Intention, Not Resolution. A kinder way to step into the new year.

Merriam-Webster defines…

Resolution (noun): a firm decision to do or not to do something.

Intention (noun): what one intends to do or bring about.

Resolution is a fighting word.

It reminds me of a little kid standing at the bottom of a hill, arms crossed, feet planted, absolutely not wanting to climb. And then—after a long sigh—they ball their fists at their sides and mutter, “Fine. I’ll do it.” That’s resolution. Forced. Reluctant. Heavy with expectation.

An intention feels different.

An intention is stepping into tall grass, knowing you want to reach the other side—but also knowing you might stumble. And if you fall, that’s okay. You can stand back up. You can keep going. You’re allowed grace with the journey and with how long it takes to arrive.

I stopped making resolutions years ago because all they did was make me feel like I was failing. Every missed day, every detour, every moment my body or heart didn’t cooperate felt like proof that I wasn’t trying hard enough.

So now, I choose intentions.

My intention this year is to continue connecting—with my readers, with my writing, and with that quiet inner voice that reminds me I can do this. To offer myself grace on the days when my body simply doesn’t want to work the way I wish it would.

My intention is to learn balance—letting my children grow into who they’re becoming while still learning how to be their mother in this new season. To watch my birds fly from the nest and be okay with it. To support them in the ways they need me now, even when that looks different than before.

To mother with open hands.

To love without holding too tight.

To trust that both things can exist at once.

So instead of asking what you’re resolving to change this year, I’ll ask something gentler:

What’s your intention?

I’d love to know—so we can walk this year together with a little more kindness.

To ourselves.

And to each other. 💛

With love,

Wendy