Intentions

It is that time of year again.  Don't look so perplexed, you know what I'm talking about.  The new year?  Goals and objectives?  New Years' Resolutions?



Last year I ripped up the list and decided to throw caution to the wind and enter 2010 resolutionless.  (You can read all about it here.)  I have to admit it worked.  It was freeing.  For the first time in many years I ended the first month of the new year successful. I did not fail because there was nothing to cause failure.  There were no resolutions.

However, it seemed wrong to start a new year without at least acknowledging my shortcomings. As a result I have compiled a new list.  Before you start calling me crazy hear me out.  I don't have a list of resolutions, instead I have a list of intentions.  It works like this:  instead of a resolution to lose 10 pounds in 2011, I intend to eat a little less every day.  Or, in lieu of,  I will send Christmas cards next year; it is I intend to send Christmas cards in 2011.

Intentions are much less intimidating than resolutions.  By definition a resolution is "a firm decision to do or not to do something."  I might add my own take on a resolution.  It is a commitment that if not kept invites guilt.  I live with enough guilt in my life.  I don't need to add any more monkeys to that barrel.  In contrast, the definition of an intention is "a thing intended; an aim or plan."  It is a guide line, a road map of how I would like to live my life in 2011.  A map that is filled with detours and alternate routes.  A map that when altered produces no guilt.  If I say I am going to lose 10 pounds and I gain 10 I have failed.  If I say I intend to eat a little less every day and I eat more it's okay.  I didn't fail because I didn't commit.

I think it is a brilliant concept.  I should patent the idea and sell it to Hallmark or better yet start a website, become a motivational speaker, change the world with New Years Intentions.  I could help people.  I could make a lot of money.  Instead I'm just going to share it with you, the faithful eleven.  Because I'm that kind of girl.  I want you too, to have a guilt free 2011.

So if I don't receive a Christmas card from you next year, I will know that you intended do to so.  It was on your list.  But something came up, you encountered a detour, an alternate route. And I will be content in the knowledge that you are feeling no guilt for your lack of commitment.  However I also want you to know that "the road to hell is paved with good intentions."