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As we ring in the start of a new year, or perhaps just celebrate the close of 2020, January marks another new beginning for all of us and I am reminded of a very wise client I had many years ago. She shared with me that she never set new year’s resolutions, because she associated that with failure, as she never kept them. Instead, she thought about the way that she wanted to feel, how she wanted to show up in the world in the upcoming year, and then made sure she was doing something representative of that as she rang in the new year.
I found this approach to be far more doable, and optimized for a much more successful outcome, than the traditional pressure of the new year’s resolution... and adopted it immediately. It felt like it was the perfect way to do January, and I’ve done it ever since. I aim for fun and festivities on New Year’s Eve, with the restraint to enjoy New Year’s Day. I do the things that bring me the feeling that I want to have for the year. I stay focused on doing this as much as possible for the entire month.
For example, I usually try to see a client or two - or workout, on New Year’s Day….not because I have to or because I have set a resolution, or more accurately, a rule to be broken, but because it is something that I would like to do, and that I get to do, in the new year.
What makes you feel good? Use January to do the things that bring you joy, and do them intentionally. Indulge in your intentions! When you are doing things that bring you joy you feel better and are happier and healthier. You’re the best version of yourself as a person, a partner, and a parent.
With intentions for renewal and reset in mind, Davidson and I indulged on a Monday morning and snuck away to The Waldorf Astoria in Buckhead. It was our first time at this particular Waldorf and we weren’t disappointed. Practically around the corner from Historic Brookhaven, it was easy to pop over for a midday escape. The spa boasts three floors, spa houses vitality pools, steam rooms, and 13 treatment rooms, including a couples' suite - which is where we headed.
We were greeted by a gracious staff that focused on pampering us from the moment we arrived. After enjoying the beauty of the spa’s architecture, we slipped into fluffy robes, and were ushered into the luxurious couples’ suite. There, we were treated to a relaxing couples massage, complete with renewing aromatherapy.
We were assured that this experience would be Covid safe - and again, we weren’t disappointed. I was certainly curious (and a little skeptical) about how a massage would work in Covid-land, but my worries were for naught. Our faces were never uncovered and of course our therapists were masked the entire time...allowing us to forget that we were using face coverings at all. They used soft coverings designed specifically to make massages safe, and we felt quite safe and VERY relaxed. After our treatment concluded, we dressed and slipped back into reality. Nobody knew that we snuck out midday on a Monday and had a secret date...not our kids, clients, or friends. And it was LOVELY and ABSOLUTELY what I want more of in 2021.
So I encourage you to ditch the typical resolution and resolve to seek more of what you want in 2021. Decide how you want to feel and set an intention to seek that this year. I challenge you to treat yourself to an indulgence this January that brings you joy. Revel in the moment and how it makes you feel...and intend to feel more of that this year.
Many thanks to The Waldorf Astoria Buckhead. We highly recommend checking out their signature therapies which include body wraps, exfoliations, a range of massages, and special experiences for mothers-to-be. Beauty treatments range from facials to hydrotherapy and pedicures.
