Good Intentions
I’ve always loved the idea of the new year being a clean slate. A fresh start. A new beginning. A time to reflect and to start over. To set new goals and declutter. Out with the old and in with the new.
But here is a gentle reminder: You DO NOT have to reinvent yourself in the new year.
Clarifying your values and setting intentions can be a way of defining what is important to you. This can be a beautiful way of finding direction and laying the foundation of your path moving forward. It can also be helpful when you feel stuck or confused about making decisions.
For example, I value family and personal growth and my intentions are:
protecting and preparing my son (parental guidance online, chores, teaching him skills like cooking)
being kind to myself (having a bedtime routine, self care, therapy and coaching)
showing my people love (checking in by text, making time for visits, sending birthday cards)
helping others (volunteer work, giving compliments, spreading aloha)
My son does NOT like doing his chores. Even though I think he has it easy, he will complain, protest and negotiate until I feel like I am losing my mind. Most days I don’t have a fight in me. So, I actually contemplate giving in. I entertain the idea of just doing the chores myself so that I don’t have to hear it. I tell myself it would be easier than having to navigate his big emotions.
But then I remind myself that doing my son’s chores for him does not align with my values. He would not be prepared for independence without learning how to take care of himself. And it would not be kind to me if I added more work to my already full plate.
What are some of your own values that you can focus on in the new year? What are three to four intentions you can set that can guide you toward the goals you would like to achieve? A new year doesn’t only have to be about losing weight, earning more money, finding love. It can be about redefining what matters most to you and carving a path to get there.
If you could use support in any area of your life, let me help you. Schedule a 45-minute session or FREE 30-minute chat HERE.
Aloha,
Suzanne