Every new year we start with Intention. A determination or resolve to act in a certain way. A deliberate purpose, designed, determined, carefully created with an aim to attain or accomplish an objective or goal.
I know resolutions are hard to keep and goals keep growing. That is not what I am inviting from you. Let’s think about it differently. I am inviting and encouraging you to choose a theme for the year, one infused with intention, that you reset, restart, and renew every month from small acts that together form a whole greater than the sum of parts.
First, let us take a moment to ponder, the word intention, as it struck me with new fascination since exploring some other ‘in’ words. Think of what it means to take care of yourself. Self love, self care, but without the turbulence of the word self, so let us call it Inner Love, Inner Care. Inner Care that comes from turning towards and listening to the core wisdom, values, beliefs that have us act for our best purpose. Follow me a bit deeper as we honour the existence of this sacred inner knowing- where we recognise our deep roots of stability and independence. Not independence in the way our society teaches – a refusal of others’ help or presence, or having to prove oneself capable separate from others, no, that is not what independence means. Hear it as in-dependence, meaning it is from the inside, from within, that we turn to, trust and build upon. Consider what it is to lean into this place deep in ourselves, to be aware of a place where we can be still and contemplate with action. There we find honesty, authenticity, integrity and with practice also peace.
In dependence is where we hear our intentions.
Intention. Let us better understand the component parts of this powerful word.
In. A place, a way. Into. Within. Inside.
Tend. To stretch. To hold. To offer. To care. Intend. Attend. Extend.
Tion. The act of to become. Creation. Devotion. Question. Action. Celebration.
Let’s put in-tend-tion back together.
A place to hold, offer and care as a way of becoming.
The act of stretching and offering what is within.
In this new year, let us create the intention of holding our in-dependence and inner care as guides for year’s theme. Do this by settling yourself within, attending to any barriers (whatever they may be, we can address them through the year) and reflect on how you want to love and respect yourself this year. Choose any word that pulses energy for you. What does this theme make possible in your life? What invitation is it offering? Who does this theme ask you to be? How do you feel? All the ideas and feelings that come to mind become the monthly dedications for you to set intention upon.
Ex. If HEALTH is your 2026 word and theme, subthemes and acts can include: Sleep, Exercise, Friendships, Nutrition…
If WONDER is your 2026 word and theme, monthly resets, restarts and renewals and can include: Curiosity, Nature, Awe, Memories, Childlike, Diversity, Unknown, Ponder, Surprise, Gratitude, etc. as monthly awareness and actions.
This is my invitation for you this new year. May your theme be with you every day, post it on your mirror or computer, use it as your password, see it and its complimentary actions having a role to remind you to play, to be who you are and expand what is possible by the simple but profound acts of holding and extending the radiance of what is inside you.
Ever believing in you,
Maria