“LOOK! A SQUIRREL!”
Did you look?
Like most creative people, I’m very easily distracted and suffer from what I like to call “Look…A squirrel!” syndrome. My attention wanders off with every little noise or email or phone call that comes my way. I’ve learned that I have to set goals and intentions every day to help me stay on track and focused.
My morning routine consists of a cup of coffee (first I drink the coffee, then I do the things;), meditation, a positive attitude, and a PLAN.
I write my to-do list in my bullet journal so I know what I need to accomplish and then (here’s where it gets fun) I set my intentions for the day. I focus my intentions on how I want to feel because, just like making plans for what I want to do, planning how I want to feel helps me to take charge of my day on an emotional or spiritual level. Setting intentions helps me relax so that I can be more creative, happy, and productive.
If you are new to meditation or intention setting, I encourage you to give both a try! It is actually really simple. Try not to overthink it or get too caught up in deciding what your intention “should” be. (“Shoulds” are dangerous, my friend!) Instead, open your mind and your heart, tune in, and listen to what really matters to you and then focus on living your life accordingly.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Do you want your day to be joyful? Here is a secret: YOU GET TO DECIDE! Let me show you what I mean.” quote=”Do you want your day to be joyful? Here is a secret: YOU GET TO DECIDE! Let me show you what I mean.”]
If you don’t know where to start or need some ideas, here is a list with some of my favorites you can use for inspiration in all of the crafts included in this post.
The good news is, there is no right or wrong way to do this. Intention setting is simply a way to decide how you want to “be” and then keeping that idea top of mind throughout the day, aka “setting” your intention by focusing on it throughout the day. Some people set intentions by saying a prayer, repeating a phrase or mantra, or writing in a journal.
Here are five creative, simple, and fun ways I have found to set my intention along with easy instructions for each.
# 1. INTENTION ROCKS:
SUPPLIES:
+ A collection of smooth rocks that are about the size of the palm of your hand
+ A sharpie (any color you would like)
+ A glass vase or any small decorative container you have available
“You Can Do This” ACTION STEPS:
1. Go on a meditative walk and keep your eyes open for some small smooth rocks that are suitable for writing on. Pick them up and bring them home to use in your craft project.
2. Use a sharpie to write some of your favorite daily intentions on your rocks. You can let it be really simple or get creative and paint or decorate your rocks elaborately if you want. It’s totally up to you:)
3. Once you have a collection of “intention rocks” completed, stack them in your container. Each day reach in and select one. If your chosen rock seems appropriate for how you want to feel, display it in front of the vase or container as a decorative reminder.
# 2. INTENTION “RECIPE” BOX:
SUPPLIES:
+ A recipe box or any small box that you would like to decorate or use
+ Notecards or cut paper
+ Markers, colored pencils, stamps
“You Can Do This” ACTION STEPS:
1. Find or purchase a small box (a recipe box is perfect) to store a collection of intention “recipes”. The box I’m using actually used to belong to my mother in law, but you can find one at a garage sale, goodwill, or even your local dollar store.
2. Use note cards or cut paper to the size of your box. Gather your colored pencils, pens, stamps or whatever other materials you would like to include on your intention recipes.
3. Start making cards by writing your intention along with whatever that intention means to you and actions you can take to integrate it into your life. You are in charge here, so be creative and have fun.
4. Save your cards to reflect on and add to later. Eventually, you will have a whole box full of creative ways to make your days happier and more intentional. Go you!
# 3. INTENTION CHALKBOARD:
SUPPLIES:
+ A small decorative chalkboard from your local craft or department store
+ Chalk or chalk markers
“You Can Do This” ACTION STEPS:
1. Simply write your intention each day on your chalkboard and display it somewhere you can see it. Easy peasy!
# 4. INTENTION WALL ART:
SUPPLIES:
+ Piece of scrap wood or stretched canvas
+ Pencil, pen, or charcoal stick to write your intention on your surface
+ Acrylic paints and brushes
“You Can Do This” ACTION STEPS:
1. Use your pencil, pen, or charcoal to write out whatever intention you wish onto your surface. Go all the way out to the edges of your block or canvas with your lines so that you create shapes from the letters.
2. Select three colors to create your artwork.
3. Paint in the shapes you’ve created with acrylic paint. Concentrate more on the shape than on the letter itself.
4. When you’re done painting in the letters, you will have a cute and colorful piece of abstract art to hang or display. You can add paint to the sides or put it in a frame if you really want to finish it off. It’s up to you how to complete your Intention Art. Nice!
# 5. INTENTION COLORING/ JOURNAL PAGE:
SUPPLIES:
+ Coloring book or printable coloring/ journal page
+ Colored pencils, crayons, or markers.
I hope you find these crafts inspiring, helpful, and fun! I’d love to see your finished projects, so if you make something you love please post it on social media, tag it with the hashtag #craftedwithbonnielecatdesigns. If you try this project and want to share your thoughts, please let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for creating with me!
Carole Carlson says
Bonnie,
This is just a delightful post. Thank you for sharing all of these ideas.
Carole
Bonnie Lecat says
You’re so welcome, Carole 🙂
Shirley Scoble says
What a beautiful way to start your day. I set intentions quite often but had no thought of using them this way. I love your attitude!!!
Bonnie Lecat says
Thank you, Shirley 🙂 Yes, it really does make your intentions more powerful, and any way I can sneak an art project into my day, I will!!
Amanda Sue says
I love these ideas! I want to do all of them now. 😀 I love the rocks especially, because I’m a very tactile person, and I enjoy the feeling of holding a cool smooth stone.
Bonnie Lecat says
Thanks, Amanda! I totally agree about the rocks. Great point:)
Casey says
These are such great ways to set daily intentions! Thank you for sharing!
Bonnie Lecat says
You’re welcome, Casey!
Marti says
Loved reading this and the craft ideas, especially picking up rocks on a walk. Then painting the rocks with words of inspiration. I plan to do this on my next walk. Thank you!
Bonnie Lecat says
Thanks, Marti! Yes, I love this one, too:) So easy and looks cute, too!!
Anja says
I love this! We live in such a fast paced world and taking the time to do all these projects is the perfect way to be mindful!
Bonnie Lecat says
I totally agree, Anja! If we don’t take the time to stop and make decisions about how we want to feel each day, it’s way too easy to get pulled in a million directions and get off track. I hope you are able to try some of these projects! Keep me posted if you do 🙂
Lee Samsami Stein says
Cool ideas! Great reminders for starting the day on the good foot!
Bonnie Lecat says
Thanks, Lee! So glad you like them:)
Jennifer Dunbar says
I love everything about this! Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Bonnie Lecat says
That’s great to hear! You are very welcome!! So glad you enjoyed it:)