"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Happy New Year, friends! With covid rearing its ugly head, it may not feel like we’ve turned a page to embrace a bright, clean slate. We’ve been reminding ourselves that, despite external circumstances, we still have the ability to choose our mindsets. Our thoughts and perceptions determine how well we live our lives and whether or not we make the changes that enhance the quality of our days. They also lead us to choose joy over anxiety and defeat.
While we’ve never loved the idea of New Year’s resolutions aimed at chasing perfection–we do believe in self-reflection, goal-setting, and creating habits that foster joy. Today we’re sharing our intentions for the New Year, hoping it will help us stay accountable as we pursue a healthier, happier and more meaningful 2022.
Lori:
- Adopt a morning routine to start my day on a positive note. Instead of beginning my day with a mad search for matching kids’ socks and clean school uniforms–I’d like to wake up an hour earlier than usual (before everyone else in the house) to pray, read my Bible and sit down with my journal and planner. My hope is that prioritizing this quiet time first thing will leave me feeling more calm and focused throughout the day with a better grasp on time management (and maybe even the laundry).
- Commit to meal-prepping. I’ve had all the cookbooks and the fancy bento-style containers (still in their original packaging) for months now. But, for one reason or another, I’ve never entirely embraced the meal-prepping craze. As I’m seeking better health for my family and our household budget, I’ve finally decided to commit to planning our meals at the beginning of each week and batch-cooking to avoid the extra cost and calories associated with takeout. If you’re someone who’s made meal-prepping a habit, I’ll take all the tips you’ve got!
- Learn new things. I once read a book with an immortal main character who found that the only way to keep his mind from “turning to sludge” over the years was to constantly learn and cultivate new talents. This resonates with me, and I hope to fill the new year with new pursuits. From tennis and gardening to studying the U.S. Constitution and brushing up on cryptocurrency, I intend to wade beyond my comfort zone and keep learning.
- Craft a Life Plan. Maybe it’s mid-life (I turn 45 this year), but I’m feeling pretty motivated to get clear about my vision and life goals. I’m currently enjoying Moira Kucaba’s fun and eye-opening Rise Up Course to help get me there, and look forward to featuring a conversation with Moira later this month for a brand-new segment on The Roost!
Farrah:
- Slow down. The pandemic has made me realize just how fast-paced everything had been pre-covid. As someone who has been guilty of taking on too much, I’ve discovered that slowing down doesn’t mean you’re missing out or not doing your part. I’d really like to hold onto this realization and embrace a slower pace in 2022.
- Say no once in a while. It goes hand-in-hand with my first intention, but I’d like to be able to turn things down or politely decline when I’m over-stretched. I’m a people-pleaser by nature, so it can be difficult. But, I hope to strike a respectful balance and say no when I need to and not feel guilty about it.
- Make self-care a bigger priority. If I can stick to my first two intentions, I should have plenty of time for self-care! I really thrive on doing a combination of yoga and meditation, along with strength training. I’ve found that when I’m consistent, I see both physical and mental results. This year, I want to be in my best shape for my own good, but also for the benefit of those I love.
- Stick to a nutrition plan that makes sense in my 40’s. I’ve had a habit of skipping breakfast and then eating a big dinner later in the evening. While vacationing over the holidays, I noticed that I felt better when I ate a bigger breakfast followed by an early, very light dinner. I also got a lot of exercise, which helped me to sleep like a BABY! Now that I’m home, I plan to experiment with my routine to determine which nutritional approach works best for me.
- Get involved. It’s a real joy to get behind various causes and donate time and resources to help others. This year, I really want to focus my efforts and make a difference to those organizations that resonate with me the most.
Do you do New Year’s resolutions? We’d love to hear your intentions for 2022!
Anne Marie Nail
Love seeing all your intentions for the New Year ! I feel inspired to carve out some time to set mine as well. Happy New Year Ladies!
Lori Winkler
Anne Marie NailHappy New Year!
Kaina Martin
Happy New Year! I have similar goals for waking up earlier than the kids to journal and I’m doing a program called “Elegant Excellence” which helps me set my intentions in several areas daily, weekly or monthly. I’ve signed up for watercolor classes – something I started during Covid and have really enjoyed. I am also trying to focus on experiences rather than purchases – they bring more joy. More joy, less overwhelm is my 2022 motto. 🙂 Love following along on your journey!
Lori Winkler
Kaina MartinWe love all these ideas, Kaina! Happy New Year!