For most of my life I have resolved to never make new year's resolutions. I saw too many failed resolutions of "I will lose weight" and "I will quit smoking" etc to believe that somehow the ringing in of a new year would help harden the resolve at all. I felt if a change needed to be made then it was going to take more than uttering a few words and hanging up the calender for the new year.
This year feels a little different to me though. I still do not intend to make resolutions. But it feels like a lot of things are coming together and a lot of burdens are being lifted. So it feels like a good time to clarify my intentions.
-I will be more mindful of my thoughts, speech and actions and take full responsibility for being true to myself and avoid causing undue suffering to myself or others through my thoughts, speech or actions.
-I will walk my talk. If I falter in my walk, I will not give up, and I will not be dishonest with myself about where I am internally.
-I will keep both eyes on my path and not worry so much about the destination.
-I will see obstacles as lessons, enemies as great teachers.
-I will listen more. I will continuously work at cultivating compassion and patience.
-I will learn to be disciplined no matter how much it hurts.
-I will laugh as much as possible.
There is always more. But I think this covers a good deal of it.
What are your intentions for the new year?