It’s the time of year when everyone is talking about intentions. Call them what you will: intentions, resolutions, goals.

Several times in the past week, people have asked if I have any intentions for the new year. Each time, the first thought that popped into my head was, “Survive.”

I don’t know who first decided January was the time of year to do goal-setting. I know I’ve done my fair share of resolutions, vision boards, and even selected a word for the year in January in previous years. In some ways, I suppose it feels natural – end of one year and beginning of a new one and all that. December 31 and January 1 make for easy deadlines and start dates if you need those.

I don’t know who first decided January was the time of year to do goal-setting…but lately, I’m finding January challenging enough on it’s own.

Perhaps it’s just this season of my life, but lately, I’m finding January challenging enough on its own. There’s no need for me to stack intentions or goals on top of that. In fact, the idea of doing so seems like an incredible ask – one that causes that “survive” word to float to the top instead.

I suspect I’m not the only one to feel this way. It’s not uncommon for many of us to struggle through the holidays. I often experience a sense of mourning on Christmas, for no reason I can quite put my finger on. Many people have a hard time with family gatherings. And more than a few people end up fighting with some form of travel during their winter breaks – especially this year.

Then we return to work or school or just life as usual in January – one of the darkest months of the year. This is usually when I have to pull out my Happy Light so I don’t experience seasonal affective disorder. Still, I struggle to maintain an even mood a lot of days.

And with all of that, you want me to stack an intention on top of it? No thank you, ma’am.

But please, stop asking everyone else about their intentions in January. It’s hard enough starting up life again as it is.

I am not against intentions in general. In fact, I heard one person in a meeting this week mention she sets intentions on her birthday each year. What a lovely idea.

And if setting intentions in January works for you, then that’s wonderful. You do you, as they say.

But please, stop asking everyone else about their intentions in January. It’s hard enough starting up life again as it is. Perhaps a gentler entrée into January is to simply wish someone a happy new year and good well-being. Those of us who are just surviving could always use a little more of that.