2019 Intentions

If you know me or have read this blog prior to today, then you're already aware that I'm OBSESSED with podcasts.  One of my recent faves is RISE by Rachel Hollis (aka author of Girl, Wash Your Face).  On a recent episode she discusses a unique way in which she goes about setting her goals for the New Year: FIRST by evaluating the year prior and organizing events or interactions she felt were successes, and then assessing those that were more learning opportunities to process how to turn them into examples of growth. NEXT she physically journals and writes out goals under specific themes like "To Market," "To Create," and so on. 

I should first say I've never really been one to set specific goals during the new year, but the term Intentions really resonates with me.  While I'm turned off by the idea of resolutions (most likely because I get annoyed with everyone's diet culture infused goals) I AM fascinated and really into reading self-help books or focusing on anything that you feel "betters yourself"...and honestly, you don't have to wait for a new year to engage in self-reflection!  So after I listened to this podcast and arrived home from work, I immediately pulled out my journal and came up with three different themes of intentions I wanted to focus on this year: "To Create," "To Accomplish" and "To Avoid."

The past year allowed me to find my creativity - so in 2019 I'm excited to continue these new adventures!  It took me 27-28 years of life to finally realize that everyone is creative, and I CAN do anything I set my mind to.  And slowly letting go of my perfectionistic ways has actually INCREASED my creative output. 

 

 My "Accomplish" list is more similar to typical measurable goals - I want to save money, check off my "to-do" list on Eli's development, etc....but also I wrote down things even if they seemed to be far-fetched ideas at the time.  You NEVER know what will be brought to fruition once you make that pact to yourself.  And guess what?  My first written goal of being a podcast guest will actually be MET later this spring!  So stay tuned, more info on that later. :) 

I probably could add many more intentions to my "Avoid" list, but these are the real biggies.  I catch myself DAILY saying "Sorry" at unnecessary times - i.e. where an "Excuse me" would suffice.  This year I would also like to work on my assertiveness, self-confidence...you know, those little things ;-)

Now question is - what are things you want to make, create, accomplish, avoid (or insert your own verb here) in 2019?  On Rachel's podcast, she talked about her sales goal for Girl, Wash Your Face being 100,000 copies....and instead she sold over 2 MILLION books, being the #2 Best seller of the entire year!  So I guess it never hurts to write down your dreams, even if they seem unrealistic in the moment.

Or maybe you're the type of person who doesn't want to forecast your entire year - my response would be what's your intention for this month?  This week? This day, hour, or minute??  Even at the beginning of most yoga or meditation classes you're offered to set an intention for your practice...so this term is not grandiose, and it's hardly new.  Paraphrasing the quote below: How can you put more purpose into your actions, and live your life outside of your comfort zone?  Because truthfully: that's where the true magic happens.