Let's be intentional.

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. Maria Robinson

Everyone always starts the new year with such zeal to do things better. To be kinder or make healthier choices. And its probably important that we re-visit those intentions before the year's end. Rather than waiting to re-evaluate when we can do nothing about it. 

And in all honesty, I don't actually make any New Year's resolutions. I have things that I want to be mindful of or more intentional about, but rarely do I write down some hard and fast action items. Which Patrick some would argue that I would never actually do the things that aren't 'actionable', but that's not true for me. And you have Marcy to thank for that. 

My one original "intention" for this past year has been this:

What you allow is what will continue. If you allow someone to talk to you in a way that hurts you, that's your fault. You have the capacity to stand up for yourself and dictate what atmosphere you allow to exist around you. Does that mean that those conversations with others are always received warmly? Of course not. They most often times aren't. BUT, its in the standing up for yourself that you put a separation between what you value and what you don't. You're putting a stake in the ground and declaring to the world who you are and will be. This is hard. But it also removes any opportunity for you to see yourself as a victim to your surroundings, and that, my friends, is powerful. 

This article also has proved to be a killer motivator for me. However, it's moreso a list of things to stop doing. But my favorites are (with commentary from the author):

Stop putting your own needs on the back burner. - The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.  

Stop blaming others for your troubles. - The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life. When you blame others for what you're going through, you deny responsibility - you give others power over that part of your life.  

Stop running from your problems. - Face them head on. No, that won't be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren't supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That's not how we're made. In fact, we're made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that's the whole purpose of living - to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.  

Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. - If you're not happy with who you are on the inside, you won't be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else. 

So let's be more intentional with ourselves this year. Do hard things if they're good for you, and know that we are powerful and wonderful people. Be blessed my friends. Much love to you.