I have always believed in setting new year’s resolutions, and this year, more than ever, it’s a tradition I want to continue.

Let me explain why….

This year has been a real doozy for me. Does it feel that way for you too?

I experienced incredible highs and distressing lows. I gained valuable insights about my capabilities AND my limitations. I definitely feel older, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit wiser.

The biggest loss I experienced was the unexpected passing of my mother-in-law. It was a devastating blow to our family. We are still coming to terms with our new reality – a world where she doesn’t exist. And her passing has changed our immediate future and plans for this coming year.

But more significantly, Her death has put so much in perspective for me about life. It has reinforced the notion that we truly don’t know how much time we have left in this world to chase our dreams, spend time with loved ones and do good in the world.

And so now, with the optimism that I always carry in my heart, it seems more important than ever to set positive intentions and goals for the new year. And I have my Auntie, (as I affectionately called my mother-in-law) to thank for this revelation. Keep reading to find out my 11 resolutions for 2019.

If you’re curious, here are my new year’s resolutions from 2018.

My New Year’s Resolutions for 2019:

1. No longer live my life according to someone else’s playbook.
2. Write my own rules.
3. Have more compassion and empathy for others, especially those I disagree with.
4. Spend my time and money on experiences rather than things.
5. Make more of an effort to spend quality time with family and friends.
6. Treat my blog as a business.
7. Invest in self-care, which for me starts with 3 simple things: sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet.
8. Continue my meditation practice, even if I’m only sitting for 5 minutes a day.
9. Daily writing in my gratitude and manifestation journal.
10. Save more money than usual for some big projects my husband and I have in the works.
11. Spread more positivity and optimism on my blog and social media channels.

For Those Who Don’t Like to Set New Year’s Resolutions

I know that many of you don’t subscribe to or believe in new year’s resolutions and that’s ok. You don’t have to make a big deal about putting a list together or doing it now before the new year begins. It’s important to remember that you have the power to work on new goals at ANY TIME. So whether you are like me and want to embrace the catharsis of the new year and set intentions now, or don’t want to set ‘official’ intentions at all, I hope my resolutions do one thing – inspire you to take action on the things that are most important to you, because we never know when our time is up.

What are your intentions for the new year?

Now I’d love to hear from you. Do you set new year’s resolutions too? If so, what’s at the top of your list? What are you focusing on and why? Please share in the comments below!

I have a feeling that 2019 is going to be an epic year, for all of us. And in that spirit, I’m sending light, love, and positivity to all of you. And I wish you a very happy new year.

2019, LET’S DO THIS!

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Related: Turn your dreams into actionable goals.