Leading up to the New Year were inundated with messages of weight loss, detox and workout regimens. It’ a time of reflection, self-assessment and goal setting. While there is some goodness in those things, it’s easy to get caught up in the commercialized message of the New Year instead of focusing on what you really want to cultivate in the upcoming year. Losing 20 pounds, working out for 60 minutes every day or cutting out sugar may sound well-intentioned, but are they even realistic? We must take time to self-reflect on our goals: Is it even something I want or is it just something I feel pressured to do? Will losing some weight really make me happier or is it even necessary or healthy? Can my body handle 60 minutes of exercise every day or should I honor that life happens and other times my body needs a rest day? Do I want to set the unrealistic goal to not eat any sugar so when that special occasion rolls around I either miss out or feel guilty when I eat a slice of cake?
There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to setting expectations for the next year. Instead of setting goals for myself this year, I’m setting intentions. I’m choosing to set intentions rather than goals because they honor how I want to feel and how I want to live my life. They’re not confined to a number on a scale or linked to unrealistic goals that will make me feel guilty when I mess up. They are a way for me to work on myself and the work in progress that I am. These intentions encompass grace and flexibility — understanding that I am working on each one a little bit day by day. There is no succeeding and no failing. They are based on my self-reflection over the last year and taking a deep dive into what is truly important to me, which you may have seen in this post. Here are my intentions for the upcoming year:
Move Your Body in a Way You Enjoy
This year, I want to get even better at intuitive movement. This means listening to my body and what it wants whether that be yoga, weight lifting or rest. I, like many others, can fall into the trap of comparing our workout routines to those around us. When you see Jane Doe who does workout X looking super fit, you may think that you, too, should really do workout X even though you dread it every time you go. It’s also easy to use workouts as a punishment, especially since many companies market them that way. “Burn off that Christmas meal.” “Lose that belly flab.” Eye roll. Working out is not a way to torture yourself — it’s a way to move your body in a way that makes you feel good. If you went out to a nice restaurant and had a big dinner the night before, you may be thinking you really should go for a run when in reality, your body is really calling for a yoga class. Ditch the “shoulds” and go to that yoga class. Listening to your body is honoring your body, and it will thank you for it.
Less Screen Time
Mindlessly scrolling through my phone is one of my worst habits. I am not even sure why I do it so often, it’s like I pick up my phone without thinking and get trapped in the black hole of the Internet. This year, I really want to work on putting my phone down more often. I want to be more present with my friends and family, who are right in front of me and who I truly care about. When we spent time in Europe this summer and didn’t have wi-fi most of the time, it was so special because we were all much more present with one another instead of being engrossed in our phones. It’s scary to think about how much I can lose out on since I’m looking down into a screen and not at the life that’s unfolding in front of me. My mantra for less screen time will be, “be here now.” I also want to be selective with who I follow on social media and unfollow those who may make me feel bad about myself or my body image. Anyway, if you see me totally engrossed in my phone, please gently slap it out of my hand. 🙂
Spend More Time Outdoors
This past year I have really come to love spending time outside even more. It may be since I’m wrapping up my second year as a full-time office jockey, but time outdoors has become increasingly precious. I’ve purposely walked and rode my bike as much as I could this year instead of driving and I really loved it. I’ve noticed so many more details on buildings and enjoyed the sky so much more than I can when driving. I want to continue my “podcast walks” through the Inner Harbor and take time appreciating all of the little beauties and joys around me. I truly believe that nature is healing. Being outside grounds me, energizes me and inspires me. I know to never underestimate the power of a little fresh air.
Spend Your Time Wisely
This year I want to be more careful with how I choose to spend my time. Now, I love Netflix just as much as the next girl, but I can definitely afford to spend less time binge watching and more time reading and writing. I also want to give myself the permission to say no to things that don’t energize or excite me. If I receive an invitation for something that I do not want to go to or that I dread, I want to create space for myself to allow me to politely decline without feeling guilty. Saying yes to everything that comes your way can be emotionally draining. When your selective with what you say yes to, you have more space to devote energy to the things you and to be fully present in showing up for your loved ones.
Create a Gratitude PracticeÂ
Last year I set a goal that I was going to write down five things every morning that I was grateful for. It sounded like a great idea, but when you’re groggy and your 5 o’clock alarm goes off, it doesn’t always happen. Over the past few months I changed my practice to starting each morning with a grateful heart. When I wake up, I think about the things in my life that I’m grateful for and thank God for all of the love and abundance in my life. This practice is obtainable for me because I can do it from anywhere — my own bed, when I’m staying at my parents’ house or when I’m traveling. It’s a simple but loving way to start each morning and you can do it from the comfort of under your covers.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
While we may set lofty and unattainable goals, we also have the tendency to not give ourselves enough credit for what we are truly capable of. Maybe you want to start a book, or become a yoga teacher or take that solo traveling trip but are too afraid that you’re not ready. But if not now, then when? You are so much more ready to handle what comes your way than you could ever imagine. It took me so long to finally launch this blog because I was scared — what will people think and what if no one cares what I have to say? When I finally said, alright you’re just going to do it already, I set a date and went for it. And guess what? I love it and it makes me happy — what else really matters? Whatever your heart is longing for, drop your limits and what-if’s and go for it. One of my favorite sayings this past year has been, “nothing to it but to do it.” Go for it.
The New Year is not the time to harbor on what you didn’t accomplish this past year. Hey, maybe even last year was the crappiest year of your life. That’s okay, it happens. Even if it wasn’t your best, honor yourself for making it through the tough times. For showing up and making it through day after day. Honor the lessons you learned and remember the moments of goodness and love. Give yourself permission to start the next year with a clean slate, but not forgetting all that you’ve learned. Setting intentions doesn’t have to start on January 1st. It can be the 14th or in February or July and you can always come back to them when you drift away. It’s human nature, we all do it. Show yourself grace. When a new intention arises in you, set it no matter the date. It’s never too late to manifest something in your life. I’m messing up, learning, faltering and coming back right along side you. We’re in it together.
Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year.
x,
Morgan