Happy New Year everyone! Last year we talked about the danger of resolutions and the beneficial alternative, SMART goals. This year, we’ll explore New Year Intentions, a trend that’s been gaining traction for a few years now.
First and foremost, what’s the difference between a resolution and an intention? Resolution brings to mind challenges, hardships, and endurance despite obstacles; it’s Sisyphean endlessly pushing his boulder up the hill, over and over and over again. Not to mention that failing at New Year’s resolutions is so common that there’s a number of unofficial days that celebrate the inevitable: Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day on January 17 and “Quitter’s Day” on the second Friday in January (January 10th this year).
An intention, on the other hand, is inherently forgiving and takes into consideration all the complexities of human existence. Essentially, an intention helps guide someone towards a goal using a general plan. It’s an aim, not a set result. Setting intentions over resolutions allows you to reach a state of being over a specific goal. Trying to hit specific targets (like a certain amount of steps walked or saving a specific amount of money) can stress the nervous system out as it doesn’t allow for the reality of being human. Some weeks you can easily save $20 from your paycheck and other weeks, you have to dip into your savings to cover a blown tire. As The Intention Habit blog says, “New Year’s resolutions often hinge on lofty goals, laden with pressure, that frequently lead to disappointment. They tend to emphasize outcomes over the journey itself.”
Living with intention means making choices that match up with your values and knowing your purpose. So try setting an intention today to better your tomorrow. An example would be moving beyond the open-ended goal/resolution of ‘losing weight’ to the intention to ‘make food choices that make my body feel good and that I enjoy.’ This can help prioritize things that taste good AND help you feel good; maybe you often go for a microwave meal for dinner but really want to make a rice bowl. The best thing about intentions are that they can change – just like you! So consider trying a new intention this year.
Did you know that Florida is a biodiversity hotspot?! The state ranks 7th for animal biodiversity with 4,368 known species. We rank 6th for vascular plant diversity, with 3,038 species. Florida also ranks among the top five states in endemic species; endemic species are animals or plants that are found only in our state. For instance, 269 species of animals can be found only in Florida. 
The Florida Health Department of Jackson County is hosting a Community Health Fair tomorrow. From 3-7pm, come out to Madison Street Park in Marianna. The goal is to raise and celebrate diabetes awareness. There will be food, fun, health education, live music, vendors, community resources, and a live DJ. The highlight of the event is the FREE health screenings and HIV testing. Come out for an evening of fun and health safety. 
Walmart’s across the United States and Puerto Rico are implementing semi-permanent sensory hours. The hours will take place every day from 8-10 a.m. Depending on how things go, these hours could become permanent. 
Covenant Care is hosting an educational discussion on the Presentation, Progression, and Planning for someone with Dementia and/or Alzheimer’s Disease. The event is free to anyone in the community; they ask that you reserve your seat so they can properly prepare. The event will start with a Meet and Greet at 5:30pm and be followed by a Buffet Style Dinner starting at 5:45pm.