Free write around the word “intention” today.
On one hand, intention can be a beautiful focal point. We set an intention when we blow out a birthday candle. We set an intention when we begin a project. We set an intention when we start a new month or step onto a yoga mat or hang onto a certain word or idea that gives us focus or peace in some way.
On the other hand, there’s also the “well, that wasn’t my intention” use of the word (which makes my skin crawl, tbh). In that case, the speaker is asking for leniency, or gaslighting you, or saying hey, however you feel wronged is not correct because it’s nOt wHaT I iNtEnDeD. In this use, their intentions don’t matter; their actions do. After all, how many times have you heard “that wasn’t my intention” as a defense for racism, sexism, rudeness, harassment, and so forth? I know I certainly have. It’s a piss-poor stand-in for a heartfelt apology because it’s not one.
What version of intention is speaking to you today? Write about that. Let’s go.
While you’re here, it is my intention to tell you about a project of mine: After doing something similar 1:1 with folks for years, I created The Seen AF Method, a 6-month hybrid (course + weekly group Zoom sessions) framework to help people doing creative work build momentum, and feel clear, good and safe about being SEEN doing their creative work.
Learn more about the whole thing here, and/or book a chat with me about it here to see if it’s a good fit for the era you’re in right now.
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