Summary: <a href="http://littlesprigs.com/setting-intention"></a><br> <a style="color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; padding: 10px; display: inline-block; background: #4a88b9;" href="https://littlesprigs.leadpages.co/leadbox/146613673f72a2%3A148096b1cb46dc/5718156383354880/" target="_blank"> Download this interview</a><br> At each turn of the New Year,<br> People make lists of how they want to shift their lives.<br> Lose weight, stop smoking, set a routine, and so on.<br> Why does it sometimes feel like it’s effortless to let negative habits creep up, but when we want to change them, or add a new healthy habit, it feels nearly impossible? <br> We need to understand that our subconscious mind is working towards surviving, not thriving.<br> It’s only concern is to keep us alive and it knows that whatever we did yesterday worked.<br> Our present consciousness craves the change but our subconscious resists out of fear.<br> When setting intentions for the New Year, or any time for that matter, we want to make sure they are not just ideas we have created with our minds.<br> To set ourselves up for success and move into the direction we want to go, we need to connect deeply with our hearts.<br> Don’t let it be something you think you “should” do.<br> In this episode, Mariah shares the process she takes herself through to ensure she is clear on her “what”, “why”, and “how” to set intentions that actually stick.<br> She begins with some journal writing on the areas she would like to review.<br> Some examples are:<br> <br> * Health<br> * Relationships<br> * Community<br> * Connection to Spirit<br> * Mothering<br> <br> If we look at the example of Mothering, you might ask yourself,<br> “How do I want to show up for my children?”<br><br> “What does that look like?”<br><br> “What does that feel like?”<br><br> “Do I need support for this and if so, from whom?”<br> Some Helpful Tips<br> Take the time to visualize your goal, to envision it already happening. Set up visual reminders.<br> This could be anything from a vision board, inspirational quotes on post its, or a simple stone that represents health and well being.<br> Ask yourself why this is important to you.<br> If this goal is accomplished, how would my life change? The life of my family?<br> What is it costing me to not make this shift?<br> Is this something I really want, or just something I think I should do?<br> Get an accountability partner, someone you love and trust that you can check in with about your goals.<br> This could be once a week through a phone call or meet up for coffee or a walk.<br> Offer each other empathy and support.<br> No judgement.<br> Focus on how you want your life to be, not what you don’t like. Frame your thoughts and plans with affirmative language.<br> For example, “I want to start eating more vegetables in my diet.” Instead of, “I want to stop eating so much sugar.”<br> Develop a Gratitude Practice.<br> You will be amazed at how different your day feels by taking 5 minutes each morning when you wake to take a few deep breaths and say 3 things you are grateful for.<br> Challenge yourself by coming up with 3 new things each day.<br> Habits are very hard to change! <br> Be gentle with yourself.<br> Move into them with curiosity and knowing that you will feel resistance.<br> Especially if you are shifting something that includes children.<br> Allow them to express their feelings about it and talk with them about why it is important.<br> The push back doesn’t mean it isn’t working. It is tempting to give up after a few weeks of difficulty.<br> Breath. Reassess. Meditate. Reconnect. Be Curious. Love.<br> All the best,<br> Christina<br>
