4 Questions to Start Your New Year With Intention

“Fall in love with the process of trying new things without worrying about what will be.”
-Morgan Harper Nichols

Many of us use the start of a new year as a time to check in with ourselves. We look at our success and failures, evaluate where we are in our lives, think about what still needs work, and then we set new goals and resolutions…yet how often do those resolutions actually stick?

I don’t particularly like setting New Year’s resolutions because so often I start off strong but then slowly lose momentum and eventually I’m left feeling like I “failed.” I’ve said to myself “I’m going to work out X amount!” or “this is the year I get my splits and handstand” (my last new years goal…which I have yet to accomplish) countless times and rarely have I stuck with it for more than a month or two. If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar position, I want to invite you to try practicing something different. This year, take time to celebrate the last year, and set your intention for the next.

I've been hearing a lot of "2020 sucked" and yes, I know it was really hard in a lot of ways (for some more than others). There was so much unknown (definitely did not expect a global pandemic), many challenges, hardships, and loss. I want to respect and honor all of you that had to endure so much, but I also think it’s important to recognize the good parts.

This year reminded me that it's okay to slow down; it’s important to enjoy the present moment and appreciate the small things. It allowed me to spend more time with my family, get more creative with my adventures, and to be more intentional about my actions.

So feel free to simply think about it or pull out a journal and answer these few questions:

1. What positive things happened to you last year?

2. What would you like to leave behind? Maybe it’s one word, a feeling, or a mix of things…What would you like to let go of?

3. Instead of that classic New Year Resolution list (unless you’re awesome at following through, in which case, stick with what works for you!), what is your “intention” this year? How do you want to show up or FEEL this year?

4. What new things do you want to experience? Or what would you do if you knew you could not fail? 

Allow yourself to feel gratitude and appreciation for your life, and let these questions plant seeds in your mind and guide you into a state of feeling more empowered and ready to take on the new year!