At the beginning of a new year, many people in Al-Anon choose a word or phrase (sometimes called a watch word) on which they wish to focus their recovery for the coming year such as: Gratitude, Acceptance, Hope, Detach with Love, “Keep it Simple”, etc.
To choose an intention, first evaluate your progress in living and using your Al-Anon program, taking time to reflect and clarify what went well and what might help you live more in tune with the Al-Anon principles. After reflecting, choose a word or phrase on which you want to focus and keep at the forefront of your mind throughout the year. This word or phrase will be a tool to help you live more fully as you believe you are meant to be and do.
How do you keep your intention prominent in your mind? Some people just write their intention on their intention list, but that can soon be forgotten. Some write it and keep it where it will be visible each day. Some people carry it with them or make a bracelet of beads with the word or phrase, which they wear for the year. Some make an intention board.
An intention board is a collage of images, words, and objects representing one’s chosen word or phrase that is placed where it will be visible daily. Seeing your intention repeatedly, helps you mentally rehearse and connect with it. The board trains your brain to notice relevant opportunities and information that align with your desired goal, helping you act on it.
In January 2025 I made this intention board for my intention of “Let Go.” The dandelions let go of their seeds and let the wind take them to begin whole new growth and lives. After laboring to escape the safety of the egg, the fledgling follows its inner voice on its journey to reach its destiny of flight, leaving the empty eggshell. The doors represent “When one door closes another one opens.” The jellyfish goes where the current takes it, doing the work required for its survival. The photos of two different trees shedding their colorful old bark to reveal the new beauty below signify following my Higher Power’s invitation to let go and follow its guidance for new growth as I shed the things that no longer serve me well.
The Serenity Prayer and kite remind me how to accomplish all that letting go entails as I come to believe; all is well and will continue to be well as I follow my Higher Power’s direction.
I placed my board in the room where I begin each day with Al-Anon readings, meditation and reflection time and added purposely looking at it to my daily routine. This daily reminder helped me be more aware of when I was trying to control the uncontrollable or had the urge to do so. I was more successful at practicing to Let Go.
Susan B. (January 2, 2025)
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