It’s tempting, at the start of the year, to go big or go home with immensely ambitious resolutions. There’s no wiggle room, no excuse for error, and by February, most people are DONE. The rantings of our inner Drill Sergeant are more likely to make us change the channel than change our behaviour. Instead, lets bring on our inner cheerleader … no, not the pom-pom-wielding, human pyramid-forming type … just a kind, encouraging voice that accepts imperfection and urges us to keep trying.

If 2020 and 2021 have taught us anything, it’s the need for flexibility … and patience, so very much patience :). So this year, instead of resolutions, maybe we think of intentions, and some good behaviours to go with it. This being an environmental-healthcare blog and all, we hope maybe some of these intentions are good for you, for others and our shared home.

So have a look within, a look outside, and let us know what those gentle, non-judgemental intentions might be. There are no wrong answers. Though you can only officially choose 1 per category, pick your favorite but feel free to do or not do as many as you’d like.

EAT

So much opportunity for good is in our fridge and on our fork. From cutting waste and cutting waist, which of these might you try or already do?

MOVE

How we go from place to place can have the biggest impact on our health and the health of our favorite planet.

BUY

Few start the year saying “I really wish I spent more money on more stuff I don’t use that clutters up my place”. We vote with our wallet everyday on what kind of world we want.

HOME

Though some changes are easier if you own your space, you can always ask your landlord. Many of these ideas help them too #Win-Win.

Feel free to revisit any of these anytime. Your inner cheerleader, much nicer than the drill-sergeant, might last all year. Whatever your intention, may you be granted the gifts of patience, persistence, flexibility and funny cat videos. Be well and be green all through the year.

Need a little more inspiration?

Edited from the original post “Cheerleaders, not Drill Sergeants” Jan 5, 2021.