ew Year New Me?
Oh New Years. The world of resolutions, attempts at a brand new self, the time when gym’s are packed to the gills, and we have this opportunity to start fresh. I have to say, I am an absolute sucker for a good fresh start, but really who isn’t? Although the New Year really is just another day, it represents something a little deeper to us. It offers us a new chance to do those things we have put off, to be that person we always wanted to be, and ultimately make the year ahead the best yet. Although, I love the idea, there’s also something somewhat frustrating about a new year. Looking back at the “resolutions” I set in 2015 for this year, not all of them have been reached, some of them I have gone above and beyond with, and others I completely forgot about until opening the notes app on my phone this morning. Yet, with seeing the goals I had set, some of them seem unrealistic in nature, and others don’t even peak my interest anymore.
Looking at my vision board for the year I see a whole lot of bikes (as a spin instructor bikes felt very fitting), some inspirational quotes (I’m a sucker for those too), some new recipes, and hidden in the corner some man from shape magazine with a 6 pack (I’m assuming that was meant to manifest a nice boyfriend which at the time felt like something I wanted, in which case I am still single and actually couldn’t be happier about it). Things change, especially over time, we are able to see a new perspective on those things that seemed so important. I remember where I was a year ago and I look at where I am now, and it seems like two different worlds. Although I was able to achieve some of those photographic visions of my goals, there are others I have yet to reach, and some I am glad that timing has allowed me to wait on. On top of that, I have new goals that I am chomping at the bit to get started on achieving.
As much as the Type A planner in me loves any opportunity to make a list of goals to achieve, this year I decided to take a new approach. Of course I have things I would like to do in the the next year, places I would like to go, and things I would like to experience, but if I’ve learned anything in this last year, it’s that I can’t make anything happen before it’s time. So rather than starting January 1st with a juice cleanse, exercise plan, and an attempt to wear jeans once a week (yes that was one of my resolutions for this year and no I did not succeed and I am actually perfectly content with that one not working out the way I felt it should at that time. I love my yoga pants), I am going to start this year with an intention. An intention to be my best self. An intention to get comfortable being uncomfortable and doing new things. An intention to see things differently, to see myself differently, and the world around me differently. I tell my classes every day to set an intention. To let go of things that no longer serve us and to allow the energy in that will push you to go a little further than you think you can. I set an intention for my day every morning and I get an opportunity to reflect on how well it was executed every night.
So maybe my resolution isn’t to have one at all, but to have an intention. To be better, do better, and allow the universe to surprise me with what it has in store for me. New year, new dreams, new goals, and new intentions. That’s my resolution. 2017 bring it on.
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