The Power of Intention

As you ease your way into the new year, it is a good time to reflect on the year behind you and ponder what you want to embrace, or do differently, or achieve, in the year before you.

A new year invites you to take a fresh look at your potential: potential to change, to stop doing things that limit you, to become a better version of yourself, to step towards unrealized dreams. With all that is possible, how can you harness the potential you want from this year?

It starts with noticing what is missing. It takes a heartbeat to sit with yourself and notice what you want more of in your life and to name it. Talking this through with someone you trust can help unearth a deeper understanding about what is important to you. For example, a lot of folks start the year wanting to lose weight, but digging in you might uncover the value behind losing weight for you is really about being healthy or fit.

Identifying what you want helps create intention.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines Intention as: something that you want and plan to do.

It’s easy to talk about having intention, and committing to a course of action that will help you achieve your new year goals. But, hey, you are only human, and humans can: forget, get distracted, revert to old habits, become indecisive, resist. We get it. Life gets messy and change is hard. And, if you want something to change, the only thing you have control over is YOU.

When we set our intentions for the new year, we literally wear it on our arm. Several years ago we found a fun product called MyIntent. Their site offers a Word Finder Quiz that can help you hone in on the one word that encompasses your intention.

Here are some of their suggested prompts for finding your word:

• What virtue do you want more of in your life?
• What is a challenge you want to overcome?
• What are you most passionate about and want to do more?

When finding your word, one tip is you have to like the word itself, it has to inspire you. Once you land on your word, they have a kit you can purchase to literally carry your word with you all year long – a simple and constant reminder of your focus.

What are our words for 2024?

Kate – my word is Rooted.

I’ve spent a lot of time looking forward to my next chapter. For me, Rooted has a lot to do with being confidently rooted in what I know, as well as putting down some physical roots. My word last year was Surrender. I learned so much about what the word means and does not mean for me. I learned surrender is not about complying – it is an act of personal agency and boundaries. This year I am excited to explore how to be Rooted. Like a tree, I want to have deep roots, yet keep growing in different directions. I am excited to play with the different directions Rooted will take me and to notice what it feels like to be rooted, or not! It’s a fun and provocative word for me to play with!

Debbie – my work is Copacetic.

I know, it’s an interesting word choice! Here’s how I came to it. Last year my word was Serendipity. I wanted to push myself outside of my comfort zone and see what would happen. Metaphorically, I bungee jumped (something I physically would never do!) into the unknown and worked on being present in the moment, open to what was unfolding. I learned a lot about letting go and my need to know. That journey uncovered a desire to explore Copacetic. I am in a life season of transition. Choosing Copacetic as my intention will help me explore my feeling of untethered-ness, aim my focus to finding order in chaos, and learn to be with the unknown. These words serve as beacons in my current journey to grow and evolve.

What’s your word?

Share your word with us by February 9th (click here).

We will create a word cloud of our community and share it back in our next post. This will of course be anonymous. It will be fun to see what we are all excited about for 2024!!

After all, humanity works because of You!
Kate and Debbie