Welcome back to a brand-new year! As we step into 2026, many of us—adults and children alike—feel the pressure to set new year’s resolutions, However, as a Breathe For Change trained counselor, I want to invite our community to try a different, more compassionate approach: Mindful Intentions.
Intentions vs. Resolutions: What’s the Difference?
While resolutions often focus on a rigid end goal (like “I will get all A’s”), intentions focus on the present moment and the feelings we want to cultivate.
- Resolutions are often “all or nothing” and future-focused. If we fail, we often feel guilt.
- Intentions are gentle invitations that align with our core values. They are about how we want to show up each day—for example, “I intend to be kind to myself when I make a mistake.” I refer to this as being “kindful.”
Mindful Intention Setting: A Focus on Feelings
Setting an intention starts with a check-in. Instead of looking at what we want to do, we look at how we want to feel. This helps students connect their actions to their emotional well-being.
Try this with your child at home:
- Anchor with Breath: Start with a few deep breaths to center yourself.
- Ask Feeling Questions: Ask your child, “How do you want to feel when you walk into school today?” or “What kind of friend do you want to be?”
- Choose a “Heart Word”: Help them pick one word to carry with them, like patience, courage, or calm.
By spending just a few intentional moments together, these small practices can come to life and set the tone for the upcoming moments, the current day, and beyond. I hope that you will find these readings and resources supportive in your journey at home and I look forward to a year of growth, presence and kindness with all our students!
