I have never been a New Year’s resolution person. I encourage my clients to think about how they want to feel in the new year ahead. I invite them to consider intentions, a theme, a word to represent the new calendar year. These offerings seem to support them far greater than resolutions.
Resolutions are made from honoring should rather than what really matters to the person. I should lose weight, I should find a different job, etc. They are also created out of lack, assuming you don’t have something already. I don’t have the relationship of my dreams; I want more of this and less of that.
That is why they don’t hold up or last. I am inviting you to think about how you want to feel in 2022. Not how you want to look, but how you want to show up to a world that continues to change, offer challenge and disappoint.
Take some time to reflect, journal and ponder that question. Do you want to feel resilient, loving, kind, compassionate? What about peaceful?
Once you have an idea of how you want to feel your actions will follow. You may find yourself eating healthier, hanging out with different people, taking a class, reading more, surfing the web less.
Intention leads to action. Action leads to change.
I also can’t help but offer the idea of stepping slowly with ease into the New Year. Don’t be in such a rush to say goodbye to 2021 that you miss the view. Take time to reflect on what worked last year, where were you supported, and what mattered. Then without judgment, what would you like to do differently?
Will you spend more time taking care of yourself? Will you honor your time?
Yes, the only difference between December 31st 2021 and January 1st 2022 is the date on the calendar. Both are just days with a different year attached. The difference can lie in your choices, attitude and awareness.
How do you want to show up to others, life, yourself, the day, the year?
What if you forgot the resolutions this year and simply resolved to be kind, loving, gentle, forgiving, joyful or peaceful—then started practicing those values on yourself, one day at a time?
Anything is possible. So, what if?
Cheers, Jenny
