One ‘official’ definition of a resolution is “a firm decision to do or not to do something.” As we know, a popular time for determining personal resolutions is the beginning of a new year (such as the one we just experienced)! Resolutions are important and can certainly be beneficial if approached and executed in the right way, especially when employed at the end of an old year and the start of a new, at a time when it feels like we have an opportunity to begin anew with a fresh slate. However, resolutions are flawed in their inherent design, despite the population’s adherence to the idea of them. According to the stats, about 80% of New Year’s ‘resolutions’ are abandoned or unfulfilled by the second week of February (yikes). I catch myself formulating resolutions (internally, at least) nearly every year and to be quite honest, I couldn’t recall any of these resolutions today if my life depended on it. So, this year, I will not fall into the same trap. This is not a resolution. This is an intention.
2018 seems to have been a rough year for many, and it is not hard to see why considering all that we are witness to on a daily basis. I am not excluded from this, and have certainly seen my fair share of struggles big and small this year. However, looking back at the year made me realize how truly fulfilling it was. I’ve traveled to new places, some I thought I wouldn’t see for years, if I ever had the chance to see them at all. I’ve paid more attention to myself and to what I knew I needed. I’ve let myself love and be loved.
In 2019, I intend to continue to grow and improve myself. I intend to be nothing but a positive force in the lives of others, and intend to right my wrongs with the universe when my energy fails to be positive. I intend to see the world and meet new people and learn as much as I can about those who are so very different than me. I intend to let myself feel, whether good or bad. I intend to change the world for the better, regardless of how insignificant the change may seem. I intend to shine as brightly as I know I can. I intend to be warm and bright and comforting to those around me.
Most importantly, I intend to authentically be myself and let others see me for who I truly am. I intend to shed myself of my reservations. I’ve found myself stuck in the dangerous trap of constantly working toward toning myself down, not necessarily for the sake of others but for the sake of myself. I’ve feared being too much or expressing myself in a way that doesn’t align with my typical composure. My strongest intention is simply to allow me to be me, regardless of where that leaves me.
A new year can be a new start. It allows you to take a look at what you’ve done and look forward to what’s ahead. A year can hold so much, and with the right intention, can always prove to be even better than the last.
