How to choose intentions and create strategies that empower you in the New Year!

Guest contributor: DeAnne Wingate

I read a comment yesterday that made me chuckle. Something about 2021 not measuring up to expectations in the first 7 days and asking about the return policy.

Disappointment with the New Year probably resonates with a lot of us. We wanted a refresh – a reboot for our lives gosh darn it!  But we weren’t given access to that button, the one vanquishing fear and anxiety. So how are we supposed to access the peace, joy and HOPE we crave?

Perhaps we need to change our focus and discern what we want from the year that we can control. Define our intention and then take the steps to make “that” happen.

The key is choosing the right goals. Fitting into my size X jeans from 5 years ago is not a sustainable goal. How many times has losing 10 pounds been a goal you gave up on after a month or two? 

Danielle LaPorte, best selling author and renowned “life guru” suggests when determining goals, start with how you want to feel. Then design your life based on those feelings.

I’ll use my life as an example.

I don’t know about you, but I’d like a heaping dose of joy in 2021.  So joy is my intention for 2021. 

Step one in the process, identify the things that bring me that feeling (joy). 

Here’s one that really sparks my heart – when I am a patient and kind mom. I am very aware that patience is not one of my virtues. It takes superhuman strength to utilize personal restraint with my always in motion son who has difficulty listening. I have to make sure my energy reserves are full to keep the “monster voice” at bay.

I’ve spent many hours journaling and observing my body so I know exactly what I need to do. 

Here’s my energy recipe:

8-9 hours of sleep. 

Not be hungover. 

Eat foods that energize in a sustainable way versus amp me up (sugar mimics cocaine on the brain friends – no bueno). 

Exercise.  You know, the more you exercise, the more energy you have. And it pumps up your feel good hormones!

Wow! As a side benefit of doing all the things that restore my energy so I can be the best mom, I feel great about my body because I’m treating it like the incredible machine that it is! 

This is the power of choosing goals based on your core desire.

Many of us know the meaning of intention – an aim or plan.  But another interesting definition is the healing process of a wound. If I want to experience authentic joy, I have to work through and let go of any grievances. Running away or self medicating is not an option.

Surely, we all have a wound or two that needs healing this year – whether it’s from the dissolution of a marriage or another significant loss. Maybe it’s time to rip off the bandaid and activate your superpower – resiliency.

Terrie Reeves, another member of Claire’s curated team at Claire Samuels Law, PLLC recently explored resiliency in her post last month.  Terrie provides life changing tools to strengthen your life. Check it out to learn more about amping your capacity to cope! 

I invite you to slow your pace. Let go of the need to rush to get things done quickly. To fill your day with absent-minded activities. Be deliberate with your life.

Set yourself up to decipher what is right for you. Wake up in the early hours of the morning. Experience the quiet. Light a candle. Connect with your heart. Journaling is a powerful way to commune with your soul and reflect on the many blessings in your life.

Take the time to reclaim your life over the next few days and weeks. Define what really matters to you. Who really matters. How you want to spend your life. The feelings that you want to have and give to others.

Then create the plan. Stress happens when you try to cram too much into a short period of time. Give yourself the gift of time. Take baby steps towards your intention for the year. One small step every day adds up to 365 steps in the right direction. 

You may not be able to control what is happening in the world around you, but you can create an intention for 2021 and course of action for yourself that is unstoppable!

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Clients may need additional support during their divorce. Claire Samuels Law, PLLC has curated a community of the best coaches, therapists and other wellness experts dedicated to supporting you through your divorce process and beyond.

DeAnne Wingate, chief coach and founder of Find Meaning Now is a part of this compassionate team of experts, ready to guide you through this difficult time.

Claire works with you to resolve your legal issues while also providing the resources and experts you need to facilitate the healthiest process for you and your family.

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