What has womb therapy and cyclical living taught me about the new year?
The New Year has a way of sneaking up on us, doesn’t it? One moment, we’re lost in the twinkle of fairy lights and the hum of festivities (not to mention mince pies), and the next, we’re staring at a blank calendar, pen poised to craft a list of resolutions. But how often do these grand promises—lose weight, work harder, be “better”—actually stick? I know mine are often out the window before February!
Let’s face it: the typical New Year’s resolution feels more like a to-do list than a true transformation. And if you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by unmet goals or overwhelmed by the pressure to “get it right,” let me offer an alternative.
This year, let’s naff off the resolutions and turn to something softer, kinder, and more powerful: setting intentions.
Why Deep Winter Isn’t the Time for Big Changes
Have you noticed how the energy of January feels inward, slow, and heavy? That’s because we’re still in deep winter—a season for rest, reflection, and renewal. It’s no wonder that launching into resolutions feels as hard as trying to wrap a cuddly toy!
Nature itself reminds us that spring is the true beginning of the year. The earth will awaken, buds will bloom, and the days will lengthen, birds will once again be pooping on your car (just us…..ok). That’s when the energy to grow, change, and create naturally aligns with our own rhythms. For now, January offers the perfect opportunity to plant the seeds of intention.
What’s the Difference Between Resolutions and Intentions?
Resolutions are about fixing. They often come from a place of judgement or lack: “I need to change this about myself.” Intentions, on the other hand, come from a place of growth and possibility. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, intentions invite us to explore what feels right.
Here’s an example: instead of saying, “I will exercise more,” try setting the intention to “move my body in ways that feel joyful and nourishing.” Do you feel the difference? One feels like a bossy teacher and the other a gorgeous fun friend!
How to Set Your Intentions for the New Year
- Pause and Reflect
Before rushing to decide what you want, take a moment to honour where you are. What did the past year teach you? What are you ready to let go of? What do you want more of in your life? (if you need help with this check out my wintering 30 day journal HERE) - Choose Themes, Not Goals
Instead of creating a list of specific tasks, choose overarching themes. Think: connection, balance, creativity, courage. Themes give you direction without the rigidity of a checklist. This year mine was ‘EXPLORATION’ which allowed me to focus not only on the things I wanted to explore within myself but also the adventures I wanted to go on with my family - Write Them Down
There’s magic in putting pen to paper. Write your intentions somewhere you can see them—a journal, a sticky note, or even your phone. Let them serve as gentle reminders throughout the year. I love an alter with pictures and inspiration on - Embodiment Matters
How do your intentions feel in your body? If your intention is to welcome more calm, notice where calmness resides in you—a softening in the shoulders, a deep breath in the belly. These physical cues anchor your intentions in the tangible. Explore some somatic movement whilst thinking about your intentions, how does that feel? - Revisit Regularly
Intentions aren’t set in stone; they’re alive, evolving as you do. Check in with yourself often. What’s working? What needs tweaking? As we say in yoga ‘release attachment’
A Personal Invitation
At this time of year, I often remind myself that it’s okay to slow down, to rest, and to dream. If you feel ready to explore what’s next for you, I’d love to support you in setting intentions that feel aligned and nourishing.
This March, I’m hosting Awaken the Healing Within: A Transformative Weekend Retreat—a chance to step into spring with clarity, connection, and care. Together, we’ll dive into practices like somatic yoga, journaling, nature immersion, and women’s circles to awaken the healing already within you.
If you’re ready to plant the seeds of your next chapter, I’d love for you to join me. Let’s welcome spring as the true start of the year—together.
For more details, click here or reach out if you’d like to chat about the retreat.
Here’s to a year of grace, growth, and grounding.
What intentions will you set for yourself this year?