Intentions Instead of Resolutions for 2022

The past year and a half have been something — weird, wild, and crazy! It’s definitely forced us to stop, pay attention, and take notice.

Once we went out freely with friends to a house party or the beach, and we didn’t think about our health or who we were in close contact with. We just did! No thoughts, no concerns, no worries. And now, as we’re in the midst of another variant, COVID does not seem to be loosening its grip on us. We’re tired.

And so, it’s up to you how you’re going to show up for 2022. I can imagine many of you don’t even want to think about tomorrow, or this past year, let alone what a whole new year may look like.

I hear you. It’s pretty hard some days to see the bright side of living in the midst of a pandemic.

And yet, another year is coming to a close, and the pressure to get next year “right” is looming and cajoling us into action.

We all know the mantras: manifest it and it’ll come true, think positive, find joy, be generous, and let it go. That all sounds great and we hope that if we find or achieve all those things we’ll magically transform. And yet, most resolutions fail within the first two weeks because we’ve lost sight of “What do I want — I mean seriously — what do I really want?”

So this year, let’s focus on setting some intentions instead. The good news? It’s simple to do. By taking some time to slow down, reflect on this past year – the highlights, lowlights, and how you flowed through it all – and focus on resources you already have access to, you’ll enter 2022 feeling more grounded and ready to embrace what comes next.

Your past experiences — the good, the bad, and the ugly — hold wisdom and insight that will help you from being exhausted, overwhelmed, and disappointed once again.

It can be as easy as asking yourself 5 reflective statements:

1. One highlight or thing you’re proud of

2. One lesson you learned from a decision or choice you made

3. One story or repeating thought that is no longer serving you

4. One person who stood beside you and delighted in your presence

5. One obstacle you turned into a opportunity

Reflecting and paying attention to what you already have access to — in yourself — will save you from making decisions or repeating patterns that will lead to disappointment and defeat.

2022 doesn’t have to be a year of frustration and angst, if you slow down and are kind to yourself, you may be surprised by opportunities rather than the obstacles that historically tripped you up.

My intentions for 2022

• Try new things, even if it feels scary

• Reach out for help and support when I feel weak and fragile

• Continue exploring my creativity

• Be willing to make mistakes and grow from them

• Laugh and sing as much as possible

• Remember to be childlike — full of wonder and curiosity

• Embrace all those that cross my path with kindness

• And it’s okay if it’s not perfect

Thank you for letting me be a part of your 2021. I am truly grateful for this wonderful community.