01/03/2023
2023 Can Be Your Year!!!!
Happy New Year!!! As we roll into January, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the year that has just passed and planning for the year to come. The phrase “New Year’s Resolution” is often discussed, especially with regards to improving our weight and/or physical and mental health.
As a nutrition and wellness professional, I am not a fan of that phrase. It has been overused and no longer holds weight and gravitas that keeps us motivated. Too often we set “New Years Resolutions” that last about as long as a real Christmas tree – about a month, if that long.
In the beginning we are excited and motivated. “This will be the year I finally do that thing I have been wanting to do for a years!” The excitement carries us for a couple weeks as we power through workouts and restrictive diets; and then dissipates when the daily grind sets in. As we lose our enthusiasm for our resolutions, one of two things happens: we either shrug our shoulders and let things go for another year, or we begin feeling like a failure.
Neither engenders long term success, so I propose that we ditch the resolutions.
Last year I decided to reframe this process and instead of resolutions, I set intentions for 2022. The dictionary definition of intention is “a thing intended; an aim or plan.” Aims and plans are great, but I personally prefer the medical definition of intention. In my medical dictionary, intention is defined as “the healing process of a wound.” Digging a little deeper, process is defined as “a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.”
Whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, we all have wounds that need to be healed. Setting an intention allows us to focus our attention on the process so we can make things happen.
Last year about this time I set intentions for 4 areas of my life: my spirit, my body, my business, and my future. Under each heading I listed 2-4 goals, and while I did not fully achieve all of them, I succeeded in achieving at least 2 in each area. And the things I did not fully achieve, I at least made progress. I am confident that as I move them into my intentions for 2023 I will continue focusing on the process - by the end of 2023, I will fully achieve those goals, and will begin the process of achieving new goals this year.
As you are looking ahead to 2023, what wounds do you need to heal? If you would like help setting healthy intentions and working the processes that bring you closer to your health and wellness goals, let’s talk! I am available virtually and in person and would love to help you make 2023 your best, healthiest, and happiest year yet! I know you can do it!
