2016: A Year of Intention
Choosing a word to embody all that I want for the entire year is a difficult task. I didn't want to choose a word that was simply a synonym of all my past words (bloom, realize, flourish... they all have similar ideas behind them). Yes, I want success. But I think I need a word that goes deeper.
I've been thinking about habits I want to recommit to. I've been thinking about goals, new ones, old ones.
I've been thinking as much about what I need to prune away in terms of habits and goals as what I need to add or to resolve.
If I truly want to learn from 2015, I need to listen to the fear that I was focusing on the wrong things.
intention*, n.
: the thing that you plan to do or achieve: an aim or purpose
1. a determination to act in a certain way: resolve
2. import, significance
3 a. what one intends to do or bring about
b. the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered
4. a process or manner of healing incised wounds
5. concept -- especially: a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object of knowledge
And so, I come to INTENTION.
My days, my art, my choices, my actions... all weighed and gauged by INTENTION.
I don't want to blindly follow a path without a clear reason why.
I don't want to realize (too late) that I've been following someone else's path.
I don't want to realize (too late) that I'm not following any path at all.
I don't want to fall into distractions and I don't want habit to dictate my actions and choices.
I want intention, purpose, thought.
The word feels right. It feels strong.
Are you going choose a word for your year? Here are some ideas:
If you don't know where to start...
Once you've chosen your word:
Here's to a wonderful year!
* definition from Merriam Webster online
I've been thinking about habits I want to recommit to. I've been thinking about goals, new ones, old ones.
I've been thinking as much about what I need to prune away in terms of habits and goals as what I need to add or to resolve.
If I truly want to learn from 2015, I need to listen to the fear that I was focusing on the wrong things.
intention*, n.
: the thing that you plan to do or achieve: an aim or purpose
1. a determination to act in a certain way: resolve
2. import, significance
3 a. what one intends to do or bring about
b. the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered
4. a process or manner of healing incised wounds
5. concept -- especially: a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object of knowledge
And so, I come to INTENTION.
My days, my art, my choices, my actions... all weighed and gauged by INTENTION.
I don't want to blindly follow a path without a clear reason why.
I don't want to realize (too late) that I've been following someone else's path.
I don't want to realize (too late) that I'm not following any path at all.
I don't want to fall into distractions and I don't want habit to dictate my actions and choices.
I want intention, purpose, thought.
The word feels right. It feels strong.
Are you going choose a word for your year? Here are some ideas:
If you don't know where to start...
- Start with your goals and work from there.
- Don't have specific goals? Think about what you want or need in the coming year. This can be concrete or more abstract.
- Keep it simple and don't overthink it.
- Write in your journal and/or pay attention to your thoughts (especially when you're doing other things like driving, taking a walk or showering). What do you keep returning to in your mind?
- Scan through a dictionary or thesaurus and see what jumps out at you.
- Make a list of all possible words, looking for synonyms and then check the definitions -- sometimes there are secondary meanings of words that will help you decide.
- Take your time; after you jot down your list set it aside. When you return to it later see what resonates.
- Look back at your past year: what have you learned about yourself? What do you want to invite more of into your life? What do you want reduce or eliminate from your life?
- Is one word enough? A collection of words, a phrase or a quote might suit you better.
- Or maybe choosing a word isn't right for you.
- Choose a word that speaks to YOU. Don't worry about anyone else's choices.
- Aim high, but choose something doable to keep from being frustrated or disappointed.
- Think about parts of speech. If you're looking for an invigorating, active year a verb might be best. If you're looking for a year that is nurturing, healing or inward focused, a noun or adjective might be best.
- Listen to your heart and be honest with yourself.
- Take it seriously, but also have fun.
- Post it somewhere in your home to remind yourself of your focus for the year.
- Type it with a pretty font or create a piece of art:
- paint it, stamp it, collage it, sketch it, stitch it, hand-letter it, make a banner or bunting, commission an artist friend to create a piece for you... make it special.
- Write the word on the front of your calendar or planner
- Carry the word with you:
- in your wallet, folded in a locket, stamped or beaded on a piece of jewelry
- It's ok to keep your word private.
- Check in with yourself throughout the year (write this on your calendar) to make sure your word still resonates and that you're still on track.
* definition from Merriam Webster online
Your 'Intention' is beautifully painted Anne along with the surrounding flowers. You have obviously put a great deal of thought into choosing your word. I didn't put much thought into choosing my word 'Advance' but it came to me straight away. Perhaps it was in my subconscious that I feel the need to advance in so many areas of my life. I feel that things have become static and I need to move things forward. Good luck with all your intentions for the new year. I look forward to seeing how you get on with your intentions. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Simone.
DeleteI think sometimes our words speak to us. Sometimes it's loud. Sometimes it's quiet. I think your word is a great choice. Words have such power.
Wishing you all the best as you move forward and ADVANCE this year!
Intention...I like it. :-) I love how you included tips for us to find our word. I have never picked out a word. I will keep you posted if I do.
ReplyDeleteHi, Carla! I hope the tips come in handy if you decide to choose a word. It's fun to do, but I know how hard it can be to find just the right one.
DeleteHope your year is shaping up to be a good one!