Well friends, we’ve made it to the end of 2017. While this year was filled with personal triumphs, I’m not sad to see 2017 draw to a close. You can draw your own conclusions as to why, but let’s just say I’ve signed more petitions and made more calls to our local representatives this year than I have in my entire life. As I sit here reflecting on the past year and thinking of what’s ahead, I’m excited to a clean slate. More importantly, I’m excited about the intentions I’ve set for myself.
Year after year, people make (and break) their New Year’s Resolution. I’ve been there countless times, swearing I’ll cook five nights a week only to be ordering takeout come February. The problem with resolutions is that they’re very specific and only focused on an outcome. More often than not, they set us up for failure which leaves us feeling guilty, shameful, and angry at ourselves.
Unlike resolutions, intentions are about the journey and the process of achieving goals. It’s a small, subtle shift in the mindset, but it allows room for growth and flexibility. Take my resolution of cooking five nights a week for example. An intention could be something like, I want to be more mindful of the foods I am putting in my body. It works because it’s a constant process. Being mindful each day of what I’m eating will most likely also encourage me to cook my own foods since it’s generally the healthier option. The fun part is that it also allows for new approaches to my eating habits. Perhaps it’ll encourage me to read about nutrition or try new healthy foods. It’s far less limiting than a resolution.
Intentions are also more connected to the core of your desires than a resolution. If set properly, they’re much more effective than a resolution as well. Often the intention you set will help you lose those 10 lbs, find that new job, or figure out your relationship. Want to know how to set one? Great, here’s how!
1. Get quiet – Setting intentions is about listening to your innermost thoughts and desires. What are you passionate about? What do you want to do more of? Think about things that worked well this year, and things that didn’t.
2. Write it down – Make a list of all your thoughts and be specific. Don’t use words like “always” and “never” instead, use empowering thoughts.
3. Keywords – Once you’ve created your list, you’ll find that a few words or a short phrase that sums up your thoughts. This is your intention(s).
4. Manta – from your intention, you can create a mantra to repeat to yourself daily, or whenever it suits you. You can use the mantra for meditation purposes or to use for daily tasks. Your mantra will help set your focus when needed.
5. Let it go – As Elsa would say, Let it Goooooo. I might lose you here, but trust in the universe and that it will deliver what you need. If you can open yourself up and trust yourself, your intentions will grow when ready.
Don’t believe me? It works because I just did it. Getting quiet was definitely the hardest part thanks to Roni and Cheese wanting to mediate with me. Once I tuned everything out though, I was able to tune in to what I needed this coming year. If you read my last post, you’ll know planning is going to be high on my list. This came up as well when I was reflecting, but even more overwhelming was my desire for organization.
Organization is my intention for 2o18 and my mantra is “organize thought and action.” While it might seem like a lame intention, I’m excited that it applies to so many facets of my life. I’ve been struggling with balance, time management, timelines, and focus. Organize thought and action just seemed like an ah-ha moment and feels right. I’m looking forward to exploring this in the new year!
What resolutions have you made that you couldn’t keep? Have you ever set an intention? What’s your intention for 2018? Let me know in the comments below!
THE RESCUE:
It’s only fitting that I end 2017 in our favorite way, with a happy ending! Meet this good boy Lester who has found his forever home. This happy and energetic boy is full of love and smiles. I’m so glad he found his forever with a family to give him all the snuggles.
THE STYLE:
Got somewhere to be on NYE? Let me help you with that! Use the code “RescueInStyle” at DesignerShare and a portion of your rental will be donated to the Anti-Cruelty Society! Snag the perfect outfit for your New Year’s bash by signing up and then browsing all their available items. Each rental is for a week so there’s no need to worry about getting the garment back right after the holiday. If you live in Chicago, they can even do same day delivery! DesignerShare ships nationwide so what are you waiting for? Help the pups and score the cutest outfit meow.
Pictured: Coat: Max Studio, Dress: All Saints, Shoes: Christian Dior
xoxo,
Christine
Hello ,
I saw your tweets about animals and thought I will check your website. I really like it!
I love pets! I have two beautiful thai cats called Tammy(female) and Yommo(male).
Yommo is 1 year older than Tommy. He is like a bigger brother for her. 🙂
I have even created an Instagram account for them ( https://www.instagram.com/tayo_home/ ) and probably soon they will have more followers than me (kinda funny).
I have subscribed to your newsletter. 🙂
Keep up the good work with your blog.
Regards
Wiki
Hi Wiki,
Tammy and Yommo sound like quite the cute pair! My two kitties are Roni and Cheese and they are all sorts of cute and trouble (I’m sure you can relate!) Thanks for stopping by and visiting my site. I look forward to following your adventures as well!
Happy New Year!
Christine