How I’m Setting My Intention for the New Year With One Little Word
How do you set your intentions for a new year?
I used to set resolutions. Carefully thought out but lofty, over-reaching resolutions. In setting my expectations impossibly high, I I was telling myself that what I had done the previous year wasn’t enough. At the same time, I was setting myself up for a new year of disappointment and ultimately, failure. Repeat cycle of negativity every new year.
Last year, I broke the cycle and banished resolutions. Instead I chose a mantra that resonated. I kept coming back to the thought “more basic, less extra” to guide my growth in 2019.
This year, I’m breaking it down even further.
The trendy thing on social media and in self-improvement circles now is a word for the year instead. Sure, some of the most popular words are a little cliche: Growth. Gratitude. Power. But cliches becomes cliches for a reason — they work.
The idea of one word is powerful to me. A single word is memorable but multifaceted. How you interpret your intention word can change as you do — so it’s not binding but freeing. Not restrictive but inspiring.
As I embarked today on a 30-day yoga challenge with my blogger bestie @nofomomma to kick off the new year with strength, center, and focus, the word I’ve chosen seems particularly fitting.
Flow.
Flow requires flexibility. Flow requires trust. The word reminds me to surrender to the waves and let go of what I can’t control. It whispers, “Give in, and see where you end up.” It’s freeform, constant motion instead of rigid, unforgiving stagnation.
This little word also reminds me that ebb and flow is the natural rhythm for life, just as it is for the tides. There will be times of productivity and times of rest. Goals that are crushed and goals that continue to slip just out of reach. Seasons of pushing harder and seasons of pulling back. You need both to be whole. You need to accept both to be happy.
Finding flow this year is about going deeper within, seeking the connection where mind and body harmonize with the universe around. Finding this balanced energy comes from following your intuition and feeling your way through. This year, I want to focus on thinking less and feeling more. Emotion is a powerful guide, but learning to trust your instinct is a process if you live on the edge of Type A control freak like I do.
So, flow.
Visualize yourself standing in the middle of a flowing stream, the currents on both sides of you. If you’re standing still, you’re resisting. You’re using the strength you have to fight against the flow.
Instead, visualize yourself surrendering. Sink into the river. Let it take you away. Release the weight of what’s holding you back and allow it to be carried off by something so much bigger than you are. Remember that even if you do go under … you also float. You rise back to the surface instinctively. You flow.
So 2020, I’m ready to flow. I’m starting January on my mat every single day to see if I can ignite my own flow within. To rekindle the inspiration and let the words out. To rebuild my body and spirit into something it’s never been before.
The changing tides may never bring you back to exactly the same spot where you started, but if you don’t fear the waves, I believe that where you resurface is exactly where you were meant to be.
What’s your word for 2020? Or do you use resolutions, mantras, good old-fashioned goal setting to get you to where you want to be? Tell me in the comments below or on social media with #neverdonewithfun!
Follow my 30 days of yoga challenge on my Instagram Stories daily and join me on my 2020 journey to finding flow here and on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Happy new year, friends. It’s going to be a good one.
Want in on the 30-day yoga challenge organized by my amazing friend Meg of NoFo Momma motherhood and lifestyle blog? Find her on Instagram and read this post for the details. It’s not too late to start!
