My Word for 2021: Intention- Watch What Happens When You Do
We’re well into 2021 and honestly, between COVID-fatigue, continued work from home, running the SABA Foundation, MassMutual’s pro bono committee and serving as a Commissioner for Cambridge’s Commission on the Status of Women, and kids’ school (remote and in-person) and activities, it’s been overwhelming to say the least. I am a little behind on setting my New Year’s Intention as I’ve done these past few years. I recently received a sweet social media inquiry asking what my word was for 2021 (this post is for you Kevin!). As I’ve tried to do these past few months and as we enter the very long month of March, there is no better word for me this year than the very idea that I am trying to do with this exercise- INTENTION.
Dictionary.com defines “intention” as “an act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result.” It’s the pre-work before the work. It’s the thought and energy you put into something before doing it. It’s willing the thought that you have into existence, willing something to happen The “willing” part is the intention of what I speak.
Recently, I was talking to an impressive female leader at a major company and we were chatting about my future career plans. She said something that struck a chord- “put your intention out there”.
Be bold and courageous and let people know what you intend. And watch what happens when you do.
I’ve taken this advice to heart and have started to do this with other areas of my life. Oprah has a Super Soul Conversation dedicated to Intention that is worth listening to and in it, there are many nuggets of wisdom. She writes on her website, “So if you want more love in your life, set your intention to be more loving. If you seek kindness, focus your energy on empathy and compassion. Conversely, if you wonder why there are so many angry people in your life, look no further than the resentment you hold in your own heart.”
2021 for me is about being intentional with my thoughts, feelings and actions. This year is about being clear about my intentions and doing everything I can to will these intentions to happen. I hope that with positivity, hope and self-love, I can watch what happens when I put my true intentions out to the universe. Happy 2021 all!