Setting Intentions for 2018

’Tis the season for new beginnings, best of intentions and the start of a better “you”. If you’re like me, I LOVE new starts. I relish in writing my name in a journal for the first time. I get all giddy when I crack open a book for the very first time. On December 31st, I like to have clean sheets on my bed, a shower before going to sleep and a list of amazing and hopefully attainable goals in mind. This year, was no different. While the shower didn’t happen (we fell asleep at 10:45pm). We had clean sheets and I had cracked open my new journal. I mentioned in my last post a few of my intentions, such as giving up coffee and writing in my gratitude journal (1’000 moments of gratitude!), but I’ve added a few more: 

1. Daily meditation of 15-30 minutes of formal practice (sitting meditation & mindful walking). 
2. Taking a yoga class at the local community centre (there are some spectacular programs offered in ottawa that are reasonably affordable and very good). 
3. Trying not to use my phone (to work) when my children are around.  I realized that I have to start modelling my expectations around screens and so I am going to try to work only within my business hours (9:30-3pm on weekdays). This is HARD, especially as I’m trying to market my MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) course that is coming up in January. However, I need to put up some boundaries between home and work. It’s too easy to pop on line to check facebook to see if someone has read my latest post or read the myriad of articles that come into my inbox.  The correlation between “mama’s increased stress/frustration about finishing things online” with “kids needing my attention” creates a very negative and mindless space. 
4. I’m going to schedule my self care into my day. It’s going to look a little like this: 

• 6-7am: 15-20 minute meditation and 30 minutes of mindful moving/exercise
• 7-9: breakfast, kids, drop off 
• 9:30-2pm: work on @bebravebekind
• 2-3:30: prepare supper, chores
• 3:30-8: focus on Team Roy!
• 8-10pm: adult time! Reading & hanging out with my partner. Wednesday is date night with the family) 
• 10pm-6am: SLEEP, blessed blessed sleep!

The practice of setting intentions is one we can’t take too lightly. This is an ambitious schedule to be sure, but the truth is, there are only a few changes to my already mindful schedule: 1) 30 minutes of exercise BEFORE 7 (i used to do it after drop off) and commitment to go to bed earlier. I feel that these are reasonable and practical, but I also promise that I will be compassionate in the actioning of them. The biggest change will be committing to work only within working hours. If you catch me online in the evening, feel free to call me on it! 

I’d love to know if you’ve set any new intentions for 2018!
xo Rebekka