new year's intentions.

As the year comes to a close many of us find ourselves reflecting on what was and beginning to imagine what is coming. This is an excellent use of your quiet time. However, another thing we often see at this time of year are big commitments to lofty, often unattainable goals that can increase feelings of shame, lack, and unworthiness. Rather than setting yourself up for disappointment heading into the new year, I would encourage you to consider choosing a word or phrase representative of how you want live out the new year. You can then use this word as a mantra, a grounding tool, or even a decision or boundary setting guide.
Last year my word as STRETCH. And boy, did 2020 make sure I did!
A friend recently share with me her word for 2020 and it’s just too good not to pass along. She chose the word “WITH”. I cannot imagine a better intention for this crazy year because it encapsulates what I call the “both-ness” that is such a part of life, especially this year. She points out how in 2020 she has learned to experience grief WITH gratitude, hope WITH fear, and routine WITH unpredictability. Gosh, ain’t that the truth!
In the spirit of new year goal and intention setting, I’d like to share with you my word for the year: ALIGN. I choose this word after time meditating on how I’m currently living and how I’d like to experience my future. What I discovered is a need to realign with my values; a need to prioritize the things that hold the most meaning for me in order to become a truer version of myself.
If any of these words speak to you - use them! If not, I hope you’ll spend some time meditating on a word, phrase, or intention to guide you into the new year.
Goodbye 2020, thank you for all you’ve taught us. Be well, friends.