Once again the Holiday Season has come and gone and January, the first month of this brand new year 2009 is almost gone too.
Are you moving towards the intentions you set out a month ago? Many folks are feeling blue and some are feeling down right depressed because the Christmas hype did not live up to their expectations. The higher the phony build up for folks at that time of year, the further down they come afterwards.
Too many people are led to believe that the Holiday Season is the only time of year to celebrate life rather then focusing on the amazing possibilities of each and every day and therefore the importance to set their intentions accordingly.
This is much in part, due to popular media. Society quickly gets caught up in the hype of shopping, over spending, baking, over eating, and sleepless nights so that when day-to-day reality hits - it hits hard.
People frequently start the New Year in debt, and feeling too heavy and lethargic, rather than feeling energized, rejoicing and ready to embark on the 12 new months that lie ahead.
Also, this is when many well-intentioned individuals choose to make quick and not necessarily thought out, resolutions. These generally fall into the category of improving their health and habits.
Studies clearly show that the majority of resolutions are broken within the first few days and certainly within the first month or two. A sure sign of this are the gym memberships that increase in January and the packed facilities, yet come February and March numbers go way down.
Not everyone falls prey to this quick fix mentality and the need to make drastic changes. Many inspired individuals choose December as a time to reflect upon their year in a more holistic manner and reset their life course by fine tuning their habits and making minor adjustments.
Minor adjustments when consistently applied can bring about major changes. These people choose to come from a place of Intention rather than Resolutions.
A resolution would sound like: I will quit smoking. I will lose 10 pounds. An intention would sound like: I intend to breathe more easily. My clothes will fit better.
We have all seen planes that are flying in the sky. 97% of the time they are off course and yet, they are headed in the right direction. With minor adjustments they land at their desired destination. Pilots know that there is no need to beat themselves up internally for being off course, they just need to keep their mind and intent focused on their destination, make consistent minor changes and voilà the end result - we arrive safely, in good time and where we want to (assuming mother nature didn't have other plans).
There is a fabulous book on the topic of Intentions, written by Dr. Wayne Dyer - The Power of Intention - a most worthwhile read.
Those who come from a place of Intention reflect and decide what kind of person they want to BE, in order to do what they want to DO, to eventually achieve what they want to HAVE.
Who we currently are is mostly composed of whom we have spent our time with, what we have spent our time doing, what we have read, what we have watched on TV and what we believe. But who we can be, that's a matter of imagination, desire, and commitment.
"The longest journey you will ever take is the 18 inches from your head to your heart." A. Bennett
Individuals coming from a place of Intention frequently make a conscious effort to improve their interactions with others in order to develop more harmonious relationships. They take the time to decide what they will learn in the months to come and challenge themselves to GROW. They seek out role models and mentors (people or books) - those that have been where they want to go so that they can learn faster and more efficiently. They look for new opportunities and are willing to step out of their comfort zone and simply DO. These individuals determine for themselves what they are strongly committed to that will in turn determine where they will contribute and focus their time, talent or finances.
People who operate from a place of Intention are not better than anyone else - they simply have created an overall plan, one that incorporates the emotional, physical, spiritual and financial components, and choose to consciously execute their plan.
They have learned that because we are holistic beings, knowing what you stand for and where you are going always facilitates any decision making - because the options in front of you either support your chosen path or they do not support you. Results then flow from your choices.
As time goes by, you can make minor adjustments when you get temporarily off course. Reality is that we all get off course. It is not a problem unless we fail to recognize it or that we fail to get back on course.
By now, some of you might be thinking:
It is just too hard to change.
What is the use of trying?
I have tried before and it didn't work.
Doing guilt and regret will only continue to hold you back. If contemplating and planning in regards to what you would like to BE, DO and Have is new to you, start with small steps and celebrate each of your accomplishments. Personal growth and transformation takes time and persistence.
Remember small things done consistently, over time will yield big changes. Recently it was pointed out to me that we tend to overestimate what we can do in a year, and completely underestimate what we can do in 5 years. Therefore at the end of a year we often get discouraged because we did not accomplish everything we wanted to. We feel we need to revamp everything, start over or give up, because it supposedly has not worked. Yet, we may have made significant progress in one or more areas. What we need to do is build upon our accomplishments and continue onwards and upwards. Studies have also shown that 99% of the people give up on their goal when they have done 99% of the hardest work. Isn't that a sad fact!
In summary, here are a few ideas to help you get February -started well and increase your personal empowerment.
1. Take some quiet time and reflect upon this past month. Some possible starting points would be:
What went well?
What did I accomplish?
What am I grateful for?
What would I like to improve about my situation?
2. Decide on one thing that you intend to BE more of, and one or more habits you intend to implement. Write out your plan and keep it simple so that you stick to it. Keep track of your progress by keeping a journal and keep yourself accountable. Be in Joy, and celebrate all your manifested intentions, big or small.
"We all have many gifts that we've never opened. It's time to open some of yours.
Find your wings! "Dan Zadra
Warmest regards
Your BraveHeart Friend
Lynette Chartier
Manifesting Formula
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