Intentions vs. Resolutions: Reframing the New Year for Lasting Growth

01/01/25 • 23 min

In this episode of Ebbs and Flows, Erin discusses the powerful practice of setting intentions instead of resolutions for the new year. She explains the differences between the two, highlighting how intentions focus on feelings and values rather than rigid goals. Erin shares the benefits of intentions, including flexibility, self-compassion, and holistic alignment. She provides guidelines for setting meaningful intentions and offers personal reflections and examples. The conversation emphasizes that the new year is just a date on the calendar, and intentions can be set at any time, she shares that she considers the March Spring Equinox to be the true mark of a New Year - encouraging listeners to reflect on their values and desires.
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Watch on Youtube

Connect with Erin!
Follow on Instagram: @ebbsandflows222⁠⁠
Send me an Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.ebbsandflows.ca/
Products:
I Published a Dream Journal! Available on Amazon
Join our Wolf Moon Women’s Workshop! January 12th in the YEG area. Send Erin a DM on instagram or via email for more info & to sign up. Yin yoga, reiki, meditation, journaling, etc. $55 investment.

Takeaways

Intentions are about how we want to feel, not just goals.
Resolutions can lead to shame and guilt if not met.
Setting intentions allows for flexibility and adaptability.
Intentions encourage self-compassion and progress.
Intentions can impact multiple areas of life holistically.
Keep intentions broad but meaningful to avoid complexity.
Focus on the process rather than specific outcomes.
Use positive language when setting intentions.
You can set intentions at any time, not just the new year.
Incorporate intentions into daily life for better alignment.

Connect with Erin! Send a text

Takeaways

Previous Episode

Navigating Holiday Emotions: Tools for Joy, Grief, Anxiety, & Everything in Between

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In this special holiday episode of Ebbs & Flows, Erin discusses the complex emotions that can arise during the holiday season, including grief, loneliness, anxiety, the pressure to feel joyful & the power of gratitude. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these feelings and offers practical tools for navigating them with compassion.

Erin shares personal experiences and insights on how to honour loved ones who have passed, cope with feelings of loneliness, manage overwhelm & anxiety, & find joy amidst challenges. Erin also shares a visualization practice to help you connect with loved ones who have passed.

The episode concludes with a reminder to prioritize self-care & set healthy boundaries during this emotionally charged time.

Wishing you a fulfilling holiday season. Xox
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Amazon Music!
Watch on Youtube

01:19 Navigating Holiday Emotions
06:23 Grief During the Holidays
13:45 Visualization for Grieving a Loved One
15:05 Coping with Loneliness
17:24 Coping with Overwhelm & Anxiety
23:15 Finding Joy Amidst Challenges

Takeaways

The holiday season can evoke a wide range of emotions.
It's important to validate your feelings during this time.
Grief can be particularly heavy during the holidays.
Joy and grief can coexist; it's okay to feel both.
Practicing gratitude can help shift your mindset.
Creating rituals to honor loved ones can be healing.
Loneliness can be an opportunity for self-care.
Setting boundaries is essential for emotional well-being.
Breathing exercises can help manage anxiety and overwhelm.
The holidays are about connection, not perfection.

Next Episode

How my Breakdown Became my Breakthrough | Overcoming Anxiety & Depression | Holistic Healing Journey

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In this episode of Ebbs & Flows, Erin shares her personal journey through mental health challenges with anxiety and depression that led to a full physiological breakdown. She shares insight to this breakdown & how it sparked her holistic healing journey that genuinely changed her life mentally, physically, emotionally & spiritually.

Erin emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, community support, and the fact that we all have the power to heal & grow. Healing doesn’t have to be as hard as we are made to believe!

Erin's intention with sharing her story is to empower & validate you when it comes to your health & wellness, remind you that you are never alone & you CAN change your life! No matter how dark things may feel at any given time.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Amazon Music!
Watch on Youtube

Connect with Erin!
Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠@ebbsandflows222⁠⁠
Send me an Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.ebbsandflows.ca/
Products:
I Published a Dream Journal! Available on Amazon
Resources:
Mental Health Support Canada
The Anxiety Guy
Takeaways
You have the power to heal and grow.
Self-advocacy is crucial in health and wellness.
Community support can provide comfort during tough times.
Holistic health addresses the mind, body, and spirit.
Understanding the gut-brain connection is vital for mental health.
Healing can be a fun and fulfilling journey.
It's important to feel and process emotions.
Change doesn't have to be complicated or hard.
You are never alone in your struggles.
There are many options available for healing.
Chapters
01:25 Intention for this Episode
04:20 Journey to Holistic Health & Trigger Warning
07:10 The Breakdown: A Turning Point
11:09 Finding Community and Support
15:07 Exploring Holistic Health and Wellness
18:09 Recovery & Empowerment
19:59 The Power of Self-Advocacy