Finding Your Joy

Each new year brings with it new opportunities as well as facing new challenges. I find it advantageous to spend time reflecting on what changes I want to make from last year and setting intentions on where I want to go over the next twelve months.

An intention is less firm than the typical new year resolution and allows more flexibility and adaptation. An intention is by definition 'a thing intended; an aim or a plan'. How do you go about setting an intention? Well, it is quite simple; get curious and begin to question yourself about what you want in your life? Choose what area of your life you want to improve. It could relate to love/relationship, work/career, personal growth or a soul purpose. Create a page for each theme if you are looking at more than one aspect of your life. Make two columns on your paper; the left side represents 'What You Do Not Want' with the right side representing the exact opposite and 'What You Do Want'. An example of what you might seek to boost your relationship on the do not want list could include: loneliness, lack of communication, disengaged and so on. Write the opposite of these feelings or emotions on the want side; that could look like belonging, open communication and connectedness. Emotions are the lamp posts that are supposed to light your way. It is the feeling that we are chasing within a relationship, job or activity.

Once you have listed the emotions you want to move toward you now have the basis for what you personally can work on; set your intention and then follow that through with an action. What can you currently do to bring yourself closer to what is on your want list? What makes you feel like you belong? How do you improve your communication skills within your relationship? What would make you feel more connected to your partner? When you question and find your answers you gain clarity for yourself. You step into your power and begin from wherever you are at. I find that when I get clear on the 'why' of what I want then the how of it falls right into place. If what I seek is connectedness, I would set an intention to make a conscious effort of purposely setting time aside to connect regularly with my partner or spouse. If I begin feeling more connected then I might also feel happier, more relaxed and better able to give of myself to others. You get the drift here, right?

Digging deep within yourself and accepting responsibility for your own wants, desired changes and happiness is a real growth process, but on the flip side the rewards are limitless. Besides getting to know yourself better you might just stumble on what sparks your interest, lights you up or a great joy that has been previously missing from your life!