Twenty Sixteen.  Another New Year.  Another chance to press the ‘reset’ button, and to refocus ourselves on who we want to be, what we want to accomplish, and where we can improve.

New Year Resolutions

I’m not one for setting hard and fast resolutions.  I know many people can do this, and can succeed, but the reality is that many of us feel stressed out trying to meet specific resolutions, and subsequently feel deflated when these goals are not met.  Personally, I like to take a more subtle approach to the new year by having “intentions” rather than “resolutions”.  It’s a time for me to reassess my situation and my happiness, to become aware of any shortcomings, and to recognize my desires for the coming year(s).

How Does That Work?

It’s actually quite simple.  Rather than deciding to lose 10 pounds, one might opt for purchasing twice as many vegetables on grocery day, making sure to wash them, chop them, and fill up snack bags for the week so they’re easy to grab.  Or you could choose to practice your yoga once a week, and walk with your dog every day.  We might also decide to be stronger mentally, and not give in to superficial cravings for sweet and salty. At the end of the day, these choices may result in you reaching the original weight loss goal, but without the blood, sweat, or tears!

Whatever the approach, it should be simple to do and far from forceful.  Setting strict rules and pushing yourself to an extreme will only result in unhappiness, stress, and potential failure.  Rather than set a resolution, why not make a simple lifestyle change?

My 2016

This year, I am excited to improve my life.  I am going to focus more on my yoga, get more massages, and travel more.  I would love to see four new places this year, and learn how to do a handstand.  I’ll get back to taking photos for the enjoyment of it, not for Instagram or Facebook.  Perhaps I’ll even delve into the world of meditation.  Simple ideas.  Yet those things will be fulfilling to me, and will keep a smile on my face.

Let’s take the time to pamper ourselves.  Let’s care for the body we have, both inside and out.  Let’s argue less and love more.  Let’s travel – both near and far – and allow ourselves to learn about cultures – even our local cultures – while we do so.  Let’s read more and write more.  Let’s engage in conversation, and disconnect from time to time.  Let’s live!

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How about you?  Do you have better luck with resolutions or with intentions?  Have you set any personal goals for this year?  What do you think we should do differently?  Let me know! 🙂