Setting Intentions for 2018

It’s that time of year again. That time when it seems like everyone you know has New Year’s resolutions on their mind. And while I’m fully supportive of the idea of goals and self-improvement and striving to make your life even better, there’s something about the idea of “resolutions” that make them feel a little unattainable. (In fact, some studies show that almost 80% of resolutions fail—usually within the first month of making them!)

That’s why this year, I’m putting resolutions to the side and instead focusing on my intentions for 2018. According to mindfulness + meditation master Deepak Chopra, intentions are “the starting point of every dream. They’re the creative power that fulfills all of our needs, whether for money, relationships, spiritual awakening or love. … An intention is a directed impulse of consciousness that contains the seed form of that which you aim to create.” (Read more about Deepak’s take on intentions and how to set them here.)

And as a creative person, I aim to create a lot. So it’s no surprise that my intentions are as many and varied as my creative passions. But that’s the great thing about intentions: They can be about anything you want—whether it’s a way you want to feel, how you intend to show up for others, how you want to give back to the world around you, the list goes on and on. Simply put, they’re a clear, positive statement of an outcome you want to experience—a vision that helps guide your thoughts, habits, choices and attitudes.

But the one thing that intentions must do: They must be released. You have to put them out there into the universe, share them with the world and, most importantly, make them known to yourself. For, as Deepak says, “only when you release your intentions into the fertile depths of your consciousness can they grow and flourish.”

So in 2018, here are just three of the biggest intentions I’ll be releasing into the universe:

1. Manifestation
This year, I intend to focus more attention and energy on manifesting my goals and dreams. Manifestation is all about using your energetic, spiritual and emotional power to attract positive experiences and situations into your life and receive the things you desire. But to attract the right energy, you have to put out the right energy, which is exactly what I intend to do in 2018. Not only am I going to release my intentions and ask the universe to bring them to me as it seems fit, but I’m also going to give myself the permission to receive these experiences and desires, in whatever shape or form they may come. And most importantly, I’m going to believe that the dreams and desires I manifest will happen, as long I believe in myself, put positive energy out into the world and focus my attention on my intentions.

2. Rejuvenation
As a small business owner who is extremely passionate about every aspect of my company, it can be easy to fall into the habit of always putting the business first and myself last. Between the travel and designing new lines and meeting with clients and running day-to-day operations, it feels almost impossible to set aside time to prioritize my needs and self-care. But as someone who’s also deeply invested in my wellness and the wellness of others, I know that type of lifestyle isn’t sustainable in the long run. Which is why this year, I intend to take better care of myself, to feel more rejuvenated, to get more (and better) rest, and to dedicate time to restoring myself mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. I intend to devote more time to play and wonder; to exploring the world and doing the things that set my soul on fire; to putting myself first more often so that I can be fully present for those around me, too.

3. Transformation
To put it lightly: Change can be difficult. But the world and our lives are full of it, so rather than fighting it when it arises, this year I intend to embrace transformation—in myself, my relationships, my business, my environment and anything else that comes my way. I’m going to allow change to happen, rather than falling victim to it. And not only will I accept transformation, but I’ll also do so with courage and strength, staying powerful and fearless in the face of the unknown, and knowing that things will work out for the best. Because the only way to grow and improve is to accept transformation and to evolve with it—rather than resist it—when it comes.

What are your intentions for the New Year? Share them with us in the comments section below. Wishing you a happy, healthy and intention-filled 2018, and a year in which your dreams, goals and desires come to fruition!

Namaste,
JPC

More articles I love for understanding + setting intentions:
Intention Setting 101 - Mindful Minutes
Setting Daily Intentions Will Change Your Life - Inc
7 Steps to Setting Powerful Intentions - Sarah Prout