Setting Intentions According to Wellness Trends and Tone for the New Year

Setting intentions is powerful because it puts our compassionate thoughts into positive action and I believe it is more effective than setting resolutions which stem from a negative mindset

Setting the tone for an inspiring 2022

As we bring 2021 to a close, I am pondering what I have learned this year, what I could have done better, what went exceptionally well, and what I learned overall. As I stated in Cheers to Happy Endings, I am happy to see 2021 come to an end and I look forward to a strong, healthy, and inspiring start to the new year.

2021 has not been the best year for me. Having said that there is always much to learn and also much for which to be grateful. The more I reflect on this past year the more motivated I become to visualize and manifest a better 2022. Change, and in this case improvement, begins with awareness.

I have learned that health problems can suddenly happen when you least expect them. Those of you who have been following my writing know that my children ages 16 and 21 have both struggled this year with rare health issues. We eat an organic plant-based diet and are all active, so this came as quite a shock. Meanwhile, many people have been battling Covid-19 and many other health problems. I predict wellness will be a predominant theme in the coming year as we all become more aware of improvements we can make to our lifestyle to stay active and healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” ~Jim Rohn

I believe wellness will become a dominant theme for 2022.

Here are some of my personal wellness trend predictions for the coming year which are based partially on my own experience and partially on what I hear others excited about.

1. Increasing Immunity: I believe we will see an increase in preventative care which includes taking vitamins and supplements to stay healthy. I take D3, Vitamin C, Magnesium and Zinc daily. These particular vitamins, especially D3 have been known to prevent Covid and reduce the severity in those who do get it. Please take a moment to read Dr Mehmet Yildiz’s story on the importance of Vitamin D.
2. Eating well: I believe as people are working from home and spending more time alone or in small groups, body acceptance and awareness will be a huge theme. I am already seeing healthier options and clear labeling in restaurants that offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. I think more people will adopt a plant-based diet and eat more organic foods, less sugar, and processed foods. Even fast-food chains are offering a plant-based patty alternative. Eating plant-based has many known scientific benefits including lower rates of heart disease and diabetes. What we eat fuels our body. Look at Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates who recently started a huge fungi-based meat alternative company called Nature’s Fund. Not only are plant-based meat alternatives more healthy they also cut down on climate change.
3. Psychedelics: More and more people are turning toward ayahuasca ceremonies and micro-dosing mushrooms and LSD. There are many views on this practice, but some say it taps into states of unconsciousness that allow for understanding, healing, and breaking self-limiting patterns. This can also be done through meditation.
4. Using breathwork to reduce heart rate and manage stress: There are numerous breathing techniques that activate our parasympathetic nervous system. Not only will that bring us out of fight or flight mode, but it also relaxes the body, allows us to think clearly, and regulates our blood pressure.
5. Online workouts and working out outside: During the height of Covid-19 most gyms temporarily closed their doors. Online classes, virtual coaching, and taking workouts outdoors has become the latest trend, and I believe it is here to stay. It allows for both flexibility and convenience.
6. Forest Bathing: Forest bathing is originally a Japanese technique for relaxation by connecting with nature by taking long walks or hikes in the woods. Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress and increase mindfulness.
7. Increasing Emotional Intelligence: In a world where artificial intelligence is consuming many jobs, increased EQ will become more important than ever. Increased EQ improves awareness and empathy, strengthens relationships, and allows us to interact and communicate better.

“Attention energizes, intention transforms.” ~ Deepak Chopra

Setting personal intentions to create the life I love.

I would encourage all of my friends and family to reassess the vision of what you desire for 2022. I will be personally reviewing what worked and what did not work in 2021, and ways that I can improve my personal wellness in 2022. It is important to reevaluate our goals and when I do this, I assess what goals, both large and small, I need to accomplish in order to reach my vision for all that I desire.

We are living in a difficult time inundated with stress. The risks of Covid-19 are still very real and everyone has their own opinion about being vaccinated which I respect. Isolation and job loss led to a huge spike in depression and suicide in the last year. I believe it is more important than ever not only to take personal responsibility for my well-being but to also reach out and make sure my friends and neighbors are doing okay.

“You create your thoughts, your thoughts create your intentions and your intentions create your reality.” ~Wayne Dyer

What is an intention and why does it work?

Setting an intention puts meaning behind my goals. Setting an intention creates motivation to accomplish all that I desire.

In order for intentions to reach their full potential, we must revisit them and put thought and energy into them. It is a wonderful way to stay connected to what matters most to me. I believe it is far more effective to set personal intentions than resolutions for the New Year. Resolutions imply I am not good enough and need to improve and that type of attachment to outcome and negativity sets me up for failure. Setting an intention is self-compassionate motivation through self-reflection. An intention reminds us to be mindful as we accomplish our goals and tasks to achieve our vision.

My personal intentions for 2022:

• More Forest Bathing
• Continuing to eat well and avoid processed foods
• Improve my sleep habits including going to bed earlier and more consistently and waking at the same time daily to improve my circadian rhythm.
• Being more consistent with taking my vitamins
• Strengthening my friendships and connections
• I intend to remain calm and content even under pressure

I believe the intentions I have set for 2022 will improve my life spiritually, emotionally, economically, and physically. I know I deserve to live my best life. Putting effort into personal growth and wellness is a huge priority for me.

What are your personal intentions for 2022 and will you adopt some of the latest wellness trends to achieve your best self?

Please be informed about hallucinogenics before attempting use. Keep in mind that natural meditation can be just as helpful. Here is an informative video about Ayahuasca:

In the spirit of celebration and setting good intentions, I would like to celebrate a few writers and readers whom I appreciate greatly. I did not meet Winston’s deadline for his Tell Us A Convincing Story that Makes You Believe in Shoutouts, but I appreciate shoutouts very much. It motivates me, makes me feel appreciated, and most importantly it directs me to stories and poems I may have otherwise missed. So a special celebration to highlight people I feel have gone above and beyond to support me so far here on Medium (In no particular order); Ravyne Hawke, Dr Mehmet Yildiz, Dr. Preeti Singh, Marcus, Liberty Forrest, Author, jules, Kris Bedenian, Sahil Patel, Thief, Kim Petersen, Joseph Lieungh, Sujona Chatterjee, Winston, Aldric Chen, Krystal Mossbarger, Arbab Z., A.H. Mehr, Lion~, Claire Kelly, Pockett Dessert, Kira Dawn, J Oliver Dempsey, Penelope Mayfield, Warren Brown, Nora ~Thank you all so much. If I have missed anyone please know how much I appreciate you, your interactions, and your inspiration.

Wishing everyone a great end of the year and such an inspired, warm, and healthy start to 2022. No matter how difficult things may seem at times we all have much to celebrate. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I would love for you to comment on what your personal intentions are for the coming year.

Love and Light,

Libby