A resolution is not an unintentional promise, it is not an unattainable goal or sacrifice. It is also not a wish that will magically come true with the dropping of the ball in Times Square at midnight of the last day of the previous year. Sorry to break the news but the resolution fairies are not flying in anytime soon to help make these little promises come true. So let's take a look at what a resolution really is and how to make it work for us.
According to Miriam Webster the definition is ...
" res·o·lu·tion
: the act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict, problem, etc. : the act of resolving something
: an answer or solution to something
: the ability of a device to show an image clearly and with a lot of detail. "
Clearly, the third definition in Miriam Webster's dictionary is referring to a device such as a camera, television, or something of the like but what if we expand this meaning a little bit. What if we use this definition as a tool to discern what our resolution really ought to be. In order for this to truly work we need a way to see a clear picture with detail of what our ultimate resolution is. If you're up for the challenge proceed through the following excersise.
1. Grab a paper and pen and head to a comfortable place in your home. Light a candle, play some soothing music and relax in a place where you can be uninterrupted for the next twenty minutes.
2. Sit in a comfortable position and clear your mind.
3. Let your mind drift through the events of the last year. Allow yourself to acknowledge how you felt during the events that stuck out in your mind. Hold on to those feelings no matter how big or how small, significant or insignificant they may be, identify them, connect with them.
4. After you have a hold on your feelings from the previous year allow your mind to connect with your heart. Here you will realize your intention.
5. Was there one time that made you feel desperate or alone if there was take note.
6. What are the moments when you felt your best. Perhaps you felt complete, whole or warmed with happiness. Allow these moments of positive energy to fill your heart and then mind, then slowly fill every inch of your body and nourish your soul.
7. When you feel ready open your eyes and immediately take the paper and pen next to you and write about your meditation. Specifically record the imagery that came to mind when you found your happiest moments and let their energy fill you.
8. Over the next day or so collect images from magazines, the internet, and whatever other sources you may have that relate to the imagery you saw in your meditation that brought you the most positive feelings.
9. Use those images to create a vision board.
What you have done in the previous exercise is created a clear concise picture of what truly brings you happiness and positive energy. This positive energy brings us all to a place of empowerment inside ourselves. It brings us to a place where we are strong, confident and loved. It is with this strength and awareness that we become capable of seeing our true desires. Now that we are there let's proceed to step 10.
10. Use your vision board to create an affirmation. Allow the affirmation to be whatever you desire but remember to keep it positive.
Now that we have our vision board and our affirmation it is time to look at setting our resolution. Remember we used the third definition in Miriam Websters to set our framework and we still have the first two definition to work with.
They are:
"i. The act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict, problem, etc. : the act of resolving something.
ii. An answer or solution to something."
Use your vision board and affirmation to help you determine what your true desires are moving into the New Year. Look closely at the images you chose and the words you used in your affirmation and use this to identify what will continually bring you happiness. Once you have identified your true desire for the upcoming year write it as a goal using only positive words.
Avoid using words like.... Give up, lose, stop, refrain from, quit
Instead use words like.....Replace,choose,start,will,overcome
Once you have written your goal come up with a SMART plan to help you achieve it. SMART plans are a great positive way to help you keep sight of your goal and monitor your progress. Write your SMART goal using the following format:
S = specific Your goal should be precise with the absence of vague detail.
M= measurable Your goal should include a way evaluate progress.
A= attainable Your goal should be reasonable and within reach.
R= relevant Your goal should reflect your vision board.
T= time bound Your goal should include periodic time goals throughout the year.
At this point we have created a vision board with a specific measurable goal that reflects what truly brings us happiness, empowerment and peace. This is a true resolution. A pathway to overcome negativity in our lives and to abandon that which no longer serves us, therefor resolving time wasting conflicts.
Post the vision board and SMART goal somewhere in your home where you can look at it daily and remind yourself of your resolution. Your resolution is no longer an empty promise it has evolved to a well thought out vision that you have invested time and love to create. In the upcoming days honor its presence in your life and allow it to bloom.
In the next few days I will be posting images of my vision board and my resolution. Hope to see some of yours as well!
