Setting intentions
Each year I get the privilege of teaching first and second year university students, while they navigate the complexities of learning and life. It is through working with others, getting to know themselves, and reflecting on those experiences that the meaning is made. And those lessons are often carried past the classroom.
One of my favorite activities to do as part of the reflection, is to set intention. It is usually done at the time of beginnings, like starting at a new school or at the beginning of a new semester. We think about what we need to hear - It can be a motto, a word, a quote. And we build it into our daily routines, so that voice of intention is with us every single day.
In addition to having students work on this, each year I find one thing I know I need to hear. One thing if I say everyday, I will even start to believe. Like in 2017 when I was working on progress over perfection. Or in 2020 when I had to remind myself that the best was yet to come. And this past year when I focused on building my courage, with simply reminding myself that I can do hard things.
In the past the phrase has come to me, usually hitting with such an excitement that I start scribbling it down for the final weeks of the year in anticipation. But - I’m days away from the new year. And while my goals have been formed, my phrase has not yet made itself known.
And to be honest, I’m a little nervous. What do I need to hear right now? What part of me needs some encouragement and growth? I’ve been so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I haven’t spent much time reflecting on the past year. On spending the year working with others, on what I’ve learned about myself so far in this journey, and making meaning from all the incredible experiences. So I’m going to spend the next few days just jotting my reflections down. And not stressing about my goals and what I want to do this coming year, but really thinking about who I want to be a year from now.
So if you’re like me and striving to find that intention as the new year approaches- ask yourself what is speaking to you, where you are at right now?
Once you find that intention, try these simple things:
Write it on a post it note to put on your mirror or somewhere you see every morning
Change your passwords to include it, as a simple and subtle reminder as you go through your daily routines
Tell a friend or a loved one about your intention and what it means to you
When you are feeling stressed, try taking a few deep breathes and then saying the word(s) out loud
Write yourself a note about why you picked the intention, and tuck it away somewhere - until you need to read it
I can’t wait to hear what is speaking to you.
Erika
