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Ah, the first of a New Year. A clean slate, a new chapter. With it comes all kinds of promises to ourselves and others of things we plan to do.
Resolutions.
We see this word everywhere right now. Our family and friends posting about their resolutions, notice of sales from retailers to help us with our resolutions and all kinds of gyms, health clubs, and weight loss centers to assist us in some of the most popular resolutions of eating healthier, working out more and getting into shape.
The problem with this is the word itself.
To resolve means we are making a firm decision to do, or not do, something. Read the use in a sentence above:
“She kept her resolution not to see Anne any more.”
Why has she resolved to not see Anne? Is that the best for her? For Anne? Is Anne toxic, does she owe our ‘she’ money? Maybe they like the same guy. Or maybe they like each other? Whatever it is, ‘She’ is resigning herself to no longer see Anne. She is denying something she really wants. How long do you think that will last? Really last? And if it does last, will ‘She’ be happy and at peace about it?
Yes, we can quit smoking, stop drinking, get more exercise and eat better. Those things are all good things for us to do, but when we resign ourselves to something, we are admitting defeat and looking for a solution. We are repairing something we feel is broken. How about instead of solving ourselves, we use one of the synonyms of the word resolution:
Intention.
To intend is to plan for; aim higher! Intentions lift us, HEAL us. They aren’t fixing that which is broken, but it is healing that which was wounded.
Intentions are began with an open heart, ready for change. They are not forced upon us, they are not things we resign ourselves to. When we resolve, we give up. It doesn’t matter if the thing we are giving up is harmful to us our not, giving up already starts us off on a negative foot. Instead of giving up, how about we gain something instead?
Let us gain freedom. Peace. Wellness. Wholeness. Let us intend to embrace all the good that are intentions. Look at the sentence used:
“She was full of GOOD intentions.”
Not bad ones. Not ones that she resigned herself to. She intends for good. Isn’t that more positive already?!
So as you set forth in this new year, don’t resolve to give up. Intend to gain. You, and your world, will be better for it.
For me, my intentions for this new year are easy: Laugh more, smile more, travel more. Forgive more, including forgive myself more and love more, which means I am also going to love myself more. Worry less. Do any harmful behaviors (like carbs without exercise) less. Procrastinate less and stress less. I intend to rock this blog this year. To show up and show out. Above all, I intend to shine. What about you?
Let’s get to it!
Peace and blessings!
Charlotte Dawn
Sofee Kravitz says
okay, I will try….hopefully will last until January 2nd
Katie Miller says
Love it! So great!