in with your body and learn to relax again.
Listen, I am a huge proponent of positive reinforcement. Let’s add something good instead of taking it away. If you deny yourself something that has been your coping mechanism without replacing it with something else that brings joy (that is better for you or is a step in the direction you are wanting to go), then it’s probably not going to work long term, which is why a lot of resolutions fail. The best plan or goal is the one you’re going to stick with, no matter how small. So instead of “What is your New Year’s Resolution?”, I’ll ask you “What is your Intention for the New Year?” What bright new horizons are you chasing in 2022? I’d love to hear it!
