The holidays can bring so many things to do, that it’s easy to wind up feeling like a ball in a pinball machine, bouncing here and there, haphazardly, evoking a feeling of overwhelm. The fact is, we have a lot more control over our lives than we give ourselves credit for. Setting an intention can empower us to take control of what and how things happen, and can illuminate a clear direction to steer us through the holidays. This can alleviate stress, keeping us healthier, overall.
An intention can be anything you’d like to create in your life: to stay calm no matter what anyone says or does; to keep a smile on your face while in a crowded mall; to connect with family and friends; to get all the shopping done in one day; whatever!
Here’s how to set your intention(s). Take a minute to imagine yourself having a wonderful holiday season. What would that look like? Lots of parties or peace and quiet? Hours of cooking and baking or pot lucks? Being amongst a big crowd or just a few? How do you want to feel? What fond memory would you like to create? Think these questions through as completely as you can.
Once you have it figured out, imagine it all going well. Let yourself feel happy that it’s going to be good and be thankful for it as though it’s already happening.
Come up with specific statements for your intention, making sure you only use positive wording. Stay away from words like “don’t,” “won’t,” “no,” “none,” and “not.” For example, instead of saying, “I won’t get stressed out.” say, “I’m going to stay peaceful.” Instead of, “I’m not going to overspend.” say, “I’m going to stay within my budget.”
Choose intentions that will make your spirit feel good; To stay (or get) healthy, to find things to be grateful for, to focus on the positive aspects of life, to shop locally, to appreciate family...
Things may not go completely as planned, and that’s okay. Don’t focus on imperfections. Forgive yourself, the world, or whoever you need to forgive if things go amiss, and then reset your intention. Think of it as pressing a reset button, being allowed to press that button as many times as you like or need.
The great thing about intentions is that they require no money, only a few minutes of time, and can pay off big by making a world of difference.
Let the intentions you set, create the holiday you hope for. If you like, you can easily turn your intentions into resolutions for the new year, which may just positively impact the rest of your life.
An intention can be anything you’d like to create in your life: to stay calm no matter what anyone says or does; to keep a smile on your face while in a crowded mall; to connect with family and friends; to get all the shopping done in one day; whatever!
Here’s how to set your intention(s). Take a minute to imagine yourself having a wonderful holiday season. What would that look like? Lots of parties or peace and quiet? Hours of cooking and baking or pot lucks? Being amongst a big crowd or just a few? How do you want to feel? What fond memory would you like to create? Think these questions through as completely as you can.
Once you have it figured out, imagine it all going well. Let yourself feel happy that it’s going to be good and be thankful for it as though it’s already happening.
Come up with specific statements for your intention, making sure you only use positive wording. Stay away from words like “don’t,” “won’t,” “no,” “none,” and “not.” For example, instead of saying, “I won’t get stressed out.” say, “I’m going to stay peaceful.” Instead of, “I’m not going to overspend.” say, “I’m going to stay within my budget.”
Choose intentions that will make your spirit feel good; To stay (or get) healthy, to find things to be grateful for, to focus on the positive aspects of life, to shop locally, to appreciate family...
Things may not go completely as planned, and that’s okay. Don’t focus on imperfections. Forgive yourself, the world, or whoever you need to forgive if things go amiss, and then reset your intention. Think of it as pressing a reset button, being allowed to press that button as many times as you like or need.
The great thing about intentions is that they require no money, only a few minutes of time, and can pay off big by making a world of difference.
Let the intentions you set, create the holiday you hope for. If you like, you can easily turn your intentions into resolutions for the new year, which may just positively impact the rest of your life.
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