Words can serve as a guiding light to help you reach new heights from a place of alignment.     Words can guide your decisions and actions, and impact “results” tremendously. Words are a TOOL for a mindful practice of exploration, growth, reflection, and intention setting are powerful, and to some degree, science backed practices.   Why Words? Language is powerful  Words have tone and energy  Words invite curiosity and spacious exploring Words are simple and familiar Words not outcome focused Choosing words is an empowering mindful practice.  It takes pausing and being present. They are found by listening to your heart. Which involves slowing down and connecting with self. Choosing them requires understanding your true wants vs should wants.  Choosing words is about finding clarity about where you are now, where you want to go, and what feels possible. They are about connecting to your current self and future self (and hope and possibility)   When you choose words thoughtfully you end up in a place you truly “want” to be a year from now rather than a place you think you should want to be or a place you simply “ended up” (without intention.)   Words and intentions are energy. They tell our Reticular Activating System how to filter input.   Our attention is our most precious resource. What you pay attention to is your life. Intention and attention keep us out of cortisol, shame, blame, guilt, fear as motivators and decision making forces.   What words would you like to choose as intentions for 2024? Is there a stretch word? For each word how do you see yourself embodying that intention?   Many people need support and guidance for this and other practices that help you live a life of alignment and intention. Mindful coaching is that support.   It’s also not too early to think about setting yourself up for success in 2024-2025 words are an important part of the framework of our Mindful Healers Connect in Nature Retreat at Green Gulch. We would love to share this experience with you. If you want to find calm, contentment, and a clear and meaningful path forward I invite you to explore private mindful coaching with Dr. Mahoney www.jessiemahoneymd.com If you want to develop a mindfulness practice or a speaker for your group, reach out to Dr. Liang www.awakenbreath.org *Nothing in this episode should be considered medical advice.