Resolution Curiosity

The beginning of a new year can bring so many emotions. 

Some of us are thrilled to say goodbye to a rough 2025. Some just had the best year of their lives. Some of us see a new year full of possibilities ahead. While others are overwhelmed with what lies ahead.

Our society has a ritual of creating new year resolutions, but statistically we find that resolutions are kept for only a few weeks.

We are a human species who loves to set goals and then feel failure when we don’t achieve them. The ritual of resolution setting follows that tendency. We love to shoulda, coulda, woulda ourselves into pressure and shame. This leads to a lot of anger in our society - people are walking around mad at themselves, but taking it out on others. 

What if the only thing that needs to change is the way you talk to yourself?

We don’t stick with resolutions because we make them too hard. Having a gentle curious conversation with yourself about why that resolution came to mind is more important than the resolution itself.

What resolutions have you considered as you see social media posts and morning news features on resolution setting? Now, go a few levels beneath that idea and see what you might find…

A lot of our resolutions are rooted in requiring change, when really inner-curiosity would be more beneficial.

I need more self-discipline. 

Maybe you actually need more loving appreciation for how much you already do. Maybe you need to forget disciple and instead focus on devoting yourself to something healthy. Maybe you don’t need to punish yourself like you think you do. Maybe you need to address what’s fueling the temptation instead of expecting a higher level of discipline.

I need to forgive them.

Maybe you are ready to stop suffering and stop thinking about them. Maybe you are ready for your heart to soften toward everyone. Maybe you want to be free of burdens you carry about the past situation. Maybe you are actually grateful now for your growth from the pain. Maybe you never have to think of this person ever again. Maybe you are ready to take your power back.

I need to stop being so angry. 

Maybe you need a nervous system that feels safe. Maybe you are ready to find courage to face what scares you. Maybe you are ready to talk to someone about the deep sadness you feel. Maybe the anger isn’t about a recent thing, it’s really about a deeper wound getting hit again and again. Maybe you need an aggressive new outlet for anger that doesn’t cause harm to you or anyone else.

I need a whole new life. 

Maybe you’ve forgotten all that is good in your current life. Maybe you are bored. Maybe it’s time to take a big leap of faith. Maybe you are seeking a more meaningful existence. Maybe things are shifting inside you and it is time for a new adventure.

I need to do something.

Maybe you don’t. Maybe you are ready to listen to your inner wisdom instead of comparing to others. Maybe you are ready for something creative instead of a grind. Maybe you just need to give yourself permission to be and do what you desire. Maybe your path is different from those around you. 

What if we stop the pressure that leads to war within ourselves?

What if nothing needs fixing?

What if the only goal is to fall in love with being alive?

What if it is all okay, just as it is? 

What if your only resolution this year is more love for yourself and everyone else too?

What if you spend New Year’s Day doing something you love and then repeat that 364 more times?

Curiosity.

Love.

Glad to be headed into another year of being human with you,