Word of the Year - Your Medicine

<p>We’ve arrived at the final few days of the year, and how we participate in this transition will set the tone for the next one to come. If we want to be active <strong>creators </strong>of our own life instead of massive observers of our life (letting things happen TO us), it’s important to get clear and move, think, and feel with<strong> intention</strong>.</p><p><br /> </p><p>One of the best ways we can do this is by trying to think of a phrase or word that encapsulates our intention. It may sound cliche or too woo-woo to pick a “word of the year,” but I’m telling you – it works!</p><p> </p><p>I use my word of the year to guide decisions, make plans, and to set goals.</p><p><br /> </p><p>What the difference is between a goal and an intention? A <strong>GOAL</strong> focuses on the future, on <i>external</i>accomplishments. They have a specific outcome, describe what you want to do, and are future-focused, like to run a marathon. Go surfing in Hawai’i. Create better sleeping habits.</p><p><br /> </p><p>An INTENTION focuses on a present, internal state of being that you want to cultivate. Intentions describe how you want to be or feel in the moment, how you want to move through life, and how you want to show up. Some of my clients have had the intention to live with more confidence, compassion, mindfulness, inspiration, joy, generosity.</p><p><br /> </p><p>The word of the year focuses more on <strong>intention</strong> than a goal. It helps guide how you <i>get </i>to the goal, how you align your life with your values, and <i>how </i>you create the life you are meant to live.</p><p> </p><p>Some people think they should choose a goal and set intentions to support <i>that</i>, but aligning with our intentions <i>first </i>will keep us from wasting time, money, and energy on goals that won’t fulfill us.</p><p><br /> </p><p>To set an intention, think about how you want to show up in the next year. Who do you want to <strong>be</strong> at the root of <strong>all</strong> your actions for the next 12 months? (Be sur