Setting Intentions for the Coming Year

October is my birthday month, and with each passing year I like to take a moment to reflect on the previous year and set intentions for the coming year. 

This year has been different, however, as I’ve been reflecting on who I was in the past, who I am presently, and who I want to be in the future. This is certainly a different lens or approach, but it’s been a great change up.

The themes that have come out of this reflection are:

1. Gratitude – gratitude for who I was and my experiences because they made me who I am presently and will stay with me as I step into the future. Sometimes, in the throes of life, it is hard to be grateful for what you are walking through, but once time passes, it brings healing and gratitude for each of those encounters and experiences.
2. Learning from all the lessons – in my past, I certainly learned what to do and what not to do, I observed others and learned from their own experiences. This has trained and equipped me for the present, and I will continue to carry each of those examples with me into the future. When we are embarking on a trip or a journey, there are things that we need to pack, things that will support us along the journey. With the repetition of each trip, we learn what is helpful and what is not, what serves us and what doesn’t.
3. Growth – just like a caterpillar must be a caterpillar before becoming a butterfly, it must do the caterpillar things and then do the chrysalis things before it can emerge from the cocoon. We are not who we are in the future without our past and present selves. Love that version of yourself. Be grateful for what they went through.
4. Boundaries – I love to call these beautiful boundaries. Owning what is ours to own, and giving back to others what is theirs, is extremely freeing and uplifting. By powerfully choosing these beautiful boundaries, we are making it very clear what can and can not be, what we will or will not do, and what we will or will not say. This can be empowering and scary at the same time, but just like a new habit, with practice becomes easier.

As the year is rapidly coming to a close, consider your own reflection. Perhaps it’s related to seasons, chapters, or any specific periods of time. Sit down and breathe in those moments. Sit in those feelings. Harness gratitude for how far you have come and hopeful anticipation for what is to come. 

Dream big for the future. Manifest the future. You have learned and gleaned so much along the way. With your growth and finding what brings you joy has come these beautiful boundaries that are there for your protection. Be proud of yourself. Be your best cheerleader. Say your dreams and affirmations out loud so that your brain hears them. When we speak positivity out loud, it sends energy outward and upward. Now let’s get some shit done!