The New Year's here, let's keep it real—resolutions are like bookmarks in the book of life. They give us a glimpse of what we want the next chapter to be. As we start the new year, setting a list of goals isn't just about making a list of things you'd like to accomplish; it's about taking advantage of the opportunity for personal growth. As part of this annual ritual, we get a chance to think about what we're doing, what's important, and what's next. This is our chance to reset, recalibrate, and refocus on what's important.

Every resolution is a declaration of our intentions. It's a commitment we make to ourselves to get better, to pursue our dreams, and to get over obstacles we face. Even though it's not always easy to achieve these resolutions, just setting them ignites a fire within us. I like to think of it as a reminder that we can create the lives we want.

Here's the thing: life doesn't follow a script. It's messy, beautiful, and unpredictable. So, let's ditch the hefty resolutions and opt for something lighter—intentions.

Life has a way of surprising us at every turn. The unpredictability is what makes it so fascinating, as it constantly gives us new challenges, opportunities, and experiences that keep us on our toes. We learn to appreciate life's messiness when we embrace its imperfections and embrace the growth that comes with experiencing it.

Choosing intentions over hefty resolutions gives us the flexibility to adapt and evolve along with life's ebbs and flows. Our intentions are gentle guides that help us live according to our values and aspirations, enabling us to make conscious choices and cultivate a sense of purpose in our daily lives. Through them, we learn to focus on the present, foster mindfulness and have a deeper connection with our experiences.

Instead of resolving to lose 10 pounds (4.54 kg), an intention could be to focus more on healthy eating and incorporate exercise habits gradually into our lives. An intention to be more present with your loved ones could be as simple as spending a few moments each day without your phone or other distractions, so you can really connect with them.

Setting intentions for the new year can give us a sense of direction. Whatever it is, articulating our intentions can help us stay focused and aligned with our long-term goals. By defining what we hope to cultivate and achieve, we lay the groundwork for a purposeful and fulfilling journey. Our intentions should be realistic and achievable, and we should strive to keep them at the forefront of our minds.

If your goal is to save more money, you could set an intention to save a certain amount of money each month and set a goal to save a certain amount of money by the end of the year. What your intentions boil down to are small, attainable tasks that make up your goals.

Here are some intentions for the New Year;

1. Embrace the Journey:
Life's not a checklist; it's a journey. Instead of stressing over what our resolutions should be, we should set intentions that will allow us to savour the ride, the unexpected turns, and the quiet moments that make us unique.

2. Be Kind to You:
You're a work of art in progress. We should begin by setting intentions to be kind to ourselves instead of demanding perfection from ourselves. Don't be afraid to admit your flaws, learn from your mistakes, and remember that growth is a beautiful chaos.

3. Cultivate Connections:
Life is richer with shared moments. Rather than making a resolution to be a social butterfly this year, let's set intentions that will lead us to cultivate connections–big or small. A smile, a chat, or a virtual hug—they all count.

4. Learn, Unlearn, Relearn:
Change is constant. Let's set intentions to embrace the dance of learning, unlearning, and relearning. As the world evolves, we need to adapt and learn new skills. We must be open to new ideas and prepared to challenge our own beliefs and assumptions. It's how we grow.

5. Find Joy in Small Things:
Happiness often hides in plain sight. Set intentions to find joy in the small, everyday things—a warm cup of coffee, a sunset, or the laughter of loved ones. Appreciate these moments and be grateful for them. Life is made up of these small moments, and it's these little things that can bring us the most happiness. Take time to savour them and don't let the little things slip away.

This is where I leave you; the true value of our goals isn't just in achieving them but in the experiences along the way, which lead to self-discovery, self-improvement, and self-empowerment. Wishing you all the best for the next exciting chapter of your life, filled with the prospect of new opportunities and the prospect of personal growth.

Here's to a new year, new intentions, and the unwritten chapters waiting to be filled.