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Setting Intentions, Not Limits: A Compassionate Approach to Resolutions in the New Year

Why setting intentions instead of rigid resolutions in the New Year, emphasizes a kinder, more adaptable approach to personal goals and recovery journeys.
Heather
By Heather Campbell
Updated: May 12, 2024
New years resolution
A person writing down resolutions at New Year's.

As the New Year unfolds, it brings with it a tradition of setting resolutions. However, in a recent communication with our newsletter subscribers, we introduced a different perspective. Today, I’d like to share this message with you and delve deeper into its significance in the context of someone having surgery.

From Our Newsletter: Setting Intentions for the New Year

Being Kind to Oneself
Being Kind to Oneself is a Gift

"Happy New Year! As we step into a fresh calendar year, it's a time of reflection and aspiration, a moment where resolutions become the topic of conversation. But at Ready Set Recover, we believe in a slightly different approach - one that aligns more closely with nurturing your journey, whether it's related to health, personal growth, or surgery recovery.

An intention is like a compass, guiding you towards your aspirations without the pressure of rigid goals. It's about the journey, the small, consistent steps you take towards a larger aim, regardless of your current life phase or challenges.

Whether you are preparing for surgery, supporting someone who is, or simply striving for a healthier, more balanced life, setting intentions can be a transformative experience. Let these intentions be gentle nudges rather than strict directives. They could be about cultivating patience, kindness towards yourself and others, or celebrating small achievements in your daily life.

As part of the Ready Set Recover community, you're not just setting goals; you're cultivating a mindset where progress is measured in self-kindness, understanding, and the joy found in everyday achievements. We're here to support you in setting these intentions, encouraging you every step of the way towards a healthier, more fulfilled you."

The Impact of a Results-Focused Culture on Recovery

Expanding on this message, it’s important to acknowledge how our culture, often fixated on results and rapid progress, impacts our approach to recovery and well-being. The pursuit of success, while rewarding, can overshadow the essence of our journey, particularly in the context of health and recovery. This is where setting intentions, instead of resolutions, becomes crucial.

Understanding Our Bodies’ Timelines in Recovery

In the realm of surgery recovery, recognizing that our bodies have their own unique timelines for healing is essential. It’s natural to aspire for a swift recovery, but it's more important to be attuned to what your body needs. The frustration that arises from unmet expectations can lead to stress, which is detrimental to healing. Moreover, pushing your body too hard before it's ready can be counterproductive, leading to setbacks.

Embracing a Kinder, More Patient Recovery Journey

A couple watching a sunrise
A couple watching a sunrise

Therefore, at Ready Set Recover, we advocate for a recovery journey that is patient and compassionate. By setting intentions, we encourage a mindset that values each step in the recovery process, understanding that it is a personal journey, unique to each individual.

As we move forward into this year, let’s embrace a mindset of gentle progress and self-compassion, whether in our personal aspirations or in the journey of recovery. This approach not only nurtures our physical healing but also supports our mental and emotional well-being.

Be Well,

Heather Campbell

CEO & Co-Founder

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