Tossing the New Year’s Resolutions

We’re coming to the close of another year and heading into that familiar tradition of taking stock and making New Year’s resolutions. I, for one, will not be partaking of this tradition.

As you’ve noticed, I’ve been writing about self-kindness recently, and not applying force or pressure to create change in one’s life. My main focus in my daily life is to move ever closer to making all decisions based on intuition rather than intellect. I think my intellect is a fabulous partner to my intuition, but when left to run the show, all hell breaks loose. My intuition, or inner wisdom, however, never steers me wrong.

So, instead of resolving to change something or do something better (ick!), I have started my own tradition. To me, resolutions feel cerebral and somewhat forceful. Instead, I like to ask New Year’s questions. This new tradition of asking questions has served me well in the last couple of years, so I plan to continue it each year.

Here’s how it works:

Grab a notebook and a pen. Take a moment to tune in to your body. Notice your feet, notice your breath, and just be with your body for a moment. Then, ask it what it would like this year.

Your body’s answer might be one word or it might be detailed instructions for a variety of activities. Maybe it wants you to rest in certain ways or play in certain ways. Maybe it has ideas for your business. Who knows! Just listen up and jot it down. Don’t judge whatever pops into your head. Even if it doesn’t make sense now, it will probably come clear later.

Next, take a moment to imagine your soul. Maybe you see it entering the room to be with you right now. Maybe it’s already in your body. Imagine it in whatever way feels right to you. Then, ask it what you need to know to make this year as fabulous as possible.

Again, just write whatever flows into your mind. You know you’re getting inner critic if you start hearing critical, judgmental, or pressure-filled statements. If that happens, thank your critic for sharing and re-focus on your soul.

Once you’ve asked the questions and heard the answers, do with them what you want. There are no rules here. This is just about you listening. You might wait three months to take action on something, or maybe you never do. There is no pressure in this process.

Last week I sat down and reviewed last year’s soul wisdom for me. My soul said, “This will be a year of transformation. You will change, your life will change, and everything will be bigger and better than you can imagine.”

Well, it was right. I’m looking forward to asking my questions again this New Year’s Eve. I can’t wait to hear the wisdom my body and soul have to share. And speaking of sharing – if you do this exercise and want to share your answers, please post a comment below! Let’s enjoy a pressure-free, kindness-based practice together! I’m taking a holiday break, so this post will stay up through the New Year. Thanks in advance for joining me in this new tradition!

5 comments

  1. Thank you for this exercise Abigail!

    In 2012 my body would like more play, movement, unstructured time with no pressure, like recess! More recess to move my body, use my imagination and connect with friends.

    My Soul said in order to make 2012 as fabulous as possible, I need to widen my vision to more of an open, diffused focus, less narrow focused. Keep cultivating confidence and authenticity, showing my unique self without apology. My fans will see me. They will recognize themselves in me. Let go of the illusion of control, stop trying so hard and let life take me on adventures. Letting go of the vision of what lies ahead and being engaged and awake in the process will help me trust and let go of trying.

    I hope you have a fabulous year!

  2. yes, let’s all ask more questions; who needs another “to do” list.
    Happy New Year and thanks for writing.
    loven.

  3. Thank you, Abigail! Loved this exercise; my body and soul had lots of surprising things to say. The highlights…
    Body:
    • To be your pride and joy – not cause I’m perfect or magazine-like, but because I’m YOURS
    • To go to Monterey
    • Less dairy, less saturated fat, more olive oil, more olives, more veggies please

    Soul:
    • If it doesn’t sound amazing, seriously, don’t bother.
    • All of your head plans suck. Do what makes you leap out of bed.

    Thank you for this lovely post. Happy New Year!

  4. Here I am, late as usual, but also in divine timing! I will give this a try – I too am aiming to work more with my intuitive self, and I think my body will tell me it’d like more playtime and unstructured time, too!

    Love all your posts Abigail, and I will be recommending you in one of my forthcoming Newsletters.

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