Episode 042: New Beginnings - Resolutions & Reflections

Hey there! I’m Adrienne. Welcome back to Live Your Truth Love Your Life. Happy New Year, friends! As we step into this fresh chapter, it's a time-honored tradition to pause and ponder our path forward. The New Year is not just a change in the calendar; it's a symbolic new beginning, offering us a chance to reset, refocus, and rejuvenate our lives. In this episode, we'll explore some of the most cherished practices for kicking off the New Year – from setting resolutions and intentions to reflecting on the year gone by.
The Art of Setting Resolutions
The New Year is synonymous with resolutions – those promises we make to ourselves in the hope of improving our lives. But why do so many resolutions fail? Often, it's because they're too vague or unrealistic. This year, let's approach resolutions differently. Set specific, achievable goals. Instead of "I want to get fit," try "I will exercise for 30 minutes three times a week." This specificity makes your resolution more tangible and attainable.
Remember, the spirit behind resolutions is self-improvement, not self-punishment. Be kind to yourself. If you slip up, it's not a failure; it's part of the journey. Resolutions are not about perfection; they're about progress.
Setting Intentions for the Year Ahead
While resolutions are goal-oriented, intentions focus on how you want to be, feel, and show up in your life. They are less about concrete outcomes and more about your inner state and values. This year, ask yourself: "How do I want to feel?" and "What values do I want to embody?" Your answers might guide you to intentions like, "I intend to approach challenges with calmness and resilience" or "I intend to cultivate joy in everyday moments."
Intentions allow you to live more mindfully and aligned with your true self. They act as gentle reminders rather than strict rules, guiding your daily choices and interactions.
Reflecting on the Past Year
Before we plunge into setting goals and intentions, it's crucial to take a backward glance. Reflecting on the past year helps us understand where we've been and what we've learned. Ask yourself questions like: What were my significant achievements? What am I most proud of? What challenges did I face, and how did I overcome them? What brought me the most joy? Who was I with and what was I doing in those moments of joy? What lessons can I carry forward?
This reflection isn't about dwelling on the past but about learning from it. It's an exercise in gratitude and growth, acknowledging both your triumphs and trials.
Other New Year Practices
Beyond resolutions and reflections, there are other meaningful ways to welcome the New Year:
- Vision Boards: A vision board is a visual representation of your goals and dreams. It serves as a daily reminder of what you're working towards. Gather magazines, photos, quotes, and create a collage that represents your aspirations for the year.
- Decluttering and Organizing: The New Year is a great time to declutter and organize your space. A tidy environment can lead to a clearer mind. Don't just limit this to your physical space; consider digital decluttering, like organizing your email or files.
- Gratitude Practices: Start a gratitude journal or a gratitude jar where you regularly jot down things you're thankful for. Gratitude shifts your focus from what's lacking to what's abundant in your life.
The real magic happens when these New Year practices are not just annual rituals but part of our daily lives. Make your resolutions and intentions visible – write them down and place them where you'll see them often. Schedule regular check-ins with yourself to assess your progress and realign if necessary. Let these practices evolve with you throughout the year.
Joy in the Journey
As we embark on this New Year journey, let's do so with hope, courage, and an open heart. Remember, it's not about a complete overhaul of who we are but about taking small, consistent steps towards becoming the best version of ourselves. It's about finding joy in the journey, embracing both the highs and lows, and growing a little each day.
I invite you to share your own New Year practices or resolutions. Tag me @liveyourtruthloveyourlife on Instagram. Let's inspire and support each other in this journey of growth and self-discovery.
For more insights on personal development and self-connection, don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter, tune into the podcast every Monday and Thursday, and check out my upcoming courses and workshops.
Enrollment for the Live Your Truth Love Your Life Book club is open, and we’re kicking off the new year with The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. If you want to join us, head to www.adriennecrowley.com/bookclub. Here's to a year filled with growth, joy, and meaningful moments!
Reflecting on the Past, Embracing the Future:
- Gratitude for the Past Year: Begin by listing down at least three things from the past year that you are grateful for. These could be experiences, people, personal achievements, or even challenges that led to growth.
- Lessons Learned: What were the most significant lessons you learned in the past year? Reflect on both the triumphs and the trials. How have these experiences shaped you?
- Resolutions Review: If you set resolutions last year, revisit them. Which ones did you accomplish or make progress on? What challenges did you face in keeping these resolutions? Use these insights to inform your goal setting for the new year.
- Setting New Resolutions: Based on your reflections, set three attainable resolutions for the new year. Make them specific and actionable. For example, instead of saying, "I want to be healthier," say, "I will incorporate a 30-minute walk into my daily routine."
- Intentions for the Year Ahead: Shift your focus from what you want to do to how you want to be. Set three intentions for the year that align with your core values and how you want to feel. For instance, an intention could be, "I intend to approach my daily tasks with mindfulness and presence."
- Envisioning Success: Imagine it's one year from now, and you've successfully achieved your resolutions and lived out your intentions. What does that look like? How do you feel? Describe this vision in detail.
- First Steps: Identify one small step you can take this week towards one of your resolutions or intentions. It could be as simple as researching, planning, or having a conversation.
Take your time with these questions. Sit with them, revisit them, and most importantly, act on them. It’s time to turn your insight into action.
There are no limits to this exercise - let your mind roam free, and be as detailed and creative as you can. The more vivid your visualization, the more tangible your dream will feel.
This is your time, your moment, your opportunity to make magic. Believe in your own potential, and let's see where this journey can take us. Happy journaling!