Tossing the New Year's Resolutions

We’re coming to the close of another year and heading into that familiar tradition of taking stock and making New Year’s resolutions. I, for one, will not be partaking of this tradition.

As you’ve noticed, I’ve been writing about self-kindness recently, and not applying force or pressure to create change in one’s life. My main focus in my daily life is to move ever closer to making all decisions based on intuition rather than intellect. I think my intellect is a fabulous partner to my intuition, but when left to run the show, all hell breaks loose. My intuition, or inner wisdom, however, never steers me wrong.

So, instead of resolving to change something or do something better (ick!), I have started my own tradition. To me, resolutions feel cerebral and somewhat forceful. Instead, I like to ask New Year’s questions. This new tradition of asking questions has served me well in the last couple of years, so I plan to continue it each year.

Here’s how it works:

Grab a notebook and a pen. Take a moment to tune in to your body. Notice your feet, notice your breath, and just be with your body for a moment. Then, ask it what it would like this year.

Your body’s answer might be one word or it might be detailed instructions for a variety of activities. Maybe it wants you to rest in certain ways or play in certain ways. Maybe it has ideas for your business. Who knows! Just listen up and jot it down. Don’t judge whatever pops into your head. Even if it doesn’t make sense now, it will probably come clear later.

Next, take a moment to imagine your soul. Maybe you see it entering the room to be with you right now. Maybe it’s already in your body. Imagine it in whatever way feels right to you. Then, ask it what you need to know to make this year as fabulous as possible.

Again, just write whatever flows into your mind. You know you’re getting inner critic if you start hearing critical, judgmental, or pressure-filled statements. If that happens, thank your critic for sharing and re-focus on your soul.

Once you’ve asked the questions and heard the answers, do with them what you want. There are no rules here. This is just about you listening. You might wait three months to take action on something, or maybe you never do. There is no pressure in this process.

Last week I sat down and reviewed last year’s soul wisdom for me. My soul said, “This will be a year of transformation. You will change, your life will change, and everything will be bigger and better than you can imagine.”

Well, it was right. I’m looking forward to asking my questions again this New Year’s Eve. I can’t wait to hear the wisdom my body and soul have to share. And speaking of sharing – if you do this exercise and want to share your answers, please post a comment below! Let’s enjoy a pressure-free, kindness-based practice together! I’m taking a holiday break, so this post will stay up through the New Year. Thanks in advance for joining me in this new tradition!