There’s always something about the first few weeks of the new year that makes it special. You’re still in awe of how the last year flew by, and in a way, motivated to make the most out of this one. I know I certainly am.
While most traditions call for new year resolutions I’ve become a believer of setting intentions instead. Why? Because intentions inherently focus on the positive qualities we want to imbue, not the “thing” we must strive for (aka resolutions).
Now the exception to this rule is if you are the type of person that absolutely gets pumped over resolutions.
No seriously! I can’t stress enough how important it is to know thy self. No one can tell you what’s right and wrong for you – only you know what works, and yes, while this evolves over time as you do – only you can know what’s right for you in any moment when you truly connect with your deepest self.
After you’ve set your intention, imagine how it would feel to embody those qualities of said intention by asking yourself these powerful questions:
- What qualities do you need to feel good carrying out your intention? List as many as you can.
- What sensations and/or emotions do you feel?
- Where in your body do you feel them? Describe every detail of how it feels!
- How do you perceive the world differently? What’s changed specifically?
- What does your voice sound like when you are interacting with others?
- What would it look like in your actions/interactions with others? What are the differences in how you view yourself?
And of course, the pivotal question to get you started – what is the one small step you can take for yourself?
Whether it’s:
- lighting a candle to start a personal QT (quality time) practice
- flossing your two front teeth
- setting an alarm to meditate for ONE minute
- preparing ONE healthy meal for yourself during the week
- praising ONE person during the week to help elevate another person
- taking 5 deep breaths a day to start a breathing practice
- drinking ONE tall glass of water during the day
Do you see how taking one small step allows for easy, quick accomplishments? This rewards the brain center and suddenly any blocks or fears around whether or not the “goal” is truly achievable lessens with every small win.
Whenever I want to incorporate a new aspect into my lifestyle this is exactly what I do.
- First, I meditate on what it is I truly want. Rather than focusing on a certain goal, I focus on my intention. What is the deeper meaning behind incorporating this into my life?
- I then look at the qualities of what it is I want to incorporate. Is it more love? peace? joy? strength? determination?
- I look to the one small step I can take to make it an easy win
- Repeat step 3 🙂
If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to take a deep review of what it is you truly want more of in your life this year. Often times, you may even notice your qualities end up being your intention and that is OK as well!
Here’s to the turtle that always wins the race 🙂
In wellness,
Susan
Photo by Samuel Clara on Unsplash