Our 2019 Intentions

Our 2019 Intentions and Resolutions

by Julie Weinstein

Hi guys and happy 2019! Now that we’re over a week into the new year, we’re ready to talk intentions and resolutions and all that jazz. Sometimes it’s best to wait until the hype of the new year settles a bit before really taking inventory of what’s working, what’s not working, and what you hope to accomplish and do more of in the new year.

There have been a couple times several years back that I made resolutions, but I soon realized I was putting a lot of pressure on myself when I did that. I felt like if I veered off course from said resolutions I already failed. It felt very black and white to me, and I’ve learned life happens in the grey area. I also think when you make a resolution for an entire year, that’s asking a lot. A year is a long time, guys!

However, more power to those of you who do make resolutions (and stick to them)! Seriously. I’m impressed.

By definition, a resolution is “a firm decision to do or not do something,” and lately a buzz word in the wellness world and well beyond is the word intention. An intention is “an aim or a plan.”

Rather than necessarily making a firm decision on what you want to do or not do for the year, I like to look at it as an intention…a game plan…a road map of sorts. I like to think about what I hope to and plan to accomplish throughout the year – personally, professionally, etc. It just sounds a little lighter to me and not as severe. Because, you know what, if I don’t accomplish every single thing I want to, that’s ok, too.

Our Team’s Intentions and Resolutions

What can be very inspiring is when you look at other people’s intentions as well as when you discuss them among your friends, family, or colleagues. We’re all in this together, and we can always use the support of those who care for us and will be cheering us on as we go forward.

Below you’ll find some of our team’s resolutions. And we’d absolutely love it if you shared some of your intentions for the year in the comments below.

Carrie, Founder & CEO, @carriec

Well, if you read my letter on Monday, you know that I didn’t enter the year with “guns blazing,” so to speak, ready to conquer the world. Rather, this year, I’ve eased into the new year in a very contemplative state.

Eventually, I came to the conclusion that my One Little Word for the year would be forward. I’m ready to move forward in every area of life. Onward and upward! The period of sadness, of frustration, of “woe is me”, of any anger or bitterness or animosity is gone.

No excuses. No negativity. It’s time to move forward. It’s time to embrace the responsibilities and opportunities in front of me, and move forward with eager anticipation of all the good that’s going to happen!

By the way, in case you aren’t familiar with the One Little Word concept, it’s an idea my friend Ali Edwards started many years ago. I’ve been doing it with her for probably a decade now! You can read all about it here.

I’m really looking forward to moving forward! 🙂

Alex, College Intern, @hippieinhtx

I’m (finally!) graduating in May, but along with being a full time student, I also have two jobs. Because of that it’s been hard to put time away for myself so this year I’m trying to set aside more time for me. So, in no particular order, I’d like to: be more bold, focus more on being creative (it always comes last for me, but it also makes me the happiest), travel more, and become more open minded.

Julie, Editorial Director, @julielauren14

Last year I learned more about myself than I ever have, so if last year was the year of learning, this is the year of doing / being / feeling from what I learned. I’d like to live more in the moment and be more spontaneous. I’d like to separate myself from the negativity (whether it be people, conversations, etc) and only surround myself with people and things that lift me up. If someone or something is even remotely toxic – bye Felicia. I want to work harder than I ever have to achieve my professional goals for the year. I want to love deeper than I ever have and continue growing and learning in my marriage. I want to continue to not take life too seriously and enjoy this wild ride!

Mari, Lead Photographer, @mariterecr

My goals for the year are simple. I came out of 2018 struggling with many health problems. This year I’ll be focusing on taking care of myself – health, soul, body and mind. I’ll be focusing on self care and self love and on turning my health around. Aside from that, my other goals are to continue focusing on the small joys of life and gratefulness, and on doing things that uplift my mind and soul. I want to focus on making it a year of positives, of enjoying the ordinary with my family and making it extraordinary moments of love and joy; of making time for myself and nurturing from it as well. I want to get back to basics and priorities – mind, health, family, body, soul, love, joy.

Traci, Contributing Photographer, @traciling

1. More cooking, less dining out 2. More reading, less screen time  3. More mindful, less impulsive 4. More active, less potato chips 5. More purging, less spending {less is more, duh} 6. Doing what is in the best interest of myself and my family, less time worrying about the opinions of others 7. More date nights, less excuses 8. More experiences, less wasting time 9. More traveling, less couch 10. Restock my Q-tip container

A few more things

We hope you enjoyed reading a bit about our intentions / resolutions / goals / plans for the year. Again, we’d love to hear from you, too! Wishing you all the happiest, healthiest, best year yet!