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2021 Intention Journaling: One Word
December 31, 2020
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Every year I spend the week between Christmas & New Years doing some self-reflection and journaling. Looking back at where I’ve come in the last 12 months. What worked and what didn’t. What I would do differently. How I felt and why.
After looking back, it’s time to look forward. Where do I want to be in the coming year and how I’m going to get there? I’m not good at real goal setting, it’s all too overwhelming for me and I feel so much guilt for not checking every box. So, for nearly a decade, instead of guilt I’ve chosen one word as a goal or intention for the coming year. Some years I shared my word here on the blog, others felt a little too personal.
As I’ve pondered over 2020 and all the mayhem it unleashed in my life, I had an idea for a journal prompt. One thing I realized in the chaos of 2020 is that creativity keeps my fire lit. And, journaling has helped me mentally process some of the trauma. So, when the idea struck to combine the two, I ran with it and created a couple of free printables that I hope will help you find your word and set your intention for 2021 if you’d like to give it a try.
Intention Brainstorm
The first printable is a brainstorming worksheet. Write down any and every word or phrase that sparks curiosity, emotion, or interest.
After you’ve exhausted your words, go back over what you’ve written, and circle the words that stand out or speak to you. Look at those circled words, do you notice a pattern? Are they similar? What are they telling you? Once you’ve given it some thought, choose the 3 words that speak to you the most and write them down in the box at the bottom of the page.
Here are some words to get your mind going:
- magic
- joy
- adventure
- breathe
- grow
- prosper
- abundance
- grateful
- mindful
- simplify
- slow
- connect
- authentic
- commit
- believe
- align
- encourage
- bridge
- learn
- vulnerable
- flow
- focus
- comfort
- give
- rise
- harmony
- happy
- fearless
- passion
- deliberate
- trust
- persistent
- play
- bloom
- thrive
- calm
- cultivate
- build
- enlighten
- give
- pause
- listen
- flourish
- purpose
- peace
- wonder
- embrace
- limitless
- hope
- dream
- imagine
- forgive
- live
- boundaries
- balance
- faith
- order
- shine
- whole
- heal
Reflection
Now it’s time to do some reflection.
What do you wish most for yourself in the next 12 months? What would you like to learn, overcome, experience, change, develop? Do you know your why? And how are you going to do it? What does this season, adventure… this period of growth look like to you?
Once you’ve established that, look at those 3 words you listed, and see what jumps out at you. What sums up or names that story? That’s your word. Your intention for 2021.
In January of 2020, I chose the word LIVE. I had no clue why. Then in March, the world and my life came to a complete halt. My youngest daughter was in the hospital, then diagnosed with MPGN. The pandemic hit. Everything turned completely upside down and living took on a whole new meaning.
All these months later, I’m finally feeling a bit more at peace with this new life we live. It’s been a season of learning, that’s for sure. Learning about kidneys, the immune system, healing, how to let go of the past, and how to move forward. But now it’s time to start the doing. This is my year to find my rhythm. I’m not sure how to explain it deeper than that, or if I even want to. My heart and feelings are tender, and that’s ok.
Rhythm
There is a rhythm in things. A heartbeat. Waves in the ocean. The stretch of trees as they drink in the sky, and the song of raindrops on your window while you listen for your place in it all.
StoryPeople
I don’t know what 2021 holds, but I have faith that amazing things are going to happen. Despite COVID and kidneys, and so much uncertainty, I still choose to see the beauty and joy in living. This year has been a doozy. If you’re struggling, please give yourself some grace. Stretching and growing is painful. You are still worthy. Good things are waiting just around the corner.
Wishing you a Happy New Year, full of growth and healing, wonder, light, and magic.
Much love,
Missy
THESE. ARE. AWESOME! Sooo cute and stylish AND perfectly set up for optimal intention setting. Your ques are so what I needed!!!!! I am sooooo stoked!!!!!