Intentions!

Our good friends at Merriam-Webster would like us to know the following definition:

Intention

Pronunciation: \in-ˈten(t)-shən\

Function: noun

Date: 14th century

1 : a determination to act in a certain way : resolve
2 : import, significance
3 a : what one intends to do or bring about b : the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered
4 : a process or manner of healing of incised wounds
5 : concept; especially : a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object of knowledge

6 plural : purpose with respect to marriage

I kind of dig any word that has a ə in it but that's not really the point of this post...

The point is I have set some intentions for January 2010.  As the year wraps up, I know that I am not alone in setting goals/intentions/resolutions for the coming year - the end of the decade (yes, I am a decade purist -- it goes from 1 to 10 not 0 to 9)...anyway!  Like most folks, I am notorious for coming up with resolutions and falling off the resolution bandwagon in about 10 minutes.  That's why I am changing my language around it.  I'm setting an intention. 

This is what I intend to do for the month of January:

• Get myself moving.  I have decided on spinning and swimming.  Both of these things should be easy on my back and my foot which are both chronic problems.  They are good ways to tone muscles and burn calories.  They will get my heart rate up and the best part -- they are both activities I enjoy. The intention is to do these things 6 days per week.  Like a good heathen, I shall rest on Sunday.
• Severely limit carbs/sugar.  I am a hardcore, balls to the wall sugar addict.  As soon as I am finished a meal, I crave sugar.  It's bad and it's distracting and it is HORRIBLY BAD FOR ME.  The intention is to cut out white carbs -- flour/rice/potatoes.  Focus on whole grains, focus on vegetables and eat as little food out of a box as possible.  Me thinks some beans and chili are in my future and what better time for that than a cold Philadelphia January!
• Along the same lines as limiting sugar -- I'm getting myself on the wagon for the month.  No alcohol.  I actually did this a few years ago for a month and it was tougher than I thought it would be - not because I'm an alcoholic but because it is so much a part of the social ritual.  I did break it for a weekend that I spent with my dad and his girlfriend with whom I did not get along.  Not drinking during that weekend would have required the strength of a million lumberjacks -- I just couldn't do it!

Provided I live up to these intentions for 1 month - meaning no alcohol/seriously limited carbs and 90% exercise - I am treating myself to a facial.  That seems like a good present for myself and something that should keep my on task.

Comments

[Karin]

so your month of January doesn't include the 23-24th does it?

[Jess]

I know it's 1-10 but the 90s etc. go from 0-9 and I have trouble not thinking of the 90s as one perfect decade. You know what I mean?

[Robin]

I haven't even thought that far yet, I just want to do something.

[Jacqueline]

here is to cheering you on your good intentions!!! have a great holiday!