Start Where You Are
In the last week, I’ve heard a lot of talk about resolutions. Do you believe in them? Do they work? Personally, I don’t do well with resolutions, as there is an expectation that they fail.
I do make it a practice to regularly set intentions—and I don’t just do this at the New Year. I try to approach each day intentionally and set aside time at other occasions, like when I moved into a new office last month.
As this year winds to an end, I’m choosing not to go out on the town, and instead am having a quiet evening at home reflecting and planning.
It’s easy to get swept up in excitement for all that a new start offers us and quickly brush the past year from our minds. 2008 has been a monumental year for me. Stopping to think about what has transpired has given me new energy in terms of what I would like to manifest in the coming year.
How have you been moved? What successes would you like to celebrate? Who has been central to your journey?
Reflecting on the past year often gets us thinking about how we would like to change. Maybe we want to have more adventure in our lives, or be healthier, or believe we would be happier in a relationship—or happier in another relationship if the one we are in feels difficult.
I’d like to challenge you to think about your goals in a slightly different way. It’s ironic to say the least, but one of the key things about moving closer to your goals is to appreciate where you are.
- Want to work on your weight? What do you love about your body now? Do you have a great smile, or love the way you feel in a certain pair of jeans?
- Want to have more intimacy in your relationship? Instead of waiting for your partner to change, try to express the qualities you value. Want to be treated with more kindness? How can you inhabit that quality? How can you Be Kindness?
- Want to experience more abundance in your business? Make a list of all the things you are grateful for.
Happy intention setting.
posted by Elizabeth @ 9:39 PM
6 Comments:
Elizabeth, I've noticed in my own relationships (love, family, friends) that exhibiting the behavior I want is key to getting it back. It also makes me an active participant in my own happiness instead of letting others determine it for me. Thank you for such an inspiring post at the start of the new year.
Thanks for writing this Elizabeth. An excellent reminder. This is the first year I was slowed down enough (thanks to the stomach flu) to actually stop and intentionally reflect on 2008. I started out with a list of all the things that happened: good/bad, personal/professional. The list looked a little sad (it's been a tough year). Then I stopped and started writing down all the things that I was grateful for, what I learned, who I met, and how those things changed my life for the better. My mood completely changed to one of hope, feeling completely blessed and living a life that is so abundant! So, no resolutions for me this year. I'm writing my story, creating intentions, making a plan and taking action! After all, I want to be a good example to my cleints as well! ;-) Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing what 2009 holds for us all.
Betsy,
Thank you for your comment. In all my work with couples, I have found that to be true. When you exhibit what you want, there is an energy that draws that quality back to you. I love how you connected that idea to being in charge of your own happiness. Our thoughts have a huge impact on our lives, and each moment we get to choose. You are never responsible for another’s happiness or actions. But you are responsible for your own and how you react.
Wishing you continued happiness, Elizabeth
Sylvia,
Your comment reminded me how important it is to slow down, and how sometimes nature and colds help us when our minds keep telling us to push through. I know it has been a very tough year for many. I admire how you were able to see the lessons and good that came out of your challenges. Gratitude is an amazing thing, isn’t it? Each time I feel overwhelmed, I am always uplifted when I think of just the smallest things I am thankful for. I’m glad that you left your reflection feeling hopeful and energized. Best wishes for an inspiring, fun, and abundant year.
Blessings, Elizabeth
Great article Elizabeth. I like the idea of reflecting on what you do have. If I change my thought process to being thankful, I always feel a warmth. Being grateful is such a powerful mindset. The book, "What Happy People Know" says that when you are in a place of being grateful, it is not possible to feel fear. It is quite amazing!
Margo Wei
Margo,
I will definitely take a look at What Happy People Know. Your comment reminded me of the wisdom of one of my teachers: love is the antithesis of fear. You are right, when you are in a place of joy or happiness, fear is out of the picture. Thank you for the reminder.
Blessings, Elizabeth
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