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Hi Greatist readers,

Happy Monday! Last week I asked you to reflect on what 2020 has taught you about your humanity, joy, and adversity. This week we’ll wrap up December with questions to consider throughout the holiday as you set your mind toward positivity and growth in the new year.

I’m excited for what is yet to come and while some folks are planning resolutions, I am more of a fan of setting intentions. To give quick insight into what sets resolutions and intentions apart:

  • A resolution is like a goal in which, for example, someone might state they want to lose weight, or they want to get a new job, etc.
  • An intention, however, is a practice, and I love intentions because they build habits.

An intention regarding exercise can look like, “I will be intentional with my body by walking 10 minutes a day.” Or, “I will be intentional about managing my mental health by logging my mood daily.” An intention gets more specific and includes a practice, where a resolution can be very vague, which is why many folks often give up on them after a few months into the year.

Last week we talked about post-traumatic growth and through reflecting on those questions, I hope you were able to see how growth in itself is an intentional practice. To be able to have joy and face adversity is all rooted in the ability to be intentional with your time, energy and efforts.

Yes, I said now. The power about being intentional is that it’s rooted in the here and now and is an act of mindfulness. You can be practicing an act of intention right now by doing deep breathing as you read this. You don’t have to wait for a new year to come to be intentional in life.

So not sure where to start? Here’s a guide to check-in with yourself.

Jot these down in a journal and commit to this daily.

When we circle back, we’re going to be getting deeper into what daily intention setting looks like, as an act of self-care, so stay tuned!

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year in advance. I’ll catch you in 2021!

With love,
Minaa B.