New Year, New Intentions: Setting Meaningful Goals as a Surrogate

A new year always brings a sense of fresh possibilities. It’s a time to reflect on where you’ve been, celebrate what you’ve accomplished, and gently set intentions for where you’re going next. For gestational carriers or surrogates, whether you’re currently pregnant, preparing for a journey, or reflecting on one you’ve already completed the new year can be a powerful moment to reconnect with yourself and your “why.”

Instead of traditional resolutions that feel rigid or overwhelming, many surrogates find it more meaningful to focus on goals that support their physical health, emotional well-being, and overall balance.

Prioritize Your Health

If you’re in a surrogacy journey, your body is already doing incredible work. A new year goal might be as simple as staying consistent with prenatal appointments, nourishing your body with foods that make you feel good, or finding gentle movement you enjoy, like walking, stretching, or prenatal yoga. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about listening to your body and honoring its needs.

Make Time for Self-Care

Schedule yourself some self-care time. Self-care can look different for everyone and doesn’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful. It might be getting lost in a good book, treating yourself to a relaxing prenatal massage, enjoying a warm bath, or simply carving out quiet time to be alone with your thoughts. These moments of rest and reset are essential, especially when your body and emotions are working overtime. Giving yourself permission to slow down and recharge helps you feel more balanced, supported, and better equipped to care for both yourself and others.

Strengthen Your Support System

The new year is a great reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Setting a goal to lean on your support network, your agency, fellow surrogates, family, or friends, can make a big difference. Even something as small as checking in with another surrogate once a week can be incredibly grounding.

Celebrate Your Journey

Finally, don’t forget to celebrate yourself. Becoming or being a surrogate is a generous and meaningful decision. The new year is a perfect time to acknowledge your strength, compassion, and commitment.

Your goals don’t have to be big to be powerful. Sometimes, the most meaningful New Year’s intention is simply choosing to care for yourself with the same kindness you give to others.