I don’t so much like New Year resolutions. They have such a prohibitory ring. They’re about stopping and quitting and not touching. And about things in the future that you must get around to doing, as though what you’re currently doing is deficient.
I think intentions are a better flavour of crisp. Intentions are about moving forward in a good way, not an abrupt about-face. They ebb and flow, not force.
And I think intentions issued a few days shy of when you’re meant to adds a fresher twist.
So. My intentions, in no particular order, and that are kind of geared at soothing and healing my auto-immune craziness:
* frame my intentions in the positive. So, less “no more” statements. More, “OK, let’s try this instead” statements. Eg: I intend to eat more green vegetables (instead of I intend to stop eating chocolate).
* that said, I’m cutting back sugar in 2011. I’d ideally like a sugar-free life. But I’ll experiment gently. I’m starting by going for as long as I can without eating dark chocolate. Not as a test of endurance, but as a technique for getting me conscious about why I’m craving it. I’ll be doing other experiments in sugar-freeing myself. I know doing this will take me to the next level of healing. Stay tuned on this…
* Speaking of which, I intend to be gentle.
* To meditate more boldly, and more courageously… digging down deeper.
* To rest. Rest every day. I’ve started lying down for 20 mins and breathing into my stomach in the afternoons. Every day.
* To value rest. It’s not a waste of time. To be honest, I’ve worked out it’s the path to healing my AI. I know this. 2011 I intend to live it.
* Take up Qi Gong.
Also, some non-auto-immune focused ones….
* To enjoy writing my book. I’m dumping my fear right here. Yeehah.
* Go to Berowra Waters Inn for lunch.
* Bushwalk lots. I get city fever. And bushwalking always makes me happy. It works.
* Eat my lunch at a table or outside. Not at a computer. Not reading.
* Do another big bike trip…probably in Spain. I haven’t done one for a few years. It’s time.
* Have and be conscious of intentions. And live to them. I’d like to be alive to where I want to head. Not stumble through another year, tugged from one thing to the next. This takes rest and gentleness….etc.etc.
See you some more in 2011…sharing intentions…BTW, what are yours? I want to be inspired!
A great list. Where was your last big bike ride? Riding in Spain sounds fabulous. I lived in Vietnam as a volunteer in 2000 and had a bike so rode every day but I’d like to do a long ride – have to get these legs into riding mode first. I rode to work for the first time last week. Ouch.
Ah, yes, Berowra Waters Inn. It’s on my wish list too. I have a birthday late Feb. If I start hinting now, do you think … nah, I’ll just book it and drag said family and friends with.
Bushwalking. Oi, if you need a walker to take you through the Central Coast’s best walks, drop me a line. I think we have some of the best walks up this way. I am a Girl Guide leader and love seeing the walks through their eyes.
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January 13th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
THanks Katie, I know the walks up there well, around Berowra. What’s your favourite?
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I am similarly sugar averse. I kicked it for three months this past year, but not without the help of Xylitol chocolate. Xylitol in general is quite useful for me, along with stevia. My resolution is to stick to one sweet thing a day, preferably fruit, along with the usual write more yoga more nonsense.
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January 3rd, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Oooh, second that chocolate brand – I love that stuff!
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Great tips Sarah, and i believe rest is the greatest healer.
My son ‘rests’ every day as well, he has been AI for 5 years,
and without rest life is difficult.
Yesterday he put an end to some work related stress that has been building for
weeks … an email sent .. and instant relief. He will be trying your
gentle approach this year.
You are very wise, and we both value your thoughts, esp those related to AI.
Thank you and Happy Gentle New Year.
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by sarah wilson and Suzette Hosken. Suzette Hosken said: This is lovely! RT @_sarahwilson_ new year intentions for #auto-immune types http://bit.ly/fUxuY4 [...]
I did this exact same thing the other day (intentions vs resolutions). Resolutions are so easy to break because they are often so “BIG” and require such a big change whereas intentions are more like a personal manifesto/guide for the year ahead.
http://www.kellyexeter.com.au/my-intentions-for-2011/
Love your blog Sarah – and in fact mentioned it the other day in another of my blogs:
http://www.iloveprettythings.com.au/beautiful-blogs/
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Hi Sarah,
I’d really be interested in your insights on giving up sugar as you experiment with this. I am also trying to get off the sweet stuff and find it such a challenge! Any tips/experiences you could share would be much appreciated!
Best of luck with all your intentions.
AJ x
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I don’t do New Year’s resolutions either because, to me, resolutions too often emphasise failings and are structured as commands to ‘do better’. Instead, I take some quiet time with open-ended questions that challenge me to look within and reflect on what I’ve learned and how I want to put those learnings into action in the future or acknowledge what I want to do more of and in your words turn these into intentions. This year I am keeping it simple,
I want to be focused on eating closer to the source (this means making an effort to visit markets in particular Northey street in Brisbane and drag the kids along too)
Re-vive our ailing vegetable garden
Tend to our garden one garden bed at a time.
Also can relate to your sleep / nap intention. I was doing lots of this on holidays and felt fantatsic. Less then 48 hours back home & already feeling my energy zapped, with a late night, early morning and no refreshing naps. I thought yesterday how will I maintain this focus on rest when life becomes full again. As yet I don’t have an answer but I haven’t given up….
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ps ..love the image you have used!
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I prefer goals to resolutions, and even then like to make them things I would like to try, as opposed to things I would change.
For example, I have a “11 in 2011″ list in my Filofax of things to do this year, and the first one is to swim with sharks! I can do this at our state’s aquarium but I would really love to do this in the wild… but it does rely on the grey nurses being where they are meant to be when I can get there. Stay tuned for that one!
Also on the list are minimalise my crap, move house and try to sketch every day, because I know I will love those things.
I gave up sugar, alcohol and caffeine once for a whole month, it made a HUGE difference in how my body feels! No more random aches and pains, more energy and less cravings. But I had to deal with some interesting emotions in the first week or two. I would love to say I made a permanent change, but I couldnt quite manage it. I have a coffee/ glass of wine maybe once or twice a month though, and chocolate a little more regularly. That’s about it.
Good luck, cant wait to hear how you go!
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I focus on an area of my life I’d like to improve, rather than creating a raft of resolutions that inevitably make me feel like a failure..
For 2009 it was about improving my fitness and energy, so I engaged a trainer and have been working with her for almost two years now.
2010 was about getting on top of my financial situation. Things are much improved!
I like to think of the improvements as building blocks to a better life.
This year I’m going to attempt to put my creative side into practice… to develop some discipline in my writing (ie: doing it, rather than talking about doing it) starting with a journal and an inspiration board to capture all the ideas that drift into my mind and try to turn them from smoke into substance.
I also want to go to Berowra Waters Inn for lunch! I’ll happily volunteer to be your lunch buddy Sarah!
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Gentle.
That is the most inspiring resolution / intention / goal that I have heard yet. So great.
Hope you don’t mind but I’m now adding it to my list of words for the year too. My others are:
Focus, passion, grace, laughter.
Happy, lovely, fun NY Sarah.
Bx
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I too will continue my path of gentleness – this will be made a little easier for me this year by my youngest starting school. It will be the first time in 15 years that I could possibly schedule in my “me time” on a regular basis without paying for babysitters or childcare.
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My intentions (love that!) for 2011 are to:
– work towards wholeness, not perfection (relaxing into myself, rather than striving to eradicate what I perceive to be my flaws and weaknesses)
– engage in the “everyday” flow of life
– and, similarly, to follow through
More specifically, I want to explore the limits of my potential (or, the potential that life holds for me), with gentleness and poise.
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January 4th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
I love this, Laura. Your whole post is brilliant, but I specifically like the potential exploration — I want to explore my potential too.
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January 5th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
So glad you could relate picardie.girl… xx
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I’ve been big on being gentle for a while now “thinking gently”, “eating gently”, “cooking gently” and as for “rest and mindful breathing” huge fan as it works a treat for my overly excited nervous system.
More listening to my body. So confused with the overwhelming list of information on what to eat and what not to eat, should I go Ayurvedic, vegan, raw – so many contradictions – so have decided to let MY BODY tell me what works and doesn’t work for it. Starting with going “gluten free” for January – if my body responds well then it will stay. No rush, no pressure just an honest year of listening and feeling into my body. If any food drains my energy or gurgles my digestion then I’ll assume my body is struggling with that food type – simple.
Sarah, thank you for being you and may the year ahead bring many blessings your way.
Peace, love and chocolate, Carole.
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January 13th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
Carole, a really nice approach. That said, I reckon you’ll like Ayurvedic eating!
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I’m treading lightly…feeling my way in the dark, hoping for the best. Lead a calm life, no rushing. Eating things as close to the way they were made. Resting when I feel like it. Saying ‘No’ when I want and ‘Yes’ when I want. Listening to that little inner voice that knows me the best. Not feeling any guilt about being true to myself. And yes Jo-livving savvy, today’s my first day back at work and I’m doing my best to hold on to the holiday way of feeling. Working for myself helps a lot, but I’m being a little more strict with the appointment times now. Today I even had time to make a healthy lunch and eat it! Imaging that! So I think this year is off to a good start. I haven’t had one min of feeling like I’ve powered down today…which never normally happens during work. But I haven’t been to the gym in two weeks either. So we’ll see how I fair after that tonight. Fingers crossed I end this first day a little wiser and a little happier with the constantly revised ‘plan’.
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January 3rd, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Kylie, I had a 90 minute nap today! I will need to find a happy medium I do believe when I get back into the swing of things. I intend to introduce a new work structure when I am back to work (another few weeks until the children return to school). Enjoy the gym, I am off for a walk thru the bush!
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January 3rd, 2011 at 6:32 pm
Well I forgot, of course, that it was a public holiday today, so I worked. Hence the gym was closed
and after day one working (remedial massage), I still feel great. Somehow I think dropping the gym wouldn’t be the right thing to do, so I’ll try again tomorrow. 
Obviously you needed the 90 min nap. Making our work structured around us staying relaxed I feel is one key. On rushed stressy days, I feel yuck. But on days like today where it’s all cruisey, I feel happier and at peace. Just wondering, what are your sleep patterns like. I hate going to bed and hate getting up. It’s like the night time is so peaceful that it lulls me into a ‘safe’ place and I don’t want to leave…and the not getting up is obvious. Who does?? 
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Thanks Sarah,
I too did a 2011 intentions list. I was actually prompted to do so by Yasmin Boland’s daily moonology http://moonology.myastrologystore.com (it’s a good daily personalised horoscope).
I also did 2010 gratitude and burn lists. I am generally a fairly positive type, but this year the burn list had a few dot points on it…most generally themed around frustrations relating to AI diagnosis earlier in the year :/
So, my 2010 intentions lists includes:
* get some muscle tone back…continue with more yoga and pilates and maybe start walking/jogging again soon
* be gentler and kinder, accept where I am at and don’t push too hard to achieve things
* continue to further develop the relationships with the understanding, strong & supportive friends and family members in my life
* strive to have a romantic relationship based on mutual respect
* do more of the things that I enjoy and bring me energy; ‘no longer lend myself to that which I wish to be free from’ (Jewel, A Path Uncommon)
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Inspired partly by your blog I have decided to learn TM and actually started the course on New Years Day!
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January 4th, 2011 at 10:14 pm
How’d you enjoy it?
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January 5th, 2011 at 5:41 pm
It was amazing. After spending so many years trying to ‘master’ other forms of meditation, TM is so effortless and natural and I am noticing small but real changes already. Lucky to have found it- thanks again for the recommendation!
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I try to live on a low GI diet to control high insulin levels (which make me crave sugar and feel fatigued). It is a challenge every day, especially when the sugar craving increases. I took up QiGong 18 months ago and love the fact that it takes me out of the rushed world and into a tranquil space where nothing matters except how my body responds to the movement.
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January 13th, 2011 at 9:42 pm
Louise, where do you do QiGong?
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Hi, Sarah. If you like dark chocolate, there are some bars that are available in virtually every health food section of supermarkets up here (Queensland) that I quite like. I wish I could remember the brand! You can get plain dark chocolate, almond, or peppermint crisp. They are great if you like to eat a square or two of dark chocolate as a treat.
As another reader mentioned, Xylitol is excellent for going sugar free without giving up on sweet things entirely. It is white and granulated like refined sugar, but has bout 2/3 of the caloric load and is alkaline and anti-fungal, unlike processed sugar. It works really well in baking and for putting into tea or hot chocolate. I must stock up again.
I’m looking to go back to my pre-medication-barrage weight this year (I have another six kilos to shift), but don’t want to go on any harsh diets. From reading your blog, I’ve decided to limit my grains.
I hope 2011 is a wonderful year for you.
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I agree with your thoughts on New Years resolutions. I just wrote about it today!
I think more often than not they can put pressure on us and leave us open to ‘failure’.
I set new goals for myself with each new year but I believe setting big resolutions should be left to times when we are really ready to change our lives, not just on the one day each year.
All the best for 2011!
x
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I’ve actually gone for a similar approach, I’ve set goals rather than restrictions, except for the sugar ban.
I plan on allowing myself to have whatever sweet thing I want just once a week. I did this for a month in 2010 and felt great, but Christmas ruined it for me and I feel lethargic again.
I plan on beating my half marathon time and entering a full marathon.
I plan on reading all the books on my bookshelf that are still unread.
Learning 70 new German words a week (I am with a German man and am living in Switzerland so this makes total sense).
I plan on pretending the tram doesn’t go between work and the station so I have to walk and on pretending lifts and escalators were never invented (unless I am carrying massively heavy stuff).
Am looking forward to your update on the sugarless journey
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Totally inspired by aiming at being gentle with my approach to myself and all that is around me in 2011. So I’m taking that on board for sure.
I’m aiming at three visits to the gym a week plus a swim or two weekly until March as I’m using the salt water pool at the beach! Brrr.
I’m also trying to take on more traits of people living in blue zones who live for a long time, ensuring I have good people around me, moving as much as I can daily and eating copious amounts of colourful vegetables.
Plus I’m also inspired by you to finally purchase a lovely one speed bike for around town. I hope I remember how to ride
I’d also love to eliminate sugar as I eat chocolate daily, more than once a day. It’s making me sick and tired.
Definitely looking forward to any tips on how you’re beating sugar.
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Fabulous list. Love the picture. It cracks me up.
Everyone needs to fill their year’s intentions with positives. Great idea!
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I have always wanted to ride a bike – too late now but I do envy those who can ride around in the fresh air – and especially those that zoom past me in the traffic.
My intentions this year are around controlling my shopping habit – and like you will try and discover the source of the problem.
At age 60 I have no intention of giving up sugar – it brings too much pleasure to my life!
Great website Sarah – my first visit and I have enjoyed both yours and your reader comments.
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January 13th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
It’s not too late!!!!!
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I like to have a theme to my year — it sets the tone of the year and helps me focus my goals. I too, like to make goals instead of resolutions. I have dubbed this year the Year of Wellbeing and all decisions and choices will hopefully follow from there.
Instead of saying yes to everything and exhausting myself, I will first ask, “does this support my wellbeing?” and if the answer is no, choose not to do it. This year, I will be more in control (in a gentle way), rather than letting the fear of missing out rule my life. I will do what’s best for me. I will explore what suits me, rediscover things I like that I have let go, and make considered choices rather than jumping in blindly.
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I find your blog so serene, and enjoy coming here for a piece of quiet during my work day. I learn a lot about what I want my life to look like when I visit, and find other places to look at and find inspiration. Thank you.
I decided not to have resolutions this year, which I blogged about…
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Great list. Ditto sugar & lunch. Have just spent the day planning for my business (and my life) in 2011. My mentor gets me to start with the question: ‘how am I being in the world?’. It is the be, do, have model. Getting the be part sorted before jumping to the actions has been very helpful and so a fun and inspiring day
Thanks again for you being you . . . and your blog. J
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January 4th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
I love the be, do, have approach. And thank you for your kind feedback!
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This is wonderful Sarah. My intention is to run a mile everyday, slow, fast, with music, no music the barefoot way. I started it in the last week of 2010 and haven’t stopped.
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January 4th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
They’ll call you Forest Gump!
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Sarah, I am so excited to have found your blog. After reading masses of posts today I had a huge supper. I’ve been having to watch my weight for longer than I’ve had rheumatoid, and I’ve had that since I was 15. I’m now 35! But this evening I ate what I really needed: carrots dipped in tahini and a heaped plate of silver beet, shallots and eggs with a huge side of mashed kumara and potato. I feel so replete and happy
My bloods show me that I’m well, but I’d like to be “well-er.”
And that is my intention for 2011!
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January 4th, 2011 at 10:18 pm
I like the sound of your dinner! AI types need warm food with protein and plenty of fat. One thing…you might think about avoiding deadly night shades…have your read about the effect of these? Potato, tomato, capsicums etc…just a thought
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I like everyone’s ‘intentions’! So inspiring!
For myself, I have only two things on the agenda this year, and they’re a bit boring and practical – Health & Home. Health is about getting up at the same time every day and exercising gently (!) first thing. That seems to set me up to be mindful and healthy the rest of the day. Home is about earning enough money in the rest of FY2011 that I can wave my tax return at the bank and buy my own apartment. Hooray!
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I was pleased to read this article Sarah because I need to learn how to be more gentle also and to focus on experiencing more, balancing more…not doing more.
My bf and I have just thrown all the sugar out and started on a sugar free approach to life. We’re currently in detox stage but I have an excited feeling inside that this is truly going to assist my healing from fatigue. To help me along I ‘liked’ this FB page dedicated to those who want to reduce sugar in their lives, it’s also the book we’re using to free ourselves of the sugar addiction. http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sweet-Poison/157501174289687
I’m drinking sparkling mineral water to help keep up minerals and it’s just making me feel better, seems to be helping digestion (which is an issue that arises from eating sugar for me). I’m looking forward to hearing how this goes for you, it’s safe to say you can expect some very positive changes
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[...] do like that sarah wilson wrote about new year’s intentions rather than resolutions. We often set lofty goals that serve [...]
Talking about the value of rest, here’s short video address on the value of it given by Arianna Huffington (founder of The Huffington Post) a couple of weeks ago. She spoke about it to a gathering of ‘Type-A’ women (in her words
) in Washington DC.
http://www.ted.com/talks/arianna_huffington_how_to_succeed_get_more_sleep.html
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January 13th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
She’s been on a crusade, hasn’t she!
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Hi Sarah and all the people who posted about living sugar-free
There’s a website full of useful info and stories on living sugar-free, including on-line classes if you’re keen, by the author of “Potatoes Not Prozac”, Kathleen DesMaisons. I note that you avoid potatoes Sarah (as part of the deadly nightshade family….mmm, I didn’t know that!) so I guess the potato thing might not be your bag! But do visit the site and see if it might help you. When I did a quick search now I see it has been described as “miliant” and “cult-like” by some people!!! To be honest I used it as a learning tool and got some great sugar-free recipes, but I certainly didn’t feel like I missed out by not attending their large gatherings at the “Ranch” somewhere in the midwest of America where sugar-free people bond over their sugar addictions! Check it out and decide for yourself! You can find it at http://www.radiantrecovery.com
best regards
Amanda
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this is very sexy picture.i want to kiss you Sara!
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Hi!I love this photo.she is sexy.I love to kiss him.
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I often peter out with my new years resolutions early Autumn, as I am now with the days getting shorter and darker, but my friend has actually carried out her new years resolution this year in a way that benefits all those touched my it.
Her resolution was to “love more” which is a big motherhood statement but is being applied in a very practical, tangible way that has the wonderful multiplier effect of encouraging others to love more too.
Have a look at http://www.travellingheartproject.blogspot.com
I have just received and sent on my first travelling heart and feel all the better for it having stopped and thought about who is important in my life and why.
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[...] Every year since starting this blog I’ve done a NYE post (give or take a few days) that outlines my resolutions for the coming year. Last year I wrote a bunch of “intentions” for 2011. [...]