Do you do resolutions?
I don’t. Not anymore.
They’ve never been super helpful for me. Me staunchly declaring, “I’m going to lose 50 pounds this year!” never did much except make me feel like a failure when my body didn’t cooperate—because bodies are gonna do what bodies wanna do.
Eventually, I tried behavior-based resolutions, since at least I had control over those. I couldn’t control outcomes, but I could control my choices. (And if you’re a New Year’s resolution type, that’s my top suggestion.)
But even those wore thin. Sure, the new year feels like a fresh start, but I’ve realized I don’t need a magic day to make changes. Just like my butt doesn’t know to ignore what I eat on special occasions and start counting again on Monday, the rest of my life doesn’t recognize January 1st as anything special.
So, if I want different, I shift the energy when I notice it. That doesn’t mean I don’t like the symbolism of a new year, though.
So instead of resolutions, I like to set intentions. To me, that’s more like putting the call out to the Universe, priming my subconscious, and training myself to tune in to what I want. That makes sense.
This year, my intention is to prioritize my happiness.
Sounds simple, right? But it’s not always as easy as it seems. I’m generally happy, but happiness is often a choice—what we focus on and how we frame things makes a difference.
Prioritizing it, though? That’s a game-changer. Usually, what I want ends up at the bottom of a long list after everyone else’s needs (and wants). This year, I’m reminding myself: I count, too.
To keep that focus, I got myself a little Tarot necklace featuring The Sun card—symbolizing simple, uncomplicated joy. It’s a tactile reminder to look for the good, the bright, and the fresh. More than that, it’s about choosing happiness every day. Every time I notice it, I’m reminded of my intention.
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Prioritizing happiness doesn’t mean you’ll never be unhappy, of course. Life is unpredictable, and you can’t control everything—especially not other people (big one!). But you can control your perspective and stay in your own lane.
And you know what? This mindset fits perfectly with the desire to be healthier, too. Happy people need less self-medication. Prioritizing happiness requires competent self-care. What you put into your body matters. Sleep and medical care and supporting yourself all matters.
For me, that looks like occasional meal prep and bulk cooking. I love having food ready to go because sometimes, I just don’t feel like cooking. That’s why I love DJ’s book, Making Ends Meat, packed with tips and recipes to help you make low carb work without breaking the bank. If you’ve ever wondered how to prep ahead and stretch your budget without sacrificing flavor, this book’s got you covered.
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It doesn’t mean I’ll be ultra-low carb all the time, or even that I’ll lose weight. But it does mean I’ll give a damn about myself. And when I prioritize my mental health—letting go of stress and protecting my peace—it’s easier to be kind to my body. It all connects.
So, what about you?
Whatever intentions you set this year, make sure they’re within your control and support you. When your intentions are good for you—especially emotionally—they tend to ripple into other areas of your life as well.
Here’s to making choices that serve you.
P.S. Happy New Year! I hope it’s a fabulous one for you.
![New Year, Same Me – But Happier? [aka The Problem with Resolutions] 1 New Year, Same Me – But Happier? [aka The Problem with Resolutions]](https://lowcarbzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/newyearlcz_pintrest.jpeg)