Goals are capable of being stifling; intentions have the power to set us free to be our best selves. A new year is a great opportunity to reflect on your growth of the previous year. It’s a good time to review what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown through the inevitable challenges life presents. Growth can be painful—but it brings with it proof of our resilience. 

The beginning of this New Year is a time for us to truly explore the events of the past year, our lessons and, ultimately, our successes. We ask ourselves where we could’ve made better decisions; whether we’re living from our hearts and true intentions. Though it’s easy to forget, we do have a lot of control over our lives. The small decisions we make daily lead to different paths. Life is not a pre-fix menu. It’s a mystery that unfolds every single day. We don’t have control over what obstacles life throws in our path, such as the ongoing effects of the pandemic and COVID, but we can control our actions. By setting intentions and keeping them close, we can facilitate the path that we choose. 

Setting intentions directs the mind and gives us purpose.  Focusing on your heart and what’s important to you creates clarity and self-discovery  

This is where transformation lives. 

How To Set an Intention 

Connect with the elements of your life that are most significant to you and bring you the greatest joy, satisfaction, and energy. What gives you passion and fills you with a sense of purpose? 

Make a list and share it with a close friend who is supportive and can hold you accountable to take action. Do something today to help you demonstrate your commitment to your intention. 

Create a word or a short phrase that sums up your intentions. Last year, my words were compassion and healing. These words became my mantra and helped me to stay open and expand my vision. 

Once you’ve integrated, let it go! You’ve planted the seeds into your awareness. Let it go so you don’t attach and grip. Awareness is a spacious feeling and creates energy. Intention is much more powerful when it comes from a place of contentment rather than if it arises from a sense of lack or need.  

Write it Out 

To get started, write a brief paragraph on what you can change in your day-to-day routine to make your life more fulfilling. Here are some questions to get you started: 

*What are you passionate about?  

*What do you want to cultivate more of in your life? 

*What is going right in your life? 

*What seems to be working well? 

*What is not going right and where can you make some positive changes? 

Now make a list to help you create these changes that will lead you to greater fulfillment. Intentions are not goals.  

Remember: 

Live with intention. Walk to the edge.
Listen hard. Practice wellness.
Play with abandon. Laugh. 

Take adventures and the road less travelled
Choose with no regret.
Continue to learn.
Appreciate your friends and family
Do what you love and live each moment fully

 
Happy New Year. May all beings everywhere be blessed with happiness, love, peace, and good intention! 

Amy

Cancer Care Counsellor