How I Transformed My Life with Intention Setting: A Personal Journey to Health and Happiness

Have You Ever Felt Stuck?

I know that feeling all too well. For the longest time, I was just going through the motions—waking up exhausted, pushing through the day, carrying the weight of things I didn’t even have the energy to unpack. I kept telling myself, This is just how life is. Suck it up.

Until I couldn’t anymore.

I hit rock bottom. And I don’t mean the dramatic, movie-style breakdown—I mean the slow, painful unraveling of everything I thought I had under control. I felt lost, disconnected from myself, drowning in my own life. I needed something—anything—to pull me out.

As I searched for answers I found myself turning to plant medicine. I thought, This is it. This is going to heal me. This is going to fix everything. And in some ways, it did. It cracked me open, forced me to see the truths I had been avoiding, and shook me awake. But when the ceremonies ended and I returned to my everyday life, I realized something that hit me hard—nothing had actually changed. The world was the same. My struggles were still there. The only difference was that now, I couldn’t ignore them.

So there I was, desperate for real change, when I kept hearing about intention setting. And honestly? I thought it was absolute bullshit. Write down my intentions? Focus my energy? Visualize what I want? Please. I needed action, not some fluffy self-help exercise. But at that point, I had nothing left to lose.

So I tried it.

At first, nothing happened. No magical breakthroughs. No sudden epiphanies. But something subtle started shifting. Instead of waking up feeling aimless, I set a clear intention for the day—just small ones at first. Stay present. Move with love. Trust yourself. It felt silly, but I kept doing it.

And then, slowly, my choices started to change. I showed up differently. I caught myself before spiraling into old patterns. I wasn’t just reacting to life anymore—I was creating it.

And that realization? That was the real breakthrough. It wasn’t the plant medicine, the retreats, or the big external shifts. It was the simple, daily act of setting an intention and following through—moment by moment, choice by choice.

This practice didn’t just help me find my way back—it became my way forward. And if you’re feeling lost, stuck, or disconnected, I want you to know this: the power to change your life isn’t some mystical force outside of you. It’s already within you, waiting for you to claim it.

What is Intention Setting?

Intention setting is about getting clear on what you truly want and consciously choosing to align your actions with those desires. It goes beyond setting goals—it’s about infusing purpose into your everyday life.

At first, I was skeptical. Could simply stating my intentions really make a difference? But the more I practiced, the more I realized: this wasn’t about wishing for things to happen—it was about showing up differently. It was about planting seeds and tending to them every single day. And over time, the results were undeniable.

The Power to Change is Yours

This isn’t some magical cure. It isn’t a quick fix. But let me tell you something: intention setting gave me the power to shift my life from autopilot to purpose. It helped me reconnect with the parts of myself I had forgotten, and it gave me the tools to rebuild.

If you’ve been feeling lost, disconnected, or like life is just happening to you, I want you to know—you have the power to change your story. You don’t need a grand revelation or dramatic moments. You just need to choose.

Set your intention. Align your actions. And trust that change is already on its way.

What happened to me can happen to you, too. And I’m living proof that the shift begins with just one small step—one intention, one moment at a time.

My Healthy Practices for Intention Setting

1. Morning Mindfulness

One of the first practices I adopted was morning mindfulness. Each day, I woke up a bit earlier to meditate and set intentions. During these quiet moments, I visualized my goals—not just tasks but also the feelings I wanted to embrace. For example, I aimed to reduce anxiety by focusing on gratitude. This morning ritual became my guiding light.

2. Journaling

Alongside mindfulness, I began journaling my intentions. Each entry included my goals, emotions, and the reasons behind them. During this process, I discovered patterns. For instance, I realized that I wanted to be active not just for appearance but for the joy of movement and health. This practice of writing helped me stay accountable and aligned with my values.

3. Crafting a Vision Board

Creating a vision board was another impactful practice. This is a fairly new practice for me. I gathered magazines and cut out images and words that resonated with my intentions. I assigned time weekly to refresh my board, resulting in a vivid reminder of my aspirations. For example, seeing images of healthy foods motivated me to cook and nourish my body daily.

The Role of Consistency

Incorporating intention setting into my life was not a one-time event; it required consistency. Weekly check-ins became essential. I evaluated my progress and celebrated even the smallest milestones. For instance, when I committed to three workouts per week, achieving that goal felt like a victory, prompting me to reward myself with time to unwind with a favorite book.

Celebrating Small Victories

One beautiful aspect of intention setting is the chance to celebrate small wins. Every little achievement reinforces motivation. When I set an intention to improve my social connections, even just making time for a coffee with a friend felt monumental. Each celebration reminded me of my journey and recalibrated my commitment to my goals.

Navigating Challenges

Every journey has its challenges, and mine was no different. Some days, I felt like I was losing momentum. On those days, I revisited my journal, reflecting on my thoughts and feelings. Meditation helped me regain clarity, ensuring that obstacles became opportunities for personal growth. For example, when I faced setbacks in my fitness routine, analyzing my feelings helped me adapt rather than quit.

The Power of Community

Another vital aspect of my journey was connecting with a community. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who shared similar aspirations provided support and accountability. We exchanged intentions and celebrated each other's progress. This collaborative energy reminded me that I wasn't alone, as we uplifted one another through workshops and online discussions.

The Significance of Intention Setting

So, why does intention setting matter? Firstly, it nurtures self-awareness. When you define your desires, you create space for genuine reflection, enabling you to align your actions with your true self.

Secondly, intention setting boosts motivation. A clear vision of what you want ignites passion, increasing your focus and commitment. Studies have shown that individuals who set intentions are 35% more likely to reach their goals compared to those who don’t.

Lastly, it cultivates resilience. When challenges arise, having set intentions provides a guiding light, reminding you of your core purpose and encouraging you to push through difficulties.

The Transformation Journey

As I reflect on my journey, I feel immense gratitude for the discovery of intention setting. Through healthy practices like morning mindfulness, journaling my thoughts, and celebrating small victories, my life has transformed to align more closely with my true desires.

If you're feeling lost or overwhelmed, I invite you to explore intention setting. Create rituals that resonate with you, engage with your community, and approach this practice with enthusiasm. Remember, the journey itself is just as important as the destination.

Here’s to embracing the power of intention setting and discovering a life filled with health, happiness, and fulfillment!