An intention is idea that you plan (or intend) to carry out. If you mean something, it’s an intention.

Your goal, purpose, or aim is your intention. It’s something you mean to do, whether you pull it off or not. You may have the best intention of cooking an incredible meal, but if you leave the burner on and burn the house down, you will not be remembered as an excellent chef. When a father asks his daughter’s boyfriend “What are your intentions?” that means something specific: Does he want to marry her?

So I’ve blogged once or twice about my friend Jeri. What I love about Jeri.  She’s not your typical New Year’s Resolution kind of gal.  She get’s the trap.  I’ll lose 50 pounds, or I’ll save a million dollars… you know the things we all resolve to do that somehow or other seem to disappear somewhere into a great abyss between January 1st and maybe if we’re lucky March say… 14th?  So what Jeri has been doing, for several years now is  “one little word.”  One little word is exactly what it says.  She’ll pick a word and for the next year, she’ll explore that word and how it relates to her life and how she lives and how that word lives in her.  Last year, Jeri’s word was Joy.  As I figure out my new dashboard, I’ll get you a link to Jeri’s blog, because man, it’s just good, and I think EVERYONE should take time to read it.  It’s that good.

Anyhow, I am the girl that does get it the New Year’s Resolution trap, and for years I’ve made them, and for years, I’ve broken them.  Sure, sometimes I’ve manage to keep them or somewhat keep them, but more than not I’ve fallen short.  That provoked some serious soul searching for me this year.  I hate falling short.  I hate falling, and more than that, I hate the feeling of failing.  I understand that the failure is necessary for growth, but what I really don’t understand is why, I would INTENTIONALLY set myself up for failure.  How stupid is that?  So this year, I am embracing Jeri’s concept of One Little Word.  And… my one little year for 2014 is INTENTION.   I think it is far more important to focus on the intention of where we are going versus the final destination of getting there.  What steps are necessary to get me closer to the goal of running a half marathon? 1000 miles? getting a degree? a more fulfilled marriage?  a more successful business with those I work with?  I think if I just stop, just put some intention to what it takes to make the journey happen I’ll be much more satisfied with the result, and perhaps, I won’t feel quite the sting of failure of defeat.  So please stay tuned.  With Jeri’s help I’ll be improving on my site, and maybe you’ll find something that makes a little sense to you or inspires you.  I hope so.  That’s my intent.