This is where we bring it all together. You’ve invested some time in the past few days looking at 2021, the good bits, the sucky bits, what worked, what didn’t, and some overall thoughts and feelings.
We’re going to turn all of this into an intention for 2022. Instead of the rigidity of a resolution, you can offer yourself the suggestion of an intention.
Think of your intention as the theme of your year, the idea you want to explore and focus on, the fairy godmother who’ll be there to offer you guidance, the cartographer of your journey, the choreographer of your 2022 routine, the spice blend lending its flavor to this particular revolution around the sun.
If you haven’t played with parts one and two of this exercise, fret not: you have plenty of time for that--even if it’s Saturday or Sunday (or March or June). Make yourself a cuppa, grab a notebook and a pen (or your device of choice) then settle in for a bit of introspection. It’s not daunting. Picture you interviewing yourself for a profile in your favorite magazine.
Start with part one. Then give yourself a break to take a walk, stretch, play with the dog/cat/bunny, before snuggling into session two.
And now, let’s wrap it all up.
This is where you put on your detective hat. Or crown. Take a little step outside of yourself, outside of the version of you who did all of this writing. You’re still you, just 2022 you, not the *old* you.
Starting with your list of wins, read back through everything you’ve written.
What themes do you notice? Do you see any patterns emerging?
Feel free to make comments and make notes to yourself in the margins. Circle words or concepts that pop up regularly.
With all of this in mind, write your responses to these questions.
What can I let go of to make space for something better?
What does that “something better” look or feel like?
What small thing can I do for myself every day?
What gift of intention can I offer myself this year?
There is no formula for coming up with the “right” intention. There is no “right” intention. Just what will give you the most expansion.
You may come up with a few contenders, that’s cool. Write them down on a piece of paper. Try them on for size like you would new sneakers or jeans. Doodle them, draw them. Say them out loud.
Ultimately choose only one. Don’t juggle your intentions.
Your intention may be a phrase or you may be able to distill it down into a single word.
Stuck?
I got you.
First, step away. Take a walk, fold that pile of laundry, clean out your fridge, shovel snow/rake leaves, do something. Stop thinking about it and see if an answer comes to you.
I’ve made a list of possible intentions1. I warn you, it can be overwhelming because they’re all great. Look over this list and see what jumps out at you.
Or…you may have known your intention from the beginning. That’s awesome. Congratulations.
Have you settled on your intention?
Now, write it on a piece of paper, in your reminder app or notes app, on the back of your hand, on a sticky note on your bathroom mirror.
Take it for a walk, explore what it means to you. You have a whole year.
Go forth and be your best version of yourself. I can’t wait to hear about what you’ve come up with and how it’s going!
See you next year ; )