Resolution or Intention

Resolution Or Intention
Many people set resolutions for the New Year, however in America it is almost expected that we  will break our resolutions early in the year. That is unfortunate, because if we truly want to follow through with a resolution we almost jinx the goal by calling it a New Years Resolution. I prefer the word Intention. It allows me to hold my goal more gently, allowing me to be more compassionate 

and flexible on days I don't accomplish all of my goals. Also, intentions encompass more than just taking specific action, more importantly when I think of intentions is more so focused on a mindset and way of being.  
My 2025 Intention
Five years ago I painted canvases and declared my desired way of being and thinking as Hope, Love, and Joy. The three words have been a helpful guiding compass in my life ever since. Recently I added the words embrace, drive, and reach, to indicate to myself that it takes deliberate action to have hope, love, and joy in my life. My intention for the year is: 
This year I will embrace hopeful thoughts, let love drive my actions and perspectives, and reach for joy. 
What Is Your Intention
My phrase allows me to align with how I want to feel and how I want to be. Leading me to taking positive actions in my day to day life, like daily exercise and mindfulness. So the resolutions I have had in previous years, but struggled to maintain now feel more grounded in a purpose. Previously when I said I want to exercise it became a chore after awhile, and now I exercise with uplifting music because I want to feel more energy and joy in my life. I meditate because I want to have increased awareness of my thoughts and a sense of capability to change my thoughts. Declaring "the why" behind your specific action goal can super charge it to help you sustain your commitment and allow for increased flexibility. As the new year begins, I encourage you to contemplate what you want to add to your life this year and why do you want to add it?