Intentions for 2020
The start of a new year holds such promise, doesn’t it? Out with the old and in with the new! We have our planners in hand. We are looking forward to beginning with a clean slate. Whether you choose to make goals for yourself or to set intentions or to choose a focus word like I did last year (see here), or to pass on all this nonsense—I am curious to hear how you approach the new year!
One quick note to consider. If you have been hanging out here for any amount of time, you might know that I love the four seasons! No, really— I find a great deal of meaning and comfort in the changing seasons. I eat differently. Dress differently. Exercise differently. I create and move through the world differently. When it comes to goals and intentions, spring really is a more naturally suited time for the effort required to create new realities for ourselves. Why? Our energy increases with the light of the longer days. We feel inspired by all the new growth around us—think buds and bulbs galore! Spring inspires the birthing of fresh ideas. New life abounds. So if you aren’t feeling up to intentions, no problem. Wait a while. I find winter to be the ideal time for slowing down. Reflecting. Processing. Resting. You might want to take the next couple of months to nest a bit more before moving into action mode. Or alternatively, if you have made goals already that seem ambitious and find your new exercise routine in a state of stagnancy by February (hello, most of America!), maybe you can offer yourself a little compassion and try again when your energy might match your ambition. Say in March or April?
Alright now. Let’s begin!
MY PERSONAL INTENTIONS
Practice taking a morning moment at the start of each day. The first thing I do when I wake up every morning is to meditate for ten minutes. I have been using the Calm app for four or five years now. It works for me. I just finished a course called “How to Meditate” on the app that was incredibly helpful. I am on my third time through! I have added my Five Minute Journal to the mix now. I keep it right by my bed so it is within reach and easily accessible. I love how it focuses my attention on gratitude, a few tasks, and a mantra each day. My total morning routine takes 15 minutes. While this does not include exercise—I actually like keeping this part of my day separate from the rest. This amount of time does not create resistance in my brain at all. If you are considering a morning routine, remember to keep the time frame reasonable for you. You will be more apt to regularly practice it this way!
Practice the principles of a Low Buy Year. I decided to slow down my shopping this year. In essence, when I spend money (including on groceries), I will make an effort to get intentional. For groceries, I will menu plan. Make a list. Stick to essentials. I will focus on whole foods and basic meals. Think more deliberate, less impulsive. Amazon is an area where I will shift to needs only with a real effort to minimize my orders. It is just so convenient and enticing to have everything in two days. But if I took a moment, I would remember that I like supporting local businesses and want to be more mindful of the environment. By slowing down, asking myself some crucial questions, using a list, implementing a waiting period, and being committed to needs only—I am curious to see how my new approach will affect my spending. I am also making an effort to buy used where it makes sense. And to buy mainly to replace. For example, if I run out of mascara, I can replace it. But I don’t need to buy any mascara while I still have some. Simple, right? Clothing falls into this category. I have a minimal budget this year as I have realized that I have what I need. While I can replace items, I will attempt to buy used first. And then where I can’t find a quality used option, I can use my budget to invest in slow fashion. For household and personal care, I am trying out a new website called Public Goods. Every two months or so, I can order clean (products with no parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrance) in eco-friendly packaging for really great prices. I plan to keep you posted on my experience if you are interested.
Practice an exercise routine that feels good. I have done so many forms of exercise over the years. Spinning. HIIT workouts. CrossFit. The Bar Method. Running. Yoga. Hiking. They all have their strengths and I have loved mixing things up. At this point in my life, I am looking for a cost-effective but also joy-filled routine for movement. Why? Because if I love it, I will actually do it! t. In addition, I will also feel nurtured as opposed to punished as I actually do it. As I have reflected on the exercise practices that make me feel strong, connected, and happy (and that I can do without injury)—I have come up with a routine that includes walking or hiking, practicing yoga and lifting weights each week.
OUR COUPLE INTENTIONS
John and I also made a couple of intentions for our relationship this year.
Practice presence when we are engaging with one another and our family members. Put the phone down. Focus. Listen. Empathize.
Make a meal together once each week. As our children are growing up and leaving home, we are noticing that we are having more time and space to create a life together. Cooking is something we both enjoy and has been on our list for a long time. Our inaugural meal was a dutch oven beef stew. Delicious (if we may say so ourselves!). This week? We are learning how to make pho.
I AM INTERESTED IN HOW ARE YOU APPROACHING GOALS OR RESOLUTIONS THIS YEAR. WHAT ARE A COUPLE OF NEW PRACTICES YOU ARE EXCITED ABOUT? DO YOU HAVE ANY INTENTIONS FOR YOUR RELATIONSHIPS? I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR!
