Written by guest author: Brandy Collins
Every year there is a picture that circulates of a woman walking up a set of stairs, leaving behind bad habits and old relationships, etc. She’s stepping up these stairs toward her ideas and goals. The year has changed over time, but the blocks behind her have remained the same. Is that you, sis?
There is something to be said for making changes on purpose. For our plans and goals to succeed, we must act with intention. “An intention is a directed impulse of consciousness that contains the seed form of that which you aim to create. Like real seeds, intentions can’t grow if you hold on to them.” according to The Chopra Center 5 Step to Setting Intentions. If the same problems and woes have been following you, it may be time to change tactics.
During a retreat follow up session and in our SIS circle FB group, co-founder Leilani asked the question: What does being intentional mean to you? Here are some things our sisters answered:
Intentions are not goals– Your intentions are representations of your desires. Not wants or needs but what serves you to becoming the best version of yourself. Goals are the what of an action. Your intentions are the reason you created your goals. For example, you may want a healthier lifestyle because your family history shows you are predisposed to diabetes. Keeping your intentions at the forefront of your actions help maintain focus and gain a clearer pathway to your goal.
Be purposeful with your actions– Go into your decisions with the idea that you have some control over your outcome because you are participating in making movements. There are times where we may feel like life is happening to us. Setting an intention keeps you in the driver seat of your own life.
Pause and acknowledge where you are– It’s as important to know where you are as where you are going. Be mindful of who you are in the present moment and what you are capable of. This also means that not everything needs to be in the perfect place at the perfect moment for something to be set into motion. Take a self-assessment and be honest with yourself. We don’t begin by running in a 5k if we can barely catch our breath running up a flight of stairs. Start with just walking one foot in front of the other.
Prepare to receive or remove something– Our intentions could bring people into our lives, remove them, change a job or change a location. Preparing for what is to come helps us make space for what we need. What should have been what you were asking for can feel like a struggle if you have not properly prepared for what you’re asking. If you’re building your client base to a larger scale figure out the logistics to serve those clients. Expand where you want to see growth and remove what no longer serves you because you are receiving abundance, which can be a more significant responsibility.
Being accountable to yourself– Being intentional is a commitment to yourself or someone else that you will take action. Some of us “maybe” our way through the options in our life. Our sisters admitted we will answer maybe to an invite because we’re afraid to say no. Others said we will say maybe to something because we want the option to say no. Setting a clear intention means we are accountable that we are taking action and following through on our efforts.
Don’t leave yourself behind– Check in with yourself that you are in a healthy space to focus. We emphasize self-care frequently because only you know what you need to be the best you. What’s the point if you’re not well enough to reap the benefits? Take care of your needs big or small. Set aside time for yourself to bring balance into your space.
Now it’s your turn. What are your intentions for 2019? How can you be intentional about what you do, what you desire, and who you want to become?
About the author: Brandy Collins is a Bay Area native living in Scorpio magic, observing of the world, and telling stories about people in random places. Follow on twitter @gurl79 or Instagram @story_soul_collector