“We either live with intention or exist by default.” - Kristin Armstrong

Introduction: The art of setting intentions is a powerful tool in personal growth and development. It involves a mindful approach to what we wish to release, receive, or maintain in our lives. This process not only shapes our personal journey but also has the potential to impact our family, community, and even the world.

A Personal Journey of Transformation I'd like to begin with a bit of my own story, illustrating the transformative power of intention setting. I recently recognized a tendency to imagine the worst possible outcomes in various situations. This habit stemmed from the little girl inside me who had grown accustomed to expecting disappointment. It was a protective mechanism, but one that often cast a shadow over my experiences.

Recognizing this, I set a clear intention to release this habit. I aimed to trust that others were doing their best, just as I was trying to do. This intention helped me swiftly identify and let go of these negative anticipations, refocusing my thoughts towards positive outcomes.

Simultaneously, I set another intention to acknowledge and welcome the beauty around me — to embrace what is right, beautiful, and true in my life. This intention wasn't just about noticing the good but about becoming present and fully experiencing the richness of life. It was about pausing to savor the moments that life generously offers.

A key practice in maintaining these intentions is incorporating them into my daily meditation routine. As I close out my meditation, I gently remind myself of these commitments. For example, I might say, "I honor the little girl inside who expects disappointment. We are okay. I choose to let go of disappointment, trusting in the meaningfulness of whatever unfolds. I welcome all the beautiful moments, pausing to receive the beauty life presents."

This personal approach to setting and maintaining intentions has been transformative, allowing me to navigate life with more grace and positivity.

Here's how you might consider bringing intention setting into your own life:

Releasing What No Longer Serves Us The journey of letting go begins with a deep dive into self-awareness. It's about developing the maturity to objectively examine our own habits, beliefs, and patterns. This introspective process requires us to step back and view our lives through a meta-lens, asking ourselves hard questions about what truly serves our growth and what doesn't.

This level of honesty can be challenging as it often involves confronting aspects of ourselves that we may have ignored or justified for years. It's about recognizing the narratives we've clung to and understanding how they've shaped our decisions and relationships. For example, a belief rooted in past experiences might lead us to approach new situations with apprehension or doubt, limiting our potential to fully engage with life's opportunities.

The beauty of this self-examination is that it empowers us to take control of our narrative. By identifying and acknowledging these limiting beliefs and habits, we can actively work to dismantle them. This doesn't mean disregarding our past experiences but rather understanding their context and choosing to move forward with a renewed mindset.

As we cultivate this self-awareness, we create space for transformation. This space allows us to let go of the old, making room for new experiences and perspectives that align more closely with our current values and goals. It's a dynamic process of shedding and evolving, one that continually guides us towards a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Welcoming New Aspirations With space created by letting go, we can focus on what we wish to attract into our lives. This might include new opportunities, relationships, or personal achievements. Setting clear and specific goals is vital, whether it's learning a new skill, improving health, or achieving professional milestones.

Maintaining the Good Already Present An often-overlooked aspect of intention setting is recognizing and maintaining the positive elements already present in our lives. Practices like daily gratitude journaling or setting intentions to continue beneficial routines and relationships help in nurturing these positives.

Extending Intentions Beyond Ourselves As we become more intentional in our lives, we can extend this practice to set intentions for our family, community, or the world. This might include intentions for their health, happiness, and success, or broader issues like peace, environmental sustainability, or social justice. It's about thinking how our personal actions can contribute to these larger goals.

Conclusion: Personal intention setting is a dynamic and transformative practice that not only enhances our own lives but can also positively influence those around us. By consciously choosing what we release, receive, and maintain, we pave the way for a fulfilling life. Additionally, extending our intentions to our family, community, and the world allows us to contribute to a larger narrative of growth and positive change. As we embark on this journey, let's embrace the power of our intentions to shape not just our destiny, but also the world we inhabit.

A Call to ACTION! Embrace Transformation and Join the SOULignment Women's Retreat (December 14-20, 2023) As we explore the power of intention setting and personal growth, I invite you to a transformative experience that embodies these principles. The SOULignment women's retreat, happening in just under a month, is an opportunity not to be missed. Flights are still available and affordable, making this an accessible journey for all women committed to service and self-renewal.

Our retreat begins with an immersive experience in the stunning Gandoca-Manzanillo National Park. Imagine a morning guided nature walk, where the lush jungle meets the serene beach, setting the stage for introspection and connection with nature. This is more than just a walk; it's a journey into the heart of the earth's beauty and a chance to align with your inner self.

In the afternoon, we honor the indigenous heritage of this land with a heart-opening BriBri-led Cacao Ceremony. This will be a time of song, stories, and cultural sharing that promises to deepen your understanding and connection to the world around you.

The SOULignment retreat is open to all women committed to service (of any kind) who are ready to release trauma, limiting beliefs, or patterns -- and let go of exhaustion! It's for those who seek to serve from a place of fullness and vibrancy. Whether you are considering this for yourself or someone you love, this retreat offers a space to heal, grow, and transform.

Additionally, by contributing to the Amistar Foundation, you can help provide retreat and coaching scholarships to veterans and others healing from trauma. Your support can make a significant difference in someone's journey towards healing and service.

For more information and to register for the retreat, visit the SOULignment info website. To learn more about Amistar Foundation and how you can contribute, visit www.AmistarFoundation.org. This is more than a retreat; it's a step towards a more fulfilled, service-oriented life. I look forward to welcoming you on this journey of self-discovery and communal healing!