You know why resolutions fail? Because they don’t really matter to you. They seem important, but by February, life has once again taken over and the goal you set forth just isn’t that important. It’s not visceral. It may be because it’s a cliche (I’ll be more organized) or because it is vague (I’ll live healthier) or because it isn’t really relevant. You have a growing family, which means resolutions aren’t as simple as a declaration of your own personal desires. That means you have people for whom make life a little more unpredictable, who have influence over you and your choices, and vice versa. No, resolutions need to be intentional and realistic goals. If anything, they aren’t gonna look like a resolutions at all but paths to a new journey. Maybe we need to drop the idea of resolution altogether!

The new year is a great time to quietly reflect what you and your family want and need out of life, and I do think it is important to observe the past year’s patterns to get a clearer idea of who your family is. Who you are as a parent, aunt, caregiver. This mindful approach to your thoughts and behaviors are important for being an intentional and purposeful human. What are actions and intentions if we don’t really get in touch with what our soul craves and who we are underneath all the roles we play?

Ask yourself the following:

• “What does my heart say it needs?”

• “What does my body say it needs?”

• “What does my mind say it needs?”

• And lastly, “what is my family saying it needs?'“

Maybe you will find, yea, we definitely need to live healthier, but by evaluating it from your entire facet of being and with your family’s input, you’ll create clear and attainable goals together instead of vague and arbitrary declarations that don’t really move you. That “healthier” turns into, let’s commit to moving enjoyably together. Maybe your “resolution” will be to become more flexible and as such, you rightfully abandon living strictly by a calendar and alarm one day a week. Or maybe, your intentions will be broad, but so meaningful that it permeates every part of your new journey. One of my students told me this morning that for the new year and the next decade, she was going to enjoy her kids. What a wonderful goal and frame of mind from which to explore life!

If you want resolutions to work, turn to your heart, mind, body, and family to focus your energy and set intentions instead. There is only room for growth and love in the folds of this new paradigm.

Happy New Year!

Love,

Heather