New Year’s Intentions vs. New Year’s Resolutions

Photo by Jill Wellington: https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-new-year-text-3334355/

Each day, we are born again. Each day is a new opportunity.

New Year’s Intentions vs. New Year’s Resolutions: What’s the difference?

Resolutions

•       Resolutions, by definition, are resolute. They are concrete, absolute, “personal laws” that are placed upon ourselves.

•       Creating these “personal laws” in recovery (whether it’s substances or behaviors like emotional dependency) can create high expectations: (remember the saying,” high expectations can lead to premeditated resentments.”)

•       Having plans for recovery is important, but creating an absolute in recovery may lead to setbacks from stress, fear of failure, and desire for perfection. We thrive when focusing on progress vs. focusing on perfection, so for some, they may not work.

Intentions

•       An intention is a positive call to action about something you want to do rather than something you don’t want to do but feel that you “should.”

•       They are reasonable goals to be reached, transformation of mindset or attitude, and an intent for positive change.

•       If we stray from our positive intention, we can pause, reflect, and get back on track.

•       Intentions are a way to complement and help you progress on your personal healing and recovery journey.

Examples of resolutions and intentions

•       Resolutions include:

•       I will attend three meetings/groups each week.

•       I will complete my twelve steps by June.

•       I will exercise five times a week.

•       Intentions include:

•       My intention is to be more passionate about attending meetings/groups.

•       My intention is to invest and transform my self-awareness.

•       My intention is to focus on working out regularly.

Tips on creating intentions

•       Avoid absolute wording like always, never, and must.

•       Replace them with empowering words like worthy, purposeful, thrive, grace, visualize, clarity, and passionate.

•       Try to focus on you: lifestyle changes, physical health, mental well-being, and learning to honor yourself, maintain healthy boundaries, and relationships that make you thrive.

•       Repeat your intentions to yourself as often as you can. You can engage your senses as you do so.

•       Use an intention candle: light the candle as you review your intentions. This helps us get grounded by using one of our senses.

Your journey is your own. What works best for you, resolutions or intentions? Wishing you a healthy and happy new year!

If you have any questions, please let me know. I answer my emails, with no strings attached. I’m here to help!

 Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes,

Laura