I love the feel that a New Year brings. I know some are completely against setting New Year's Resolutions, and if that's you, I totally understand. Resolutions have gotten a bad rep in a lot of ways because some view them as standards they set for themselves and then are unable to keep.

I view New Year's resolutions as a way to reset for the next year to come. Resolutions help provide me with a framework for the intentional life I want to lead. During this time, I can shape a plan with both short and long term goals about whatever way that I want to make the most out of the next year.

I think another reason New Year's resolutions have grown to be a bit of a punch line for a bad joke is because most setting goals for the new year will almost always include some type of fitness or weight loss goal. The health and fitness industry experiences a boom in marketing this time of year. Participate in any gym and you're likely to have difficulty finding an open treadmill until March.

So for all of us who are exposed to these messages, this push to change our body - this message is for you. You can say no. You can make a decision to NOT participate or set diet and weight loss goals this year. Research indicates that 95% of diets will fail and of those 5% that succeed, it's likely those individuals have had to shape their entire lives around being a certain size or shape (i.e. meal planning, working out, counting calories, skipping social outings, etc.).

If you're in recovery, or newly embracing the intuitive eating message, you may find it especially difficult during this time of year. Promotions and advertising are centered around weight loss and the office becomes a place where diet-talk and trading New Year's resolutions intentions will be constant. It's likely you'll feel a pull to engage and participate with everyone else and that's okay. Use this as an exercise to not get sucked back into the diet culture. Use this as an opportunity to share with others why you're not setting diet resolutions this year. Challenge others to share resolutions that have nothing to do with changing their appearance.

Here are some non-diet resolutions you can consider instead:

Learn to play an instrument (it's never too late!)
Set a number of books you wish to read this year. (Have you joined the Bloom Book Club? #shamelessplug)
Aim to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and nature daily.
Plan quarterly home projects with monthly financial plans to make those projects happen.
Write in a journal daily.
Develop a bedtime routine that will allow you to have better rest and sleep.
Treat yourself at least once a month to a massage, a day at the spa, or just a lunch out alone.
Catch up with an old friend at least once a quarter.
Join a recovery related support group via online or in person. (Bloom has a free Facebook Group!)
Plan a destination vacation trip, even if it's just for the weekend. Set monthly goals to make it happen.
Try one new recipe a week or a month, whichever fits your schedule better.
Take one day a week to totally relax and recharge (i.e. stay in your comfy clothes, wear no makeup, etc.)
Learn about a new subject. Read one blog post or article about the subject every morning to get your day started.
Schedule a date night with your significant other at least once a week, even if it's just a movie together at home.

I would love to hear any other non-diet ways that you plan to be more intentional for this upcoming year. Feel free to share in the comments!