New Year, New Intentions
by April Pascarelli
At the end of each year, we tend to look back on the past twelve months and breakdown our successes and failures. We like to highlight and sometimes brag about our accomplishments (as we should, right?), but we often spend too much time reviewing things that we did not accomplish or did not do well enough.
After our self-reflection, we commit to countless resolutions. Maybe we decide to lose weight, spend less money, quit a job or bad habit, start something new, or become more organized. The list is endless. And on January 1 (but not a minute before), these changes simultaneously go into effect. We think our past mistakes will fade and that a new slate will magically appear before us.
Now, of course, these aspirations are undoubtedly great, and the new year does have us feeling like we can dial the clock back to zero and start over. But by placing such high demands on ourselves and the year ahead, we also place unnecessary stress onto our already hectic lives. Trying to change everything at once is automatically setting ourselves up for failure. In fact, it is the number one reason that we fail at achieving our resolutions. Studies show that only an estimated 8-19% of people actually fulfill their New Year Resolutions. For the remaining 81-92%, well, a few weeks or a month passes by, and they begin to fall off the wagon. And that feeling of defeat resurfaces and feels all too familiar.
What if, rather than making resolutions, we set intentions instead? According to Merriam-Webster, a resolution is an act of resolving something. A past problem, perhaps? Merriam- Webster defines an intention as a determination to act in a certain way - an aim or purpose. Resolutions focus on the outcome while intentions hone in on the journey.
An intention has tones of hope and positivity. Rather than fix something that is broken, we live each moment fully and look toward our future with endless possibilities. Intentions allow us to believe that we are enough. In turn, having zero attachment to the outcome. Instead, we get to enjoy the journey and live our life to the fullest potential.
The great thing about living life with intent is that if you regress, it's okay. You brush it off, remind yourself that things happen, and chalk it up as another learning experience. We are human, after all. The mistakes we make are stepping stones to our success and to new beginnings. And it does not matter if those new beginnings are on January 1 or December 31 or anywhere else in between. Every day that we wake, we have a chance to start over, to be the best versions of ourselves, do something new, and to create space for more happiness. In fact, every moment of every day is a brand new moment. Another moment to be more aware, more present, more fulfilled. Maybe a moment to be more mindful of our beautiful planet, more respectful of others, and more compassionate of ourselves. Another moment to be the very best you!
I think it is safe to say that we are all ready to turn the page on this year and ring in 2021. So go ahead, celebrate yourself and your achievements. Look back at areas where you know you can do better. And as you ring in the new year, let go of the resolution mentality and be kind to yourself as you create new intentions.
Happy New Year! If one of your intentions for the new year is to incorporate healthy habits, let us help. Start small by adding in a cold pressed juice each day while crowding out something else. Or, consider doing a 1, 3 or 5-day juice cleanse. It could help to kickstart a weight loss plan, increase energy, cleanse your palate and reset digestion - among many other benefits! Learn more here, or send us a message to get started today!