LGBTQ+: Setting New Year Intentions
By: Kaleigh Bryan, Intern
Happy 2022! The new year is an exciting time of new hopes, dreams, and goals. It’s a period of self-reflection as individuals prepare to make it ‘their year’. Like everyone else, LGBTQ+ members are ready to welcome the new year and what change is to come. Many people have prepared a list of New Year’s resolutions to follow in an attempt to reach their new goals. A recent YouGov study found 27% of Americans set New Year’s resolutions; however, reports of resolutions being kept are underwhelming. End breaking resolutions and begin achieving goals through setting intentions!
To kick off the 2022 blogs, let’s talk about how setting intentions as an LGBTQ+ member can change your mindset for the new year!
Intention-setting embraces change as a journey to your dreams, while resolutions are a quick, typically temporary change. Those who approach change as a journey are 3 times more likely to achieve their goals!
When beginning to set intentions, try to choose broader goals with specific methods to reach them. Focus on the positive! For example, instead of “use less technology”, try “spend more time outside”. Combine the efforts towards your goal with your daily routine. Psychologist Dr. Raab says this will help with “committing to your intention and making it a part of your everyday thinking.”
Setting intentions allows you to set yourself up for success. Maintaining a sense of control over your life enhances mental health. The practice of setting intentions could benefit LGBTQ+ mental health considerably. With more risk factors, LGBTQ+ members face higher rates of mental health struggles. A recent UCLA study concluded LGBQ people are 92% more likely to have suicidal ideation compared to straight individuals. Similarly, 82% of Trans respondents had considered suicide in their lifetime. All LGBTQ+ people deserve to live happily and authentically.
In collaboration with Dr. Mark Rasdorf, director of the Dr. Jesse R. Peele LGBTQ+ Center, here are four great recommendations on how to make 2022 a year of self-improvement and happiness:
1.) Live authentically
Be authentically you- there is nothing more beautiful! Practice the intention of being your authentic self every day by being true to your own values and who you are.
Begin setting the intention to live authentically by adding something to your day that fulfills you. This could be the intention to try meditation each day or even starting to align your clothing with gender expression. Through living true to yourself, you are able to build a sense of self-confidence. This aids the relationship between yourself and others.
Life experiences allow you to learn more about yourself. Make an effort to use the following intentions together to help with your journey to authenticity.
2.) Remember you are loved
Approach each day knowing you are loved. Begin setting intentions that encourage accepting and receiving love. For example, “I intend to spend my days with individuals who uplift and support me”.
As a reminder of LGBTQ+ love and support, the Dr. Peele LGBTQ+ center launched the ‘You Are Loved’ campaign in 2021. Make sure to check out the ‘You are Loved’ billboard on Greenville Boulevard. The beautiful artwork was done by Rae Senarighi, an inspiring non-binary trans artist from Wisconsin.
Remember there are resources to provide support to all LGBTQ+. Resources can be found at the bottom of the page.
3.) Establish boundaries
Set boundaries for yourself. Boundaries allow you to set limits for yourself and other people to protect your personal space, feelings, and needs from others. Personal boundaries are important for setting the tone on how you want to be treated. Begin by figuring out what boundaries you would like to set. After setting your boundaries, communicate them, and stay consistent! Remain true to yourself and what makes you comfortable.
A great example of a healthy boundary is, “I need 30 minutes of quiet time to myself every day”. To support this, try the intention to include a quiet activity you enjoy in your daily routine.
4.) Be gentle with yourself
Take care of yourself! Be gentle; give yourself the grace to make mistakes and bounce back. To prevent feeling overwhelmed, set reachable and attainable intentions. Remember intentions and goals can be revised. Celebrate accomplishments, no matter how big or small. You deserve the recognition.
Continue to work with these intention-setting suggestions in the year to come. These are great steps in building self-confidence and boosting mental health in 2022.
LGBTQ+ Resources
Trans Hotline (for trans by trans): 877-565-8860
Trevor Project (LGTBQ youth): 866-488-7386
GLBT Hotline: 888-843-4564
SAGE (LGBTQ elders): 877-306-5428
Related Links:
How to Set Intentions Instead of Resolutions for 2021 (aarp.org)
https://docs.cdn.yougov.com/2v6sawx0rr/US_New_Years_Resolutions_2020.pdf
https://www.them.us/story/new-years-eve-healthy-intention-setting-lgbtq
https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/suicide-prevention-media-alert/
https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/lgb-conversion-therapy-suicide/
