We’re almost at the end of the first month of 2021. So far, this year has been interesting, to say the least, but I’ve been doing my best to focus on the positives.

At the end of every year, I usually do a self-reflection to see how far I’ve come and the lessons I’ve learned, and what I need to work on for the upcoming year. Like most of you, I tend to come up with a Mantra or pick a word for the year. The purpose of me doing this is to serve as motivation to ensure that I’m on my A-game. I’ve had quotes that inspired me, words, and sometimes it could be a scripture. Now, let me just say I do a very good job at talking the talk, but I sometimes fall short when it comes to walking the walk or putting actions behind my words. I’ve had times when the first quarter of the year I would be on my A-game, and then I’d fall off. Life happens, but it takes discipline, which ironically was one of my words a couple of years ago.

As I sat and reflected on the kind of year that 2020 was, I realized that I needed to be more intentional with everything in my life. In my 2020 year in review post, I got emotional when writing it because I realized that I accomplished a lot in the middle of a pandemic and one of the most challenging years. This is not to brag but to show me AND you that we need to be intentional when it comes to our lives and put our best foot forward.

Last year my words were Commitment and Consistency. I did stay committed to most things but if I’m honest, I was not as consistent as I would’ve liked. However, after the year I’ve had, a small part of me didn’t feel the need to have a word or mantra for 2021, but I know that I have specific goals I want to achieve this year. This is why it’s important for me to have a mantra or word to serve as my guiding light. 

My friends, my 2021 word/ phrase of the year is: To Be Intentional.

I love to journal, and I’ve read and done enough research about the importance of manifesting and setting intentions. After the year I’ve had and the many challenges I’ve endured in the past, I’m making it my mission to be intentional this year.

According to dictionary.com, the word intentional means done on purpose, deliberate.

I joke and tell those close to me that I’m going to be intentional even with which gas station I get gas from, lol. It may sound silly, but that’s how serious I am about setting intentions for my life and doing everything with the intent to have a positive outcome. This year I want to be more intentional about my Health and Wellness, what I post on this blog, social media.  I want to be intentional about the relationships I have and the ones I’ll make. I also want to ensure that I’m doing the things that I love and align with who I am in this current state of my life and the woman I’m becoming. I’m walking in my purpose and won’t be playing small. 

I’m working on leaning more into educating and empowering but ensuring that I’m having fun while doing so. The minute I’m not able to have fun or do things that are in alignment with my purpose is when there’ll be a bigger problem.  So I encourage you to give up the pressure to be perfect or to always be on. Take care of yourself and have fun in whatever you do. You should feel joy. Remember to be intentional in everything you do!

*cues Travis Greene intentional*

Do you have a word for the year? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.