Happy 2018 to you, I hope it’s been a good one for you so far. As we enter into another journey around the sun, this is a time many of us set resolutions to be better versions of ourselves than we were last year.
We make resolutions to do this, don’t do that, less of this, more of that – and while it is wonderful to have goals, sometimes by setting a steadfast resolution we are setting ourselves up for failure. Have you ever found that?
Resolutions
Maybe you’ve made resolutions and already broken them. I know in past years I have, and have been left feeling a bit deflated in the few weeks of January.
To be honest even those words – new years resolutions – bring out my inner rebel, and I know that if I set myself rigid resolutions, they will not be kept and I will be left feeling disappointed.
Setting these resolutions also makes me feel like there’s a lot I need to change, especially seeing ‘New Year, New You’ messages everywhere you go at this time of year.
So I am firmly in the camp of New Year, Same You, because you are perfect as you are. It sounds cliche but that is because it’s true! You may be dreaming big for this next year but know that whatever happens over the next twelve months, you don’t have to morph into a New You – just keep polishing the gems that are already hidden within. Because Same You is wonderful and has made it this far, and already brings so much light to the world.
Have goals and dreams and aspirations for the next twelve months – but ask yourself why.
Goals
Are those goals coming from a place of abundance and love or are they coming from a place of lack? Will you be shining a light inwards to illuminate what you already have? Or will you be casting your light out looking for all that you have not?
If you are a person who can set themselves a resolution on January 1, and stick to it, well I salute you. However if you’re like me and have a mind that needs some coaxing into new habits, maybe this will help you.
For the past number of years instead of setting myself new years resolutions, I’ve been setting intentions. So my goals and dreams may be the same, but because I’m nurturing intentions instead of being resolute in what I have to do, I am much more likely to stick to them. Setting intentions also feels to me like I am improving and working on what I already have within me, rather than striving to find something that isn’t already there.
So over these next couple of weeks, as we settle into a new routine and into this new year, maybe have a think about your intentions. Maybe the year is too big to think about, so set an intention for this month. Set it for this week. Or just for today.
Rather than creating a to-do list of resolutions for yourself, think about how you want to feel and start to set your intentions from there.
So, how do you want to feel? Today, this month, this year.
What steps can you take to make that happen?
For example, I want to feel more connected to my community, so this year I will be setting dates to see people face to face more often, rather than through a screen.
Rest
I want to feel healthier in my body, so this year I will be practicing more yoga and movement, but also practicing more rest.
I want to feel joyful each day, so this year I will be taking conscious pauses throughout my day to find moments of joy. (Current moment of joy comes from a roaring fire on a chilly day, hot tea to hand, and a snoozing hound at my feet). Because even on the worst day, there is always a moment of joy.
Dream big for sure, but set your targets in a way that works for you, be it resolutions, or be it intentions. Work with what you already have, and set yourself up for success. And even if you’re striving to do more and be more this year, don’t forget to keep shining all the gems that are already within. All those gems are what make you who you are, the Same Wonderful You.
Have a blessed 2018.
With gratitude from me to you – Mary
