If 2020 has taught us anything, it's this: We can only control what we can control.
In fact, recognizing what's within my control and what isn't has been a big part of maintaining as much sanity as possible as we've navigated such tumultuous, uncertain times.
Last week, as I read through my advanced copy of Christine Kane's new book, The Soul-Sourced Entrepreneur, I was reminded of one of the most powerful things I have in my toolbox, when it comes to things I can control...
My intentions.
I first learned about the power of intention and the practice of intention setting as I sat amongst hundreds of women at a Christine Kane retreat in Atlanta nearly 10 years ago.
I had gone from a corporate designer for Hefty to owning a successful design business, working with clients on design that marketed everything from wine to hotels and dog food to lightbulbs, and while I was empowered, I was exhausted.
I walked into that retreat not knowing how I could keep going on.
Within hours, my entire viewpoint had shifted...
And it had everything to do with the power of intention.
As someone who takes interest in so many different things, people, and ideas, my direction can become scattered and convoluted — and that's precisely where I found myself when I hit that breaking point, 10 years ago.
I had had very little formal business training, and was figuring out self-employment as I went. As I explored many different paths and fell down many different rabbit holes, I burnt myself out.
It was at that retreat that I learned how to come back to center — by staying conscious of what my intention was at the current moment, and whether or not my actions were getting me closer to that intention.
Intention setting has since become a powerful lifeline to my days, my weeks, and now, my years, helping me maintain clarity no matter how big or small my intention is.
Setting intentions helped me define my ideal design client: Businesses within the travel & tourism industry.
Setting intentions helped me bring painting back into the forefront of my life, focusing on using my art to bring light to my community and change the world.
Setting intentions gave me the confidence and ability to ask for help, to stay in my zone of genius; to form a team and let others do what they do best.
Setting intentions brought me to the South of France, surrounded by other artists as we learned the intricacies of painting plein air with my now artistic mentor, Lori Putnam.
Recognizing the power of intention, and persistently practicing the setting of intentions has changed my life.
As I've said before, none of us can know what's ahead, but focusing on our intentions can keep us present, standing in what we can control.
I needed to be reminded of this as we head into the winter of this devastating pandemic. Set your (imperfect) intentions. Let yourself discover what might be possible as we close out 2020 and embark upon a new year.
Intentions aren't rules. They are guideposts. Let yours light your path.
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P.S. I’m running a special in the shop from now until the end of 2020: All original paintings are 25% off. No limit. Light your walls with a painting, or gift one for someone you love. Just use the code INTENTION to see your discount auto-applied -- and pick up or delivery is free in the Rochester, NY region!