“Set intentions, not resolutions.” 

While I’ve been happy to embrace the fresh start of a new year, I haven’t really been up to establishing any resolutions. I’ve cleaned up my surroundings and made some needed repairs in preparation for the new year, but that’s about the extent of it. As someone who has historically worked to improve, I’ve felt kind of guilty about it. But honestly, I just haven’t felt like doing the self-assessment to figure out what’s most wrong with me. But then, as life does so often, a little unexpected message of encouragement showed up — a literal message — beyond the little love notes I’ve spotted. This one via an ad post on instagram, of all things. It started with the above quote and continued like this:

“Hello there my dear – yes, YOU. Guess what? You’re perfectly imperfect just the way you are and there is nothing “wrong” with you, nothing that needs “fixing.” There is no problem to be solved or anything that needs to change.

“But what you can do darling is love yourself a little more, a little deeper. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and push you to be an expanded version of who you already are. Do things that set your soul on fire and fill your heart with love. Expand your mind, experience new things, connect on a deeper level with those around you.

“So instead of creating a “resolution” or asking yourself what needs “fixing” — set an intention for what you are CREATING in the world and who you are committed to being. Find what makes your light shine and do more of that. Shine brighter in the new year my dear.”

Big. Sigh.

This was exactly what I didn’t even know I needed to hear, exactly when I needed to hear it.

So I will continue to say no to resolutions. But intentions? Creating? I can do that. I intend to be creative, kind, giving, brave, adventurous, and active. Most of all, I just intend to be happy. I’ll figure out what needs fixing later. Or not.