New Year's Resolutions are a thing of the past; intentions are where it is at.
As the clock strikes midnight and the calendar flips to a new year, excitement fills the air, but honestly, how many of the resolutions you've set do you actually stick to? I used to create grand resolutions every New Year—like committing to exercise regularly, eating healthier to lose weight, saving more money, learning a new skill, or even traveling to new places. I'd start out keen and ready, making plans and setting high expectations. But inevitably, life would get in the way, and those big goals would simply fade into the background, often before January was even over. So I quit making them all together.
Resolutions are tied to pressure rather than genuine intention. They are ego-driven desires, that focus on external achievements, superficial milestones and short-lived ideals. Resolutions are temporary where as heartfelt intentions resonate deeply with our values and aspirations, that create lasting change and genuine growth throughout the year. Intentions are not mere wishes—they are profound declarations that guide us toward realizing our highest potential and aligning with our true purpose.
The Difference
Have you ever heard these adages:
- This is the bed I've made, so I need to lie in it
- These are just the cards I've been dealt, so I need to live with it
- That’s just the way it is, so I need to accept it
- That's just how I am, so I need to work with it
- It’s too late, I'm too old to change
The thing is, none of the above is even true! We can choose to challenge these beliefs, by recognizing that we have the power to change our circumstances and redefine who we are at any given moment. Intentions help us to get clear on what truly matters to us, and as such we open ourselves up to new opportunities, feel inspired to take proactive steps towards our dreams, and cultivate a life that reflects our deepest values. Intentions empower us to rewrite our story and take control of our journey.
Intentions serve as a compass, directing us toward where we want to go and who we aspire to be. Unlike resolutions, which which can be defined by tangible achievements, intentions are more about the energy we wish to cultivate in our lives.
When we consciously set intentions, we tap into a higher frequency of energy. This act of clarity not only helps to create a roadmap for our aspirations but also encourages us to take aligned action. Setting intentions allows us to become co-creators with the universe, actively participating in the manifestation of our dreams.
Intentions That Matter
As we prepare to step into 2025, take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Ask yourself:
- What do I wish to manifest in the coming year? Perhaps it’s career advancement, deeper connections with loved ones, enhanced well-being, or a more balanced lifestyle.
- What dreams have I put on hold that I would love to pursue this year? Consider the passions and aspirations that have been sidelined and how you can start taking steps toward them.
- How do I want to feel in my daily life? Reflect on the emotions and states of being you wish to cultivate, whether it’s joy, peace, excitement, or fulfillment, and how you can invite those feelings into your routine.
- What legacy do I want to create, and how can I begin to build it now? Think about the impact you want to have on the world and the steps you can take to start living in alignment with that vision.
- How do I want to be different by end of the year? Reflect on the aspects of your life or personality that you wish to develop. This could involve becoming more confident, nurturing self-love, or adopting a more positive mindset.
- Whose life do I wish to uplift, and what actions will I take to make a difference? Consider the people in your life who could benefit from your support, whether it’s family, friends, or community members. Reflect on how your actions, whether through kindness, encouragement, or practical help, can positively impact their lives.
- How do I want to enrich my spiritual journey? Think about the practices or experiences that resonate with you, such as meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or exploring new philosophies. Reflecting on your spiritual needs can help you identify steps to connect more deeply with your higher self.
Imagine, Dream, See It Come Alive
The key to setting intentions is to be specific and heartfelt. Writing them out 'as if' they have already happened serves to ground your aspirations in the energy of conscious choice—it is an act of commitment. Putting pen to paper helps solidify your intentions and creates a more tangible reminder of the life you would love to live.
When I set intentions, I love to write them out starting with, "I am so happy and grateful now that.......
Fill in the rest with what you are looking to create by stating: I am... (e.g., I am confident and successful in my career.) and I have... (e.g., I have meaningful relationships and a balanced lifestyle.)
Next, cultivate the energy by envisioning the very thing you wish to manifest as if it has already happened. Picture it first on a movie screen in front of you; then, imagine stepping into that scene, fully immersed in the experience. Let all your senses engage—see the vibrant colours, hear the sounds, and feel the atmosphere around you.
Become the actor or actress within your own movie. Notice what you are wearing, the people who are with you, and the emotions you are feeling. Take it all in—the joy, the excitement, the fulfillment of your desire. Allow yourself to fully experience this moment, as it brings your vision to life and aligns your energy with your intentions. Embrace the details, as they will help anchor your manifestation into reality.
Then let it go, entrust it to the Universe by saying, "Thank you, And So It Is. Amen. I am the Light, the Light I Am."
Embrace the Year Ahead
The journey of manifesting your intentions is just as important as the destination. Be open to growth and change along the way, and be willing to adjust your course when necessary. Trust that the Universe is working alongside you to bring your desires into reality. As you navigate this path, practice becoming detached from the outcome, recognizing that everything unfolds in divine timing. Embrace every experience the new year has to offer knowing that each step brings valuable lessons that contribute to your overall journey and allow the flow of life to guide you toward the fulfillment of your heart's desires.
Here’s to a transformative year ahead sweet friends!