I’m an ENTP who’s nearly equal on the “E” and “I”, a Questioner with strong Rebel tendencies, a Starter/Opener, an Enneagram 6w7 or 7w6 (not quite sure yet) and a Leo with Sag rising. I’m a self-discovery junkie. Ok, that’s just a nicer way of saying I’m a self-help junkie. Neither of which are bad, in fact both are good and beneficial until they aren’t. If you’re anything like me going down these paths of exploration are exciting and illuminating. They seem to bring momentary fulfillment, but it’s all too easy to get caught in their trap. The trap of continually seeking answers outside one’s self (hello, enneagram 6!).

While they seem to resonate in the moment they never achieve full integration in daily life. Actually, that is the difference between self-discovery and self-help. Self-help is just that, seeking help from outer sources. Self-discovery, while it can be done through self-help, I believe is more the process of internal acknowledgement and awareness with integration. Sometimes we just have to stop looking around for the answers, signs or validation and look in. For some of us that comes naturally, but for many others, myself included, not so much.

When I first heard the idea of “intentional living” I thought YES! Then I laughed. What does that mean? Who doesn’t live intentionally? Then I stopped to think, again and really ponder that question. Are my actions and my words intentional? Am I just drifting through life? I do many things intentionally, but many others are just by products of going through the motions. I realized I need to stop, take a deep breath and observe my life and the life I created. That was it. Stop. Breath. Sloooooow down, woman! A constant reminder I need in my life.

I’ve made some very big intentional decisions in my adult life, but in this process I’ve discovered my real challenge has been with seeing things through. Or if I do, I kind of half ass it. Which, in principle, I am 100% against, but when my intention slips and focus wains it is the natural order of events. I’ve been using the #createalifeyoulove on my Instagram posts for quite a while now, and find it’s a good reminder for creating that intentional life. But creating it is only the first step, and while exhilarating and nerve racking all at the same time it’s not where the real reward lies.

For me perseverance isn’t about not giving up because something is tough. That’s not why I quit. I tend to change directions because I get bored. When I find something I’m interested in or make changes in my home and life, I’m all in 110%. I get a passion so intense about whatever it you best stay clear of my path or you might get run over! Not intentionally mind you. Yep, another good area to apply some intention. Yet, after some time my enthusiasm will wain and I’m ready for the next thing. So there’s my Starter/Opener. It’s okay, it’s part of who I am, but I can improve upon. Sometimes we need to partner with people who are Finishers/Closers to help us succeed and other times we need to persevere.

I love a good challenge. Hello, something new! I believe we grown the most in times of challenge whether the source is internal or external.

Now  I should also say that I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolution and that is not what this is. The “new year” for me is my birthday as I move into the next year of my life which is not fully dictated by the rollover of the calendar year. Goals. Resolutions. I find those two words kind of icky. Weird, maybe. But we are constantly inundated with 101 ways to make better goals, 32 ways to actually achieve your goals, 15 ways to keep your New Year’s resolutions and ultimately, 2,336 ways to ultimately make you feel inadequate and like a complete failure. No thanks! Now, I know there are people who love to make New Year’s resolutions and frequently set and keep their short term and long goals. I also know not all of us by nature have that drive or discipline, and there are a million more people somewhere in between. 

Maybe you could are argue that I’m playing semantics and that setting an intention is the same a making a resolution, but I disagree. Really, I’m not even setting an intention. That’s the beauty of having a word for inspiration. I’m setting my focus.

In 2018, my word was grace. I didn’t start the year with this word. It came to me around April when I was dealing with some very disappointing and unexpected challenges with a co-worker and someone I thought was my friend. Grace. I need to give that person and myself grace. Ironically they are the one who planted the seed for the word a month prior to our fall out, and later it became the middle name of his 4th child. God works in mysterious ways! This word became a point of focus for me throughout the year. Each time was overly harsh with myself or others – Grace. Remember to have grace. Remember to walk in grace. Remember offer grace. It was the first year I had a word of intent, a word to focus, and while I still faced struggles and certainly wasn’t perfect in my relationship with grace it helped. It helped me stop, breath and slow down. It helped me examine situations through a lens of grace bringing peace and comfort.

I hadn’t really considered coming with a new word or asking God or the Universe for one, but one was given to me. The idea for intentionally choosing a new word for the year had been brought into my thoughts through various posts on accounts I follow on Instagram (thanks Folk & Co.). I don’t even remember the exact situation now, but I remember having reached the point of ultimate frustration in not being able to get something done after several attempts and significant amount of time invested. I was chatting with my sister about it and she asked me “What is the Universe trying to tell you?” “It’s not meant to be so I should to give up and stop trying to make it happen” I said and laughed, but it was quickly followed with the thought that no, while that was one answer and maybe too often my interpretation of the Universe’s messages, the correct answer was to persevere. It was something that I had put a lot of value time and energy into and I wanted to bring it completion. The lesson was to persevere. There it was. All in that moment. Shortly thereafter, my mind, as it does, began examining all the ways that word applies and can be applied.

As the mother of a teen with high functioning autism I have persevered for years, but this year it will be with greater intention and attention.

As the mother of a pre-teen who struggles with anxiety and the challenges of having an older brother with ASD we will persevere with greater intention and attention to solutions that adequately meet and support his needs.

As a homeschooling mama I will persevere with greater intention and attention to find and implement new solutions as needed and overcome our struggles.

As a partner I will persevere with greater intention and attention to balance and harmony.

As a blogger and wellness advocate I will persevere with greater intention and attention to sharing my thoughts, message and encouragement.

As the CEO of a small company I will persevere with greater intention and attention to achieve our most successful year yet.

Have you ever used a word or phrase to keep you focused or help you get through challenging situations? Do you have one for 2019? If not, I suggest you give it a try. Come up with one or patiently observe what messages and lessons God maybe sending your way. Where do you feel you need to grow this year? If you have one, I’d love hear what it is and why so please leave me comment below.

We have the power to bring magic into your lives when you understand the power of our words and mindset.

Wishing you all the best in 2019!