2024. A new year, a clean slate. Out with the old, in with the new. If you're a "new year, new you" person, I commend you for your ability to stick with a resolution for 365 days. According to google, you're one of the 9%. That's impressive!
I, on the other hand, hate resolutions. Why? Because they set you up for failure. We challenge ourselves to stick with a goal because it's a new year but bring all of our past beliefs and patterns with us. That shit doesn't just go away because the calendar says it's January 1st. Frustration, anger, self hate and resentment... those are what often come out of failed resolutions.
Three hundred and sixty five days is a long time. You are not the same person you were a year ago, nor will you be the same person a year from now. Perspectives change, priorities change. Life happens. Life...changes.
If you woke up on New Year's Day ready to bring on the year and stay committed to all the good, tell me your secrets. If you woke up feeling unworthy and like a failure because you know you'll forget about your resolution by midwinter, you're part of the 91%. Society has placed enormous pressure on us to be better, especially related to our bodies. Specials, promotions, discounts, aisles filled with supplements, the healthy food front and center. "Lose weight, feel better." "This could be YOUR year!" "No better time to get in shape than now." Other popular resolutions are saving money, reducing stress, and quitting something. All supposed to start on January 1st and end on December 31st.
Now I'm not saying that I don't think we all could do better in one or more aspects of our lives. We could. And we can. But why do we need a date to dictate the day we start to grow and change? And this goes further than the new year.... we also use Mondays and season changes and "after vacation" to start anew. There really is plenty of time to set us up for failure!
So... what if we could ground ourselves enough to live in balance, enjoying life for the day that's in front of us, not waiting to be better? What if 2025 rolls around and we took every day and did the best we could with it?
Sounds nice. Sounds doable, possibly... depending on the day and what's going on in your life. There is no way in hell every day is going to go well. Life just doesn't work out that way. But if we can learn to face our lives day by day, living with intention and leading with our heart... our average at the end of the year would be more good and productive days than not.
Want to try it with me? Keep it simple. Set an intention for your DAY. Not the week, the month, not the year. Just this little day in front of you. Let's say our intention is "respond patiently." And maybe by lunch time you're losing your shit. And you say to yourself, "Well that day is out the window." You're going to stop yourself and say, "WAIT NO. No it's not. I am worthy of making mistakes and trying again."
Now Pause. What's going on? Are you meeting your OWN needs first? Are you hungry? Thirsty? Are you breathing? Have you gotten fresh air and moved your body? Once those boxes are checked, set your intention again. Could be 12:53 or 4:18... it's okay! You don't have to wait for a specific time or day to start again. Just do your best with the rest of the little day in front of you. Give yourself grace for the times you messed up, and notice the times you actually did respond with patience.
The intention could be anything. Drink more water. Eat an extra serving of vegetables. Walk outside barefoot. Maybe some days it will be... get out of your pajamas or eat ONE vegetable. The intention can be related to your personal life or how you respond to those around you (respond patiently, pause before speaking, stay curious, speak your goddamn mind and take no shit, IDK.)
The more grounded you are in yourself, the easier following through with your intention will be. Your subconscious will start to change, and it will start to look for success instead of highlighting failures. And it will be easier to reach your goals. And just maybe, 2025 will roll around and you'll be like... "damn, I had a lot of good days this year."
Cheat sheet for daily intentions:
Set one in the morning
Meet your basic needs to help you feel more balanced
Breathe throughout the day, relax your body
Get outside
Messed up? Pause. Regroup. Start again.
Give yourself grace and notice the good
YOU ARE WORTHY of setting yourself up for success.
Take the day in front of you and start there.
"Drop by drop is the water pot filled." -Buddha