What about those Resolutions and Intentions?

I know. It is that time of year again. New Year’s Resolutions that for many do not see past the end of January as we all get caught up in managing our daily lives post the holiday season. You know the common ones - lose weight, give up — fill in the vice, get to the gym three times a week and the like. In fact, the third Monday in Jan seems to be when most abandon their resolutions. Known as  "Blue Monday" and is said to be the most depressing day of the year and why? It can be a time when people's optimism about new year resolutions starts to fade. For many this may reinforce a sense of failure. 

And this used to be me. If you are like me, as an example, many are the gym contracts that I signed and paid for linked to my resolution to get fit, where the gym saw me three or four times and for the rest of my contract term, the gym contractors rubbed their hands in glee as they received my monthly subscription as my noble resolution lost traction. 

No discipline one might say. And then of course the guilt and shame of having sung my resolutions off the mountain tops, letting everyone I knew in on what I was going to do differently for the next year. 

Sound familiar?  

And so, I gave up on New Year’s Resolutions however well intentioned this tradition has been. In my own inner work I have come to know and understand that transformative learning directed from the inside-out in the case of my resolutions, had no context. They were nebulous, something that was being influenced from the outside-in - the pressure coming from the outside source of the custom and everyone was doing this. And in giving up not on the resolutions themselves, more like on myself, no matter how I tried to justify why I had done so, engendered a sense of failure at trying something new and or not sticking to a goal became a part of my unconscious story of not being good enough. 

I have been so blessed 10 000 fold for having a Spiritual connection that prompted a very different way of looking at resolutions rather, as intentions with which I set out to travel on this journey called life. . 

Owing to my personal learning and teaching with and for others, I have come to know the incredible power of vision and purpose - this was the framework that I had been missing in the vacuum in which I had been setting resolutions. 

It was no wonder. When I looked at the meaning of resolution - defined as a commitment not to do something, they are concrete and masculine in their energy. They became dreaded extra actions and tasks that were added on to my to do list - no wonder again, I ran out of steam. 

Intentions are about a mind and heart set and are generally framed in the positive. For me they are very feminine in their energy. They are framed from an inner awareness of the need to shift and change in order to grow. In addition, I have come to know the power of setting intentions when they are framed and aligned to my purpose and vision. 

Delving a little deeper into Intentions and Resolutions

There is contrast between the two - and some may have more appeal to one person than another. There is no right or wrong - there merely is what works for you and as with everything, take what you like and leave the rest. So, 

1. When we look at defining the two:

• A resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something. It is a formal expression of determination or commitment. Resolutions are often seen as specific goals or targets that one aims to achieve.
• An intention on the other hand is a mental state or attitude of awareness regarding a specific goal or outcome. It involves a plan or purpose that guides one's actions.

1. And their specifics? 
   • Resolutions are typically more specific and concrete. They often involve setting measurable goals, such as losing a certain amount of weight, quitting smoking, or saving a specific amount of money.
   • Intentions are broader and may focus more on the underlying mindset or approach to a situation rather than specific, measurable outcomes. For example, having the intention to cultivate mindfulness or practice gratitude.
2. And what of their focus?
   • Resolutions are often outcome-oriented and emphasize the final result. They focus on the end goal or the specific behavior change.
   • Intentions are more process-oriented, emphasizing the journey or the way in which one approaches a task or goal. They are about the present moment and the mindset behind actions.
3. Examining the difference in flexibility:
   • Resolutions are more rigid, they are often seen as commitments that should be adhered to strictly. Falling short of a resolution may be viewed as a failure.
   • Intentions allow for more flexibility. They recognize that circumstances may change, and the focus is on the continuous effort to align actions with the intended mindset.
4. And their connection to time?
   • Resolutions often have a specific time frame attached to them, especially when they are related to New Year's resolutions. They may be annual or short-term commitments.
   • Whereas intentions are ongoing and timeless. They are more about cultivating a certain way of being or approaching life, and they may not be bound by specific deadlines.

While resolutions are often specific, time-bound commitments with a focus on outcomes, intentions are more about cultivating a certain mindset or approach to actions, with a greater emphasis on the present moment and flexibility. Both can be valuable in personal development, depending on individual preferences. For me though, I prefer the gentler way of being and doing that is inherent in intention setting - Intentions also in my view, are the softer feminine way of being intentional in the actions that I take to share my gifts and talents with the world. 

With that being said, now to Visions and Intentions

I have had the good fortune to have created vision boards since the year 2000. Many of the visions have come to pass, some have not… yet. Still, the visual and sensory representation of my inner thought forms have given me the missing picture of what it is that Spirit is guiding me to bring into the physical world. 

How does this relate to Intentions - I have learned a very different way of Be-I-Ng - rather than resolving, I embody my intentions via the vision boards I create as I communicate my intentions into the Universe.  They are visual, they immerse my senses and imagination. I see them every morning and at times throughout the day. Subliminal and consciously they provide me with the commitment and alignment that was missing when setting resolutions. 

If you are serious about committing to bringing change into your life, I am running a Visions Board workshop online at the end of January - Details in the show notes! .For those who are seeking a deeper interpretation of their Visions Board, there is also the opportunity to have an intuitive (psychic) interpretation of your Visions Board. Why not join me as we track our progress together through the year? 

Wishing you a blessed and fruitful new beginning to the calendar year. 

In Love, Light and Abundant Blessings for an intentional and amazing year ahead

Angela