Curious and Creative

Category: embrace intention

  • Embrace Intention

    1/1/2026

    Do you make resolutions each year? I once did, but not anymore. I am not a resolution person. For the last few years, I chose a theme word for the year, but often, by March, I often forget what it was. In 2026, I am taking a different approach. I am embracing intention.

    What does this mean? According to Calm.com, to “embrace intention” means to consciously choose your focus, values, and way of being in life, rather than drifting. Furthermore, embracing intention is about defining how you want to experience things (like being present or patient) and aligning your actions with those desired qualities for a more purposeful, fulfilling existence, often through self-reflection and small, focused steps.

    “When you live consciously, you live a life that is true to who you are and aligned with what you value most.” — Unknown

    What is the difference between intentions and resolutions?  In an article on Epic Cheerleader, Intentions are defined as processed-oriented for an overall journey. Intentions are flexible, adaptive, continual, and ongoing. Intentions are focused on personal growth and experience. Whereas, resolutions are outcome oriented with specific goals. Resolutions are often rigid and specific; typically, short-term, or yearly.

    Blogger Jennifer Collins wrote for new year to shift your mindset away from “resolutions” and focus on setting intentions. It is a different way to approach the new year with a sense of positivity and purpose. Instead of focusing on only outcome, intentions can serve as a guiding framework for a way to live.

    Calm.com editorial staff wrote that setting intentions is more than just a self-help trend. It can be a transformative practice that influences how we navigate our daily lives. Intentions are rooted in our deepest desires and values, shaping the quality of our experiences rather than just the outcomes.

    Setting intentions is about asking yourself question like, “How do I want to live?” “What qualities do I want to have?”, or “How do I want to relate to other people?”

    “Intentional living is the art of making our own choices before others’ choices make us.” — Richie Norton

    In the past, I drifted, often being led by my anxiety and fear that held me back. In the last year writing this blog, I have discovered what I value. I value quality, deep, rich connections, those connections require commitment. One of those relationships is one I have with myself. I have not always been kind to myself, I have admitted as such in a few of my blog posts.

    I see embracing intentions as big-picture thinking. Once you embrace intentions, you can align your actions with a broader life purpose and priorities. This is an ongoing process that can help you focus on achieving long-term objectives. Focus is on the path in your life journey not just on outcomes of short-term goals.

    This process can shift your mindset from worry to enjoyment, curiosity, creativity and much more. Here are few examples of mindful intentions that could be made:

    • I express my thoughts and feelings with honesty.
    • I make a conscious effort to recognize and meet my physical, emotional, and mental needs.
    • I place trust in my intuition and my emotions.
    • I embrace uplifting opportunities.

    Check out https://www.calm.com/blog/setting-intentions

    It is important to be clear in what you want, focus on the positive, keep it simple, align your actions with your intentions, state your intentions often, and seek support and community. Who knows if you might find community groups with similar intentions? Consider joining them as it could be motivating and enriching.

    Big things are happening in 2026. Today, I celebrate the one-year anniversary of my blog Curious and Creative. My first blog post was “Curiosity is A Vital Cognitive Tool, Nurture it” on January 1, 2025. This is when I fell back in love with writing. I did not realize how much I missed it.

    In March, I celebrate my 59th birthday. This is the last year of my sixth decade. What is big about 59? My instincts are telling me that curiosity is going to play a big role in my life. As we come up to being in our house 29 years this April, we begin a house renovation of adding a full dormer to our cape cod home with a second bathroom. Woohoo!  I am so looking forward to that change.

    Here are some of my intentions for 2026:

    • Practice patience; particularly with myself.
    • Be kind to myself and forgive myself.
    • Practice gratitude and positivity.
    • Dance like no one is watching more often.
    • Meet new people. Connect with others and learn more about their lives.
    • Write often.
    • Dive back into photography as a meditation practice.
    • Be curious. Explore new topics like intentional living. Learn more and read more.
    • Build my blog as a platform for connection, support, and advocacy.

    Eleanor Roosevelt once said that “Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.”

    Resources:

    Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik. Retrieved on 1/1/2026 from https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/healthy-woman-cartoon-self-care-illustration-vector_20346324.htm

    Bibby, T.” Purposeful 2025: How to Align Your Goals and Intention s for a Meaningful New Year.” 12/10/2024. Retrieved on 1/1/2026 from https://medium.com/@abibbygirlsguidetolife/purposeful-2025-how-to-align-your-goals-and-intentions-for-a-meaningful-new-year-f1d013a2c5a8

    Collins, Jennifer. “How to Set Meaningful Intentions for 2025: Embrace Positivity, Growth, and Purpose.” 12/31/2024. Retrieved on 12/31/2025 from https://www.yourebbflow.com/post/how-to-set-meaningful-intentions-for-2025-embrace-positivity-growth-and-purpose

    Editorial Staff. “Setting Intentions.” Retrieved on 12/28/2025 from https://www.calm.com/blog/setting-intentions

    Epic Cheerleader. “The Ultimate Guide for Setting Intentions for 2025.”

    Editorial Team and Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA. “The Power of Setting Intentions & How to Set Mindful Ones.”

    Gerber, Carl (aka Kristopher Raphael) “The Secret to Intentional Living-Embrace the “I Am” Power.” 6/22/2024. Retrieved on 12/28/2025 from https://medium.com/new-earth-consciousness/the-secret-to-intentional-living-embrace-the-i-am-power-bb260df3cf18

    Luanna. “Embrace Intentions, Not Resolutions: How to Have a Purposeful New Year.” Retrieved on 12/28/2025 from https://www.yourawellness.com/blog/embrace-intentions