As we said goodbye to 2024 and the last tinsel slowly settled to the floor, some of us might have partaken in the ritual of writing or voicing New Year’s resolutions to start off 2025 with a clean slate.

Resolutions (n): the act or process of resolving

While I love the idea of setting resolutions for our health and wellbeing, after reflecting on the past year, I choose to set intentions that can create a deeper connection and growth within myself and coveted relationships as well as set the tone for the new year ahead. 

Intentions (n): a determination to act in a certain way

This perspective helps habits and behaviors to be gradually formed over time, helping me move towards my goal(s) vs forcing a 180 degree shift that happens with resolutions. You ask, Why on earth would I want that “one foot in front of the other” approach?

First of all, I believe in a whole*istic approach. One habit or behavioral pattern informs another one. For instance, if I make an intention in the new year to foster a deeper connection with nature this can help me get outside, go for a hike with a friend, get some vitamin D, and refresh my mood. In one intention, I have the potential to increase movement, deepen social connections, reduce inflammation and increase work productivity which collectively lowers my stress levels reducing my risk for chronic diseases. If that isn’t enough, at the very basic level, ‘fostering a deeper connection with nature’ sounds way more enticing than a resolution of lose 20lbs. But, it gets better. What if I realize that the very intention that I set is a core value of mine that helps transform life decisions and introduces me to new experiences I never dreamed could happen? Imagine all the potential wellness benefits now!!

On the flip side, resolutions tend to come from a black & white approach similar to diet culture. I want to change ‘x’ and then I’ll be ‘better.’ As an example, I want to lose 20lbs so I can fit into my jeans and then people will notice me or then I’ll feel worthy enough to be around all the other school mom’s who have time to work out. So on and so forth.

No matter how much we believe our unhealthy habits are like light switches that can be turned off with a flick, to truly embody it and fuse into our natural being there needs to be a solid foundation to stand on. Unfortunately, for the most part, drastic shifts at some point become unsustainable. Resolutions can become flighty and unwavering after awhile because there is nothing to sink your teeth into. Nothing to get excited about. They can be, in all sense of the word, superficial which can create feelings of lack or unworthiness versus coming from a place of abundance. The resolution’s foundation can be rocky and unstable that potentially creates a backslide. Then the infamous wheel of negative thoughts in our head start spinning tall tales of failures and less than(s) keeping us stuck in a pattern that we vowed to resolve.

Intentions, instead, are deliberate, direct thoughts and channeled energy towards specific goals, feelings, or outcomes. It can look like a personal affirmation, launching pad for personal growth, manifestation of your deepest heart’s desires, priorities brought into immediate focus, a way to conquer negative emotions and/or, something we all need, prioritizing self-care.    

NOW, this is something we can all sink our teeth into, look forward with hope and rechannel living into thriving!