The magic of intention.
Every year I start by thinking long and hard about what my intention will be for the year ahead. The is something very exciting about creating the vibe I want to carry through my year, it’s like a cheerleader for every grand plan and unfolding opportunity that lays ahead. If you’ve never set an intention but are someone who loves to set yourself goals, I urge you to try this.
Many inspiring women in this incredible community of power females believe in the magic of setting intentions and having a WOTY (word of the year) but it doesn’t need to be January to create your intention, you can do this exercise any time you please as often as you choose. You can choose to set an intention every morning to see you through the day, or at the start of every month.
Consider an intention as a theme, a mood or an energy you wish to give your day, week, month or year.
2019 was my year of ‘courage’. I chose to feel it, to embody every element and value of it, and to really own courage wholeheartedly. I tried to approach every day, every challenge and opportunity with courage, not always perfectly, in fact quite imperfectly but I kept going with it, against the fear that pushed back.
As I write this I am reflecting on my intention for this year: To have confidence and live with self-belief (my WOTY). I need to do this regularly and especially now as my work life is going through some changes and I plan to launch my business for real, for shizzle.
I’m going to assume you have some idea of what you want to happen this year or this month but that some days you may need a little extra boost. May I suggest you start by journaling. Journalling is the practice of exploring your thoughts by writing them down because I can honestly say there’s pure magic in the transition of thoughts into words onto paper. When working towards seeking your intention it’s important to get all of those plans and dreams onto paper, let your words flow but respect that they may change as time goes on.
If looking for something more short term and need a focus for the day, grab a pen and write down how you are feeling, what you feel needs your attention today and what you wish to feel or achieve by tomorrow morning.
Once you’ve got everything jotted down, pause for a moment and take three slow, steady breaths.
Take a look at your thoughts, your list of dreams and goals. Does each one spark a sense of excitement and purpose inside you? If not pop it aside for the moment and focus on the ones that do. Know that a particular goal will return to you when the time is right if it’s supposed to. What stands out to you most, notice if one thing, in particular, draws your focus.
An intention is super powerful, yet beautifully simple. It can act as a daily reminder, a connector drawing all your goals together and an energizer battery powering you up for the day or year ahead!
Get yourself comfortable and imagine you are achieving all the goals you have written down. Focus on how good it feels and breathe into any sensations of happiness, joy and accomplishment. Now grab another piece of paper and consider the following questions as you continue to imagine reaching those wonderful goals.
What values/personal qualities you would like to embody today, this month or year?
What do you need to feel or be more of, to be closer to reaching your goals?
What words/themes/feelings encompass all that you need to feel inspired and motivated to work towards your goals?
Focus on the words you’ve just written and then take a look back at your goals. What words are standing out to you? Feel into each of them and notice if there is one in particular which you feel most drawn to. Maybe it’s a feeling or a value you would really like to embody. Perhaps its a form of energy, or a word that brings you comfort or even fires you up. Do this exercise as many times as you wish and play with words and feelings until you find something that sits just right with you. Take your time.
With the current events unfolding globally, we are reminded that nothing is permanent and we have no real control over the concept of ‘long-term’. Keep yourself present and enjoy the moment you’re in right now. Please do keep looking ahead, dream and plan for the next month or 3-6 but be open to change and the universe of possibilities out there.
I hope to inspire you to put pen to paper, transport your thoughts into words. Imagine what you may learn when you can actually see what you’re feeling and thinking. This is just a little introduction to what I like to call; Mindset Magic.
Happy journaling and dreaming! Big Love.
xoxo