November 27, 2023
I’m a recovered binge eater who changed the story from something that happened to me to something that happened for me. Now, I’m a licensed therapist teaching you to do the same.
My mission? To help you ditch food stress and live your life with mental peace and freedom every single day!
As the calendar turns, and the New Year is around the corner, many of us feel the pressure to create resolutions that often revolve around strict, drastic changes. However, resolutions can be daunting, and when they inevitably falter, they may lead to feelings of guilt and disappointment. Instead, let’s explore the concept of setting New Year’s intentions. These are gentler, more adaptable, and encourage a mindful approach to personal growth. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of New Year’s intentions and how they can bring positivity and transformation to your life.
Resolutions typically involve firm decisions to do or not do something, often with a specific, measurable outcome. However, they can become rigid and unforgiving, which may lead to a sense of failure if they’re not met.
On the other hand, intentions are all about directing your thoughts, feelings, and actions toward a specific aim. They offer the freedom to adapt and evolve, highlighting the journey rather than the destination. Intentions invite a kinder, more compassionate approach to personal growth, through:
Intentions inspire mindfulness, urging you to be fully aware of your actions, choices, and the way you live your life. They require you to be present and engaged in the moment, fostering self-awareness and personal growth.
Life can be unpredictable, and rigid resolutions may lead to frustration when things don’t go as planned. Intentions provide the flexibility to adjust to changing circumstances, allowing you to continue making progress toward your goals.
Resolutions can be stern and unforgiving, often leading to self-criticism and disappointment. In contrast, intentions encourage self-compassion and kindness. They create space for setbacks and learning.
Intentions shift the spotlight from the end result to the process and the journey. They invite you to embrace each step and experience along the way, leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling path of personal growth.
Start by contemplating your core values and what truly matters to you. Think about what you wish to nurture more of in your life. Here are examples of how you might articulate your thoughts on this:
The key is to express your thoughts sincerely and connect them to specific values that resonate with you.
Setting positive intentions means thinking about what you want to do in a happy and growing way. It’s like planning to do things that make you feel good and help you become a better person. Instead of just saying what you don’t want to do, like “I don’t want to be lazy,” you think about what you want to do, like “I want to be active and full of energy.” It’s about looking forward to good things and making choices that lead to a better and happier you, for example:
Positive intentions are about framing your goals in a way that promotes growth, self-love, and a positive mindset.
While intentions are more flexible than resolutions, it’s still vital to be specific about what you want to focus on. Here is what this might look like for health and well-being:
Write down your intentions and place them where you can see them every day. A visual reminder can help you stay aligned with your intentions and mindful of your actions.
Keep in mind that setting intentions is an ongoing practice. Be patient with yourself and allow room for growth and evolution. It’s perfectly normal to revisit and adjust your intentions as needed throughout the year.
Deciding on New Year’s intentions is a kind and thoughtful way to grow as a person. Instead of making strict resolutions that might make you feel bad if you don’t keep them, intentions help you be aware of yourself, stay flexible, and be nice to yourself. If you concentrate on the journey and enjoy each moment, you can make the coming year more meaningful and satisfying. Try using intentions, and you’ll see yourself getting better and better.
Reflection questions are incredibly valuable for setting intentions in the New Year. They invite you to look back on the past year, evaluate your goals and experiences, and plan for the future. Here are some reflection questions to aid you in shaping your intentions for the upcoming year:
Remember, setting intentions for the New Year is a personal journey, and there are no right or wrong answers. Use these questions as a starting point to help you reflect on your past year and plan for a fulfilling and purposeful year ahead.
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Ryann Nicole
Licensed Therapist, Certified Nutritionist, and Virtual Wellness Coach
Ryann is a licensed therapist and virtual wellness coach who has assisted individuals worldwide in establishing a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.
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