Setting an Intention in the Midst of Challenges

As I sat down to write this blog, I couldn't help but reflect on recent events in my life that have highlighted the power of setting intentions. A couple of months ago now, my family and I went on a ski trip to Montana. It was a fun-filled adventure, but unfortunately, my daughter had a minor accident on the slopes and hurt her knee. She had an MRI done, and as we awaited the results, I was struck by her positive outlook and intention-setting mindset.

You see, we've always taught our children that in the face of challenges, it's important to acknowledge the facts. My daughter's knee was swollen, and she was in pain, but she didn't dwell on the negative possibilities. Instead, she set an intention in her mind that the injury was minor - just a sprain - and that everything would be okay. Her intention was focused on a positive outcome, and it brought her comfort during a stressful time. I was inspired by her attitude and reminded of how setting intentions can be a powerful tool in our lives. It's not about denying the facts or pretending that challenges don't exist. It's about choosing to focus on the positive possibilities and setting an intention for a desirable outcome, regardless of the circumstances.

In fact, I recently had to apply this mindset to my own situation. I've been dealing with acid reflux issues for years, and I finally decided to have an endoscopy to investigate further. As the procedure approached, I set an intention that the results would reveal something minor like just acid reflux and not cancer or an ulcer - a small shift in my lifestyle or a simple prescription - and that I would be okay. I thanked God for the opportunity to wake up each day, including the day of the procedure, and I chose to focus on the positive possibilities rather than dwell on the potential negative outcomes.I guess what: That was exactly what my endoscopy results were only acid reflux.

Setting intentions is not limited to specific situations; it's a mindset that can be applied in various aspects of our lives. Whether it's setting an intention for a successful date with a new acquaintance, improving a relationship with a family member, or navigating changes in the workplace, the power of intention-setting cannot be overstated. Even setting intentions for small daily tasks can result in positive results. I recently had an experience like this at Costco. I went there with the intention of picking up my cash rewards, I was told that my rewards had expired and I had to deal with some account complications, and after being told I would have to jump through some hoops to access any of the money I was owed, to my surprise, I received over $100 in cash from something else. It was a small but welcome surprise and delight, and it reminded me of the power of intentional thinking.

Setting intentions is not about wishful thinking or denying reality. It's about embracing positivity and proactively directing our thoughts and actions towards an outcome you would love. It's about taking control of our mindset and choosing to focus on the good, even in the midst of challenges or uncertainties.

Of course, setting intentions doesn't guarantee a specific outcome. Life is unpredictable, and we don't have control over anyone else or anything, except ourselves. However, by setting intentions, we are actively aligning our thoughts and actions with positive possibilities. We are creating a mindset that is conducive to resilience, hope, and growth. Setting intentions is not a one-time practice; it's an ongoing mindset that requires consistent effort and practice. It's about being aware of our thoughts and consciously choosing to shift our focus towards positive possibilities. It's about cultivating a mindset of positivity, even when things are tough.

So how can we incorporate intentional thinking into our daily lives? It starts with self-awareness. Pay attention to your thoughts and catch yourself when negative or limiting beliefs creep in. Challenge those thoughts and consciously replace them with positive intentions. For example, instead of dwelling on the potential negative outcomes of a situation, set an intention for a positive outcome and believe in it. It's also important to be mindful of the language we use. Instead of saying "I can't," try saying “I can” or "I will do my best." Instead of saying, "This is impossible," try saying “There’s a solution to this”. The words we use shape our mindset and beliefs, so choosing positive and empowering language can strengthen our intentions.

In conclusion, setting intentions is a powerful tool for embracing positivity in the face of challenges. It's about consciously choosing to focus on positive possibilities, aligning our thoughts and actions with our vision, and cultivating a mindset of resilience. It's not about denying reality or wishful thinking, but rather about proactively directing our mindset towards positivity. So, the next time you face a challenge or uncertainty, embrace the power of intentional thinking and watch how it transforms your mindset and ultimately your life.