New Year Intentions That You’ll Want to Keep

Happy New Year, friends!

Can you believe its already 2024? Where is the time going, like seriously.

With the new year comes the inevitable..

It’s time for resolutions and intentions!

Don’t let that scare you off – I also have experienced the stress of trying to be perfect because its now a new year. That approach doesnt work for me, especially after noticing how quickly I dropped those resolutions. I used to bite off way more than I could chew, and it just rarely ever works that way.

I remember this one time me and my then boyfriend (now husband) wanted to try a different way of eating. We did minimal research, and landed on the paleo diet.

It literally lasted one day.

After putting a bland piece of fish in the oven and only using lime juice to “season” it, I had to call it quits. My husband wasn’t doing too well at his house either.

That anecdote is significant because it’s not about the goal, it’s about your plan of action. We had no plan, and it quickly backfired.

For 2024 I want to have thought out, obtainable goals.

They don’t all have to be huge things either like buying a house.

It could be something as small as waking up earlier every morning. That could be a huge goal for someone to accomplish.

I would love to be able to wake up before my son does so I can have a part of the day to myself – early mornings are actually my favorite time of day. But, that has been hard so that’s something I’m going to work towards in the new year.

I’m not going to stress myself out if I’m not successful every day though, and that’s what you have to remember.

Do not beat yourself up.

I’m all for self-improvement, but being overly critical and straight up mean to yourself is not going to make you feel good or give you the results you’re looking for.

Try to relax.

As you’re jotting down your intentions for 2024 make sure you have a clear mind, and some time to yourself.

Let out whatever is flowing through you, and see how you feel about it. Don’t be afraid to put down anything.

One of your intentions could be horseback riding lessons. Maybe you wanted to when you were younger, and you couldn’t then but you can now.

What’s stopping you?

The sad truth is that most of the time we’re stopping ourselves from enjoying life. And, I have no idea why. I do it sometimes too, and it is baffling. It needs to be studied.

Bask in your soft life era in 2024, you really do deserve it.

Do the things that you always say you don’t have time for, or you talk yourself out of.

I have talked myself out of a lot of things, or even just put them off, but I don’t want to do that anymore. The potential to succeed, and at the very least enjoy is something too great to continue passing up.

Life is not waiting for us to make these moves, so get on your zoom.

I wanted to come up with a list of intentions as a guide for you all to make up your own.

Add it to your vision board, gratitude journal, prayer board, whatever you want!

This list is obviously inspired by things that peak my interest, some I see myself doing and others not so much.

For instance, I really want to learn how to crochet and I plan on making that one of my intentions. Drawing also peaks my interest, but I also know I’m not good at it so it won’t be something I move forward with lol.

The new year should feel like a breath of fresh air. It should be about what you want to get out of these experiences, not what society expects.

To be honest, I used to think a lot of people weren’t taking their resolutions “seriously”, but after maturing I realized that that’s not necessarily true. I think many of us just put way too much on our plate, and we can’t handle it so we end up stopping completely. I’ve done that multiple times, so no judgement here.

And, I don’t know about you but I’m pretty tired of being in that cycle.

I don’t do it with everything, but it happens enough for me to make a serious lifestyle change.

If I would have started this blog when the idea came to life it would be almost 4 years old as opposed to one.

This quote I’m about to share is something that I have told myself for years, I just need to make the effort to apply it to all aspects of my life.

“Time is going to pass anyways, you might as well be doing something you enjoy.”

I thought of that when I wasn’t sure if I should go for my doctorate degree anymore because school has taken longer than I hoped or anticipated. But, having that degree means more to me than the time that has passed when I “should” already have it.

I had to get myself out of that way of thinking, it wasn’t doing me any good. No matter when you finish something – whether it takes two years, 10, or 20 – the length of time is unimportant. That time is going to pass anyways, so you might as well be working towards what you desire.

The summer before I got married I proved to myself that I am stronger and more disciplined than I realized.

I wanted to lose several pounds before my wedding, and with the gyms closed (thanks covid) and little motivation for home workouts I decided to change my eating. That Monday I started keto and included intermittent fasting as well.

I didn’t want to lose much so I was only strict for about 8-9 weeks. But, fasting from 6 pm until 2 pm and doing keto on top of that was no joke.

Like, I honestly don’t recommend it. Yes, I saw results very quickly, was losing weight just as fast, and that made me feel good.

But, being that strict when it comes to eating was not going to be healthy for me long term.

I share that story to put into perspective what you can accomplish if you are disciplined enough.

It wasn’t because I wanted to AT ALL. I love all things carbs – pasta, pizza, potatoes.. my favorite things in the world.

But, did I want to look back at my wedding photos and be disappointed that I couldn’t do this one thing for just a little while? Absolutely not. So even though it was one of the hardest things I have done I am so proud of myself for that discipline I found deep down to make it happen. I don’t see myself doing that again, but you get what I’m saying.

It’s deeper than resolutions, goals, dreams, etc.

There needs to be pure intention, a plan, and some discipline to maintain it. I’m telling you all this, but I’m also reminding myself of the same thing.

Is anyone else a “hobby hoarder”?

Do you start a whole bunch of projects or hobbies and then move onto something else? Yeah, that’s me.

It can be an ADHD thing, but for me it’s an “I’m a Gemini so I’m interested in a thousand different things and want to do all of them at once” thing.

There’s no harm in jumping from one thing to another. Maybe you don’t want to do it for that long and you just want to experience it without it turning into something big. However, I’m sure there are things you want to commit to in the new year, and that’s what this post is all about.

So, here’s a list of intentions for 2024!

Start your day with a positive affirmation

Affirmations have the power to change your mood, so starting off your morning by saying one to yourself will set the tone.

Take a break from social media for one day a week

I know it’s not easy, we as a society are very attached to our phones. Staying updated and informed at all times is useful, but not necessarily all the time. Try to take a day to decompress.

Drink more water and less sugary drinks

Too much sugar causes fatigue, headaches, bloating, and just a not so good feeling overall.

Set aside time for a hobby or activity you enjoy

With all the things we have to do in a day it isn’t easy prioritizing ourselves. And, if you’re a mom it’s a thousand times harder. I don’t know how we do it but somehow we’re able to be there for everyone else, and that’s about it.

This year make it your intention to have some time to do what you enjoy. This could be something you love and just don’t have as much time for, or a completely new interest you want to explore. You deserve those independent moments to be with yourself.

We don’t want to forget what our own company feels like.

Practice gratitude by writing down three things you’re thankful for each day

Grab yourself a journal or use an app on your phone to jot down what you’re thankful for.

It’s a simple grounding exercise that is very impactful. You can read here how life changing journaling can be if you’re consistent.

Learn something new every week

We’re capable of learning something new every day, so as long as you’re open to it this should be a piece of cake.

Take a walk outside in nature

I know this isn’t the easiest during the colder months, so do the best you can. But, it is super important no matter the weather. With Seasonal Affective Disorder looming over so many of us getting some much needed fresh air and any sunlight on our face is sure to help.

Read a book for pleasure

Fall in love with reading. Either again, or for the first time. If you’re like me you have never stopped, and you probably have a book buying problem, (but that’s a conversation for another day LOL)

Reading is one of the easiest ways to relax, and in my opinon so much fun. Use an app like Goodreads to help you find genres you’re interested it. I truly believe everyone can enjoy reading and books if they actually like the material.

Spend time with loved ones regularly

Don’t let too much time go by without being social. As an introvert I definitely understand preferring alone time, but don’t underestimate the power of connecting with loved ones. Something as simple as my friend coming by this month during my sons nap to talk and catch each other up was a huge mood booster. It really does make you feel good.

And, it makes you appreciate your alone time even more. It’s a win-win.

Practice mindfulness or meditation

Do not underestimate the power of mindfulness and meditation. Just a few minutes every morning can set the right tone for the rest of your day. Use my post on beginner practices as a guide!

Declutter your living space

“Your home is a reflection of your mind.” I don’t know where I first saw this quote but it stuck with me. At first I didn’t really think it was that accurate, but it resonates a lot with me personally. If there are clothes everywhere, dishes in the sink, and things are out of place .. I more than likely am feelings super anxious, irritable, or depressed.

When my space is tidy and put together I feel more mental clarity.

Get enough sleep each night

Say “no” to things that don’t serve you

We are not wasting our time anymore. Your time and energy is way too important.

Take care of your physical health by exercising regularly

If you live in colder areas during the winter I know how difficult it can be to exercise.

Any movement during the day will do!

Practice forgiveness, both for yourself and others

Carrying negativity is heavier than we may realize. Don’t hold onto it.

Volunteer in your community

We help ourselves by helping those around us ♡

Learn a new skill or take a class

Swimming, painting, baking, kickboxing, etc. You never know what might stick.

Last year I started pilates, this year I’m going to give crocheting a try!

Make time for self-care

Here is a helpful tool to incorporate self-care into your life this year.

Remember to make yourself a priority in 2024

However that looks like for you is great, just treat yourself well.

Like, a friend.

Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight, so be patient with yourself.

Trying just one of these intentions can make a difference in your life, so give it a go!