Ok 2019, let’s do this!

I’m always so excited when a new year evolves. I’m a total self-confessed ‘futurist’ - I LOVE thinking and fantasising about the future much to my own detriment of trying to stay as present as possible. I’m still working on it ;)

I used to set resolutions until I realised I hated the way that word felt. And because it didn’t sit well with me, neither did the said resolution.

In all my studies, reading, learning, experimenting, meditation retreats….I have come to the conclusion that for me, setting an intention my own way, is far more comfortable. Instead of feeling dread and overwhelm, I feel calm, excited, hopeful.

What is the difference you ask?

RESOLUTION; a firm decision to do or not to do something. The action of solving a problem or contentious matter.

Now once I read this definition, I realised why I didn’t like the concept of resolutions! Its about problems, not’s and being firm. Yuck. Now compare that to:

INTENTION; a thing intended, an aim or plan. Conceptions formed by directing the mind towards an object.

Much nicer huh! And according to the ‘medicine’ definition in the dictionary, intention means; the healing process of a wound. Any time there is a reference to the word ‘healing’, you know it’s a good thing.

So in December, I spent some time reflecting on the year that was and what I wanted for 2019. Nothing specific like ‘I want to drink less coffee’, or ‘I’m going to have less screen time before bed’, but I thought about the bigger picture. What is something I want to focus on both giving and receiving in my life for the next 12 months.

So I decided on….

ABUNDANCE. It’s a broad term but it can relate to every part of life and for me, it’s the most perfect thing to aspire to.

For the last few years, I’ve felt like I’ve lived in scarcity. For the most part, I was exisiting. Surviving.

It was an enormous part of my life and as unpleasant as some of it was, it was necessary. Because if I didn’t go through it, I wouldn’t have learnt, healed and grown from it. I wouldn’t be following my heart to go down a new fulfilling career path to help others. And I wouldn’t be connecting to beautiful people like you.

So what does abundant mean? Exisiting or available in large quantities. Plentiful. Copious. Generous. Bountiful. Infinite.

When many people think about abundance, they think about money. And sure, that’s definitely an aspect I’d like to welcome into my life. Because remember for me, its about receiving and giving. I dream about all the wonderful things I can do with money if I have an abundance - for myself, my loved ones, strangers and homeless dogs in dog shelters!

But living in abundance for me relates to all areas of life. If my 2019 (and beyond!) can be full of plentiful health, love, friendships, play, space, fresh air, clients, learning, deep breaths, time, growth, movement, meditation, sleep, nutritious food….I will be one happy woman!

From living and experiencing abundance, I will work with it to create personal goals. They feel way nicer and more aligned from that overflowing space. Heart centred. Peaceful. Inspiring.

So that’s all great in concept, but how am I going to execute this beautiful intention? With dedication and devotion. If it was that easy to achieve by saying it once with glass of champagne in hand at midnight on the 31st December, everyone would be living their dreams right?! :)

I’m planning to go within and explore abundance through meditation, mindfulness and mindset - 3 of my favourite things!

But I’m also going to assist the journey by making some changes to my external world, like de-cluttering (so I can create more physical space for myself and in turn, my brain), along with continuing with mind-mapping, journalling, yoga, and goal setting practices.

Since I’ve talked it up, if you’d like a little piece of abundance in your life and want to delve deeper into learning, here are some resources that have been helpful to me:

/ Martha Beck (one of my biggest inspirations) chats about ‘Creating Abundance That Lasts’

/ If you have a Food Matters TV subscription (it’s the Netflix for all things health!), The Abundance Code documentary is fantastic. You can watch the trailer here.

/ Read 10 Abundance-Manifesting Secrets To Practice In Your Daily Life or 3 Ways To Shift Into An Abundance Mindset + Why It's The Key To All Kinds Of Growth

/ If you do yoga, here is a 20 minute yoga flow for abundance

/ Here is a relaxing guided meditation for abundance

But I ask you, if you were to set an intention rather than a resolution for this year, what would it be? Growth? Improved health? More calm in your life? More support? Open-mindedness? Practice gratitude?

Throw a few ideas down and take time to sit with them. Feel how your body reacts to them. When you spend time with each idea, practice intuition and go inside your body. See how it responds. Does it feel calm, peaceful, happy butterflies? Do you feel it in your heart? Or stomach (solar plexus)?

Whatever the intention, it should feel good. It should light you up from the inside out. When you feel this sense of calm and happy, you know you’re heading in the right direction.

I would absolutely love to hear what you come up with. And if you’re willing to share, feel free to put your intention in the comments below. I’m always so curious about other people’s realisations and commitments. Lucky huh, since I’ve made a career out of it :)

So I wish you a beautiful beginning to your year. A fresh start to create and welcome into your life, whatever it is you dream of and want to make a reality.

Kate xo

Why I've set an Intention vs Resolution