As I noted in my last post, for me, the new year starts in September not January.
Carol Hedges, the author of this post has the same perspective and makes her New Year’s resolutions in September. This year she came up with 10 Positive Aspirations for Fall.
Her aspirations include:
- Learn to layer – no more one season clothes, that’s what cardigans are for!
- Ignore trends
- Resist ‘buy me’ words
- Stop her subscription to Good Housekeeping
Note: When I got married 44 years ago, my mother subscribed to GH for me. I have kept it for sentimental reasons. But I too have stopped my subscription. It ain’t what it used to be!
- Stand by my social media friends – I get this. It takes a bit to put yourself out there on a blog, Instagram, etc. It takes nothing to ‘like’ a post!
- Stop worrying
- Say no to super foods – just eat a healthy diet
- Hug my virtual friends
- Give thanks
- Live with pride
I think these are generally fine aspirations/resolutions. Thanks to advice from our yoga teacher, Jeni, I no longer make resolutions. She suggests setting intentions instead of resolutions. I took her advice to mean that intentions are more powerful.
As the month gets underway, I have been focusing on my daily intentions, which are simple yet challenging for me:
- Choose Health
- Be Kind
- Get cleaned up before noon 😊.
Note: I spent so many years getting up at 5:45 and rushing to get out the door by 7 AM at the latest. In retirement, I am savoring my morning tea, meditation, leisurely breakfast, and exercise. Before you know it, it is time for lunch. So, my intention is to at least be showered and dressed by noon!
But, when all else fails, this intention works:
Remaining centered, I remember to live lightly, laugh, and be kind.
Daily Word, 9/7/22
And, in the words of a wise woman whose daily intentions were duty and service,:
It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.
Queen Elizabeth II
Allene
Travels with Allene 