This year I resolved not to make resolutions. Instead, I will take a different path, a path towards living more intentionally, with more presence, more awareness, and more self-love.

What is a resolution? A firm decision to do or not to do something. My problem with my own resolutions in the past, is what was behind them. When I looked in the mirror and made a resolution to lose 10 pounds, get in shape, stop eating sweets, etc. I was subtly, or not so subtly telling myself that I was not enough. Not thin enough, not motivated enough. I was criticizing myself, putting myself down, trying to force myself to change to meet some standard that in my mind was the benchmark for my success as a human. And when I reached the third day of the year and didn't eat that salad or missed that workout the message was loud and clear- you are a failure.

This year, instead of resolutions, I am making a conscious effort to live my life more intentionally, to be more present in my own life, to sharpen my awareness of what does and doesn't serve me, to show myself love, care and compassion. I will not make resolutions but set intentions to shape my path the way I want to see it go. I will set intentions that will help me to navigate the twists and turns that may happen along the way. I will listen to my body, my mind and my soul and make sure that I am fueling them all by providing them with what they truly need. In some ways, intentions can look like resolutions, but there is a gentleness to them, there is a feeling of growth, learning, forgiveness. Won't you join me in ditching resolutions and exploring ways to bring intention to your days?