Setting Intentions for 2022

I used to be really into New Years Resolutions back before my pre-therapy days. I would use this time to alter myself in many ways (often meaningless) that would make me figuratively and literally smaller. As I have grown, I realized that I hate New Year Resolutions. They do not usually lead people to feel empowered, but rather it can create a cycle of shame and guilt when you “fall off” creating this new habit.

But you know can be really helpful and keep you grounded? Setting intentions. For some, it’s a word that they picked for the year. For others it’s a sentence, a mantra.

Let’s figure out what will be helpful for you so you’re taking care of yourself rather than punishing or shrinking yourself.

What was something you were needing last year in 2021?

First off, it is important to be compassionate and curious with yourself in this process. This is not meant to be an opportunity for you to blame, judge, or shame yourself but rather reflecting on what could go differently next time.

I want you to think about those moments where you really struggled over the past year. If it’s hard to get in touch with your emotions, give yourself permission to look at times when maybe you are in a bad mood or you lashed out at someone. If you allowed yourself to be curious, what do you think you were needing in those moments?

Here are some things people need in moments where they are stressed, irritable, and overwhelmed:

  • boundaries

  • sleep

  • eating

  • bathing

  • moving your body

  • feeling physically better

  • connecting with others

  • validation

  • expressing oneself authentically

What do you think you needed in that last year? Could this be something you can focus on for 2022?

Dreaming big

If you feel that your needs were overall taken care of or it’s hard to figure it out, you can also let yourself daydream about what you’re wanting for the year. Is it accomplishing something? Is it growing in some way? Being more visible? If you allowed you to really connect with yourself, what is it that you would like to make happen this year?

What doesn’t count is coming up with goals and dreams based on what you think they should be, but rather, what you truly want. Just because you want that “beach body” for you to feel better about yourself does not mean you want to go through the process of denying/starving yourself or punishing your body to get there.

What word, sentence, or phrase came up for you for 2022?

If you are currently in California and would like to work with me, you can contact me to learn more about individual therapy and group therapy.

Alison Gomez