This week’s big idea: Intentionality is key when it comes to designing the life of your dreams

Last week I talked about remaining present and sitting in gratitude for all that we have. And while this week’s big idea may seem counterintuitive to that, I assure you it’s not.

Balance is important in all things. And in this instance the same holds true. While it’s important to remain present and not obsess over the past or the future, it is also important to consider that future and give it the intention, planning, and attention that it deserves.

Because if we fail to define and plan for our desired futures, we will be forced to accept whatever the universe decides to give us.

And that could be anything! So why would you risk it and leave everything to chance?

There are a million resources out there for goal setting and at this time of year they all start flooding our inboxes and our social media timelines, but I want to share my favorite free resource with you because I think it focuses on all the right things.

YearCompass

YearCompass is a free downloadable booklet that helps you reflect on the year and plan the next one. With a set of carefully selected questions and exercises, YearCompass helps you uncover your own patterns and design the ideal year for yourself.

You may download an editable PDF to fill in digitally or you can print a copy to fill in with a pen. (I’ve done both methods.)

Why I love it

Traditional goal setting tends to be hyper focused on goals and the tasks required to achieve those goals. They often don’t focus enough on reflecting on the year behind us or leaning into how we want to feel (vs what we want to achieve).

I love that the first half of YearCompass is focused on the past year, with questions/prompts like:

• What was the biggest surprise of the year?
• What was the wisest decision I made?
• What was the most important thing I did for others?
• What was the best thing I discovered about myself?

In a nutshell, YearCompass feels more like a mini-journalling and reflective exercise than a goal setting exercise.

I usually download it it at the beginning of December and take the entire month to finish it, meditating on some questions before writing anything down.

Get your copy here. And if you want to chat about it, you know where to find me!

Fast Five

📚 Book(s) I’m reading:

Non-Fiction: ‘The Circle: How the Power of a Single Wish Can Change Your Life’ by Laura Day

I’ve really struggled to get into any reading this week. Instead, I’ve been listening to a lot more music. The Circle is always on rotation though, and I highly recommend it if you’re into manifestation or believe in the power of positive thinking.

💭 Quote/Idea I’m thinking about:

Last week’s big idea—being present—has me thinking about surrendering my need to plan and control everything. I’ve been better at it in some areas of my life than others, but I’m challenging myself going into the new year to relax a bit more and let serendipity do its job.

🎶 Song(s) I have on repeat:

‘This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)’ – Natalie Cole

I still have my favorite Christmas albums and playlists on repeat, but I’ve been listening to this one A LOT over the past week. And it’s almost always accompanied by an endless feel-good living room dance party for one.

Am I channeling/manifesting/nudging the universe to grant me this desire? Who knows? Stay tuned 🙂

🧶 Thing(s) I’m making/trying:

The only thing of note I made this week was sorrel.

In preparation for Christmas dinner that I will be hosting this year, I’ve made sorrel and plan to attempt my mother’s Christmas cake recipe for the first time ever. Send prayers please!

🙌🏾 Thing I’m grateful for from the past week:

Got some really good news and got to spend time with friends.

Until next Sunday!

Love and light,
Anna