Well hello, 2023! There's something about the start of a new year that always seems to inspire folks to think about what version of themselves they'll want to be in the next year. That self-reflection can be good, as we all should try to live intentionally and figure out the best versions of ourselves, but sometimes that also leads people to try to set a whole bunch of New Year's resolutions. We aren't here to say that making resolutions is a bad idea, exactly, but sometimes they just feel like so much work.
New Year's resolutions are often set up as lists of tasks or activities. (Work out more! Clean the house more often! Lose 10 pounds!) that require busy moms to add even more things to our already crowded to-do lists. There is also a lot of research that says most people just aren't able to keep their resolutions, which can result in people feeling disappointed in themselves. We don't need that energy in 2023!
This year, we're taking inspiration from 15 real moms who are focusing on setting positive intentions for the year. If New Year's resolutions are about things people want to DO (or not do), intentions are about deciding who they want to BE in 2023. We're into the idea of trying to put more good energy into the world, so read on for some inspiring intentions for 2023!
Enough
"I'm a chronic people pleaser and it is exhausting always feeling like the finish line is always moving, you know? My intention for this year is to work on accepting that I am enough. I don't have to do more or try harder, I just have to be me." — Lauren G, Hudson, Wisconsin
Savor
"I don't have an intention, exactly, but I do have a word for the year. My word is "savor." I want to slow down, be in the moment, take my time on enjoying things that give me pleasure." — Carmen Y, Deerfield, Michigan
Peace
"My intention this year is 'protect your peace.' I'm making my own mental health a priority after so many years of worrying about everyone else first. This year, I'm taking care of myself too." — Name withheld by request
Curious
"I've been thinking a lot about the quote about trying to be more curious than judgmental and I think that will be my intention this year. Especially with my teenager. I can be too quick to assume or judge her choices, and I want to try to be more curious about what she is thinking than so quick to be annoyed about it." — Helena W, Des Moines, Iowa
Time & Values
"My intention this year is to have how I spend my time be a better reflection of my values. Like, I say that I love reading (and I do!) but I spend a lot more time scrolling my phone than reading, so which is really my hobby? I want my time to go toward the things that actually reflect who I want to be." — Lynne Y, Atherton, California
Do Good
"Let's not overcomplicate it. Set any good intention and send that s— out to the universe and then be good and do good." — Mia G, St. Louis, Missouri
Like Someone You Love
"One of my favorite Peloton instructors always talks about treating your body like it belongs to someone you love. That is my intention for this year. I'm going to be kind to my body and think of exercise as something I get to do, not something I have to do." — Mona L, Lansing, Michigan
Pleasure
"I'm a nurse and the last two years have been AWFUL. I've been in literal survival mode. This year I'm going to set an intention to bring more pleasure back into my life. Sleep more. Take more vacation days. Have more sex. All the pleasures." — Josie R, Brooklyn, New York
Rebuild
"My husband died 10 months ago, so my biggest intention/word for the year is 'rebuild.' I want to focus on what life for me and my daughter will look like with it just being the two of us, now that the grief isn't so totally overwhelming." — Name withheld by request
Justice
"My intention for 2023 is to fight for justice, especially reproductive justice. I want to put my energy, money, and time into making the world a better place for my daughters and the daughters of people who aren't as privileged as I am." — Katie K, Topeka, Kansas
Say No
"I am saying 'no' more in 2023. That is my positive intention. I'm not going to fill my time and give my energy to stuff that I'm only doing to make other people happy. No is gonna be a complete sentence this year." — Mina E, Tucson, Arizona
A Less-Stressed Mom
"I was ranting to a friend about how stressed I was trying to make everything happen for Christmas and she said something that I can't stop thinking about. She said 'The best gift you can give your kids is a mom who isn't stressed out all the time' and WHOA. That felt like a wake-up call. So that's my intention this year, to be a better mom by making life less stressful. For me that will start with lowering some expectation and being intentional about the stuff that helps me relax." — Heidi O, Houston, Texas
Forgive
"My intention for 2023 is to focus on forgiveness. My dad died of Covid in 2021 and I've been so angry since then. Angry at him for refusing to get vaccinated or to wear masks, even though he was high risk. Angry at all the people who spread misinformation and made masking and getting vaccinated into a political issue. Angry that I couldn't say goodbye to him in person. I haven't been able to remember the good about him because I've been so angry at how senseless his death was. This year I'm going to work with a therapist and figure out how to forgive him so I can properly grieve him." — Name withheld by request
More Connection
"My intention this year is to make more space for connection with my husband. We've been in the weeds with having toddler twins and we've felt more like coworkers than sexy lover people. I want us to remember that we like each other more this year!" — Marissa, St. Paul, Minnesota
Self-Love
"I'm going to be aggressively on my own side in 2023. My positive intention is to love every inch of myself, every roll, every wrinkle, every gray hair. Life is too short to spend it hating myself." — Kim P, Glendale, California
