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Tag Archives: setting intentions
PERSIST, Sista!
Happy February Gorgeous!
Have you started the practice of selecting a word-of-the-year? I encourage you to chunk it down and do the same thing on the 1st of every month in 2019 as well. It’s not complicated so don’t overthink it! This is a simple yet powerful tool to help you stay focused and anchored in to the intentions you set for the month.
My word for February is PERSISTENCE. Not surprised. In Dec, I felt like giving up so I was tickled at how relevant this word is for me right now. See how it works?!?
- Take some time to get quiet.
- Light a candle.
- Get out your journal.
- Write out your intentions and your “word” will come to you out of that clarity.
- Put the word everywhere so you are reminder. Sticky note on the mirror and/or fridge, vision board, etc.
Then, once Feb 28th hits — take a look at how this tool helped you stay on track!
Hop over to my IG stories today to hear more.
I’m pretty obsessed with this practice!
GOALS Vs. INTENTIONS: Who’s Ready For An Outstanding October?
HELLO OCTOBER!
September went by like a blink, right? It takes the entire month to shed the Summer, switch gears and get life back on schedule. By October, we’re getting into the new groove so it’s the perfect time to set intentions and goals for the Fall. Starting today, we have exactly 3 months of 2015 left. //Shake your head with me// Does that stress you out or excite you? It’s a bit of both for me. Stressed because I feel the pressure to do more, be more and accomplish more by the end of the year. Excited because- Well, hey…I lived through another year! I’ve grown more, learned more and surrendered more. (I hope!!) Plus, Mercury went retrograde mid-September which can make things go haywire and wonky, but it’s also a beautiful time to dust off dormant dreams and projects. Let’s focus on the latter.
As an avid goal and intention setter, I love the challenge of checking things off the list and feeling that sense of accomplishment. But, it’s also important to give ourselves some grace if everything doesn’t get checked off. If you have been part of SOS for a while, you know that I love setting goals and/or resolutions and intentions on the 1st of each month and not just at the new year. This gives me a chance to refocus every month by setting smaller monthly goals to help achieve the bigger yearly goals. Make sense? It’s like taking smaller bites you can digest instead of one big chunk that you end up spitting out because you can’t chew it.
What’s the difference between setting intentions and setting goals?
An intention is something deeply personal for how you want to be, live, and show up in the world. It’s a practice and a consistent aspiration to guide you toward balance in your life. To find peace in my heart. To forgive and let love in. To treat myself with more respect. To surrender and live fully in the present moment. To release anger instead of holding on to it. By getting quiet and away from any distractions (kids, phone, computer, television) we are able to focus our mind on what our soul is needing most…RIGHT NOW. You cannot do this wrong, but an intention is what comes to you in the present moment as opposed to a goal which is typically something we wish to achieve in the future. An intention could be in the form of a quote, a dedication, a prayer. I set my intentions while I’m praying because it’s important to me that I invite God into this practice and view it as being a co-creator of my plans/dreams/growth with Him. Bottom line- I need His help big time!
Also, because I am easily distracted (even if I’m sitting quietly away from distractions- because my mind is always cranking) I like to write out my monthly intentions and goals in my journal. Life is overall so distracting and as I get older and more forgetful, it’s vital for me to write things down! I keep it simple and place them in categories like personal development/spirit, helping others, career, relationships and health. To give you an idea, here’s an excerpt from my journal today:
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT/SPIRIT:
GOAL: Keep reading “The Identity Bond: A Guide To Self-Awareness” by Dr. Melanie Mills and attend her workshop. (I just paid for my spot at the workshop so that is one step closer to achieving that goal!)
INTENTION: To accept myself more fully. (I’ve been hard on myself lately for wanting to withdraw and cocoon. Why do we always try to change our true nature to please others and make ourself miserable? My introverted side needs this time away to refuel, but I fear disappointing others. I am learning more about this from Dr. Mel.)
Here are some thoughts to help you get started in creating an intention:
- What matters most to you?
- What would you like to build, create, or nurture in your life?
- What would you like to let go of?
- Who would you like to forgive in your life?
- How do you feel when you are your happiest self?
- What makes you proud?
- What word(s) would you like to align yourself with?
- What fears would you like to release?
- What are you grateful for?
10 Intention Examples:
- Find balance
- Open your mind and heart
- Focus on peace
- Stay calm and steady
- Act with courage
- Embrace change
- Practice forgiveness
- Allow yourself to be vulnerable
- Connect with others
- Love Unconditionally
If you find if difficult to get started, use one of these if it resonates with you, but try to create something more personal for yourself. I would love to hear your thoughts on this! Like, comment and share if you found it inspiring. I appreciate it!
Thank you for joining me on this journey to become our most happy, healthy, loving and fabulous self. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same. Click HERE for more info.
Love, Tiff
5 Fall Styles You Can Wear NOW!
Happy Last Weekend of August,
We are all so ready to put away the flip flops, maxi sundresses and shorts, but Mother Nature is not cooperating here in the South. All of the September mags are taunting us with rich colors, suedes and faux fur, but I’m sweating just thinking about putting on a shearling coat right now! The temps are still fluctuating in the 90’s here in Texas, but we can begin to incorporate a few of the hottest Fall styles into our wardrobe while still keeping comfy and cool.
Here is what I’m pulling out of my closet NOW:
1) FRINGE HANDBAG:
Can I just tell you how happy I am that fringe is still holding strong? I’ve been wearing a fringe bag all of 2015 so if you haven’t tried the trend yet- this Fall is the time to do it! As the temps drop, rock a fringe jacket, but not at the same time as the bag. TIFF’S TIP: One fringe item at a time please! You don’t want to look like a bad country singer.
2) 70’s SKIRT:
I’ve always loved the snap up 70’s skirt and had one years ago. Dang it, I wish I still had that skirt! From a denim midi skirt to a suede mini, this is the IT skirt for Fall 2015. TIFF’S TIP: Add a modern blouse or blazer (instead of doing head-to-toe 70’s) to keep from looking like you just walked out of a thrift store.
3) AMPLIFIED WHITE BLOUSE:
The white blouse is a wardrobe staple and I better find a great one if each of your closets! Ya hear. But, this Fall it’s all about the romantic girlie vibe when it comes to any type of blouse especially a white blouse. Try one with ruffles, statement sleeves, embroidery or oversized collars. I love this frilly one from Zara! TIFF’S TIP: Go for more modern frill instead of oversized ruffles to keep from looking like Capt Jack Sparrow.
4) SUEDE BOOTIE:
You know I am obsessed with booties! I am also obsessed with suede so I am stoked for it to explode this Fall on everything from boots, booties, handbags, skirts and jackets. To keep your legs cool while it’s still warm out, grab a fab pair of suede booties then switch to knee high or over-the-knee when it gets cold. TIFF’S TIP: Don’t forget to spray your new suede items with a suede protector. I have forgotten this in the past and ruined some amazing suede shoes! BooHoo.
5) FLARES:
This is my absolute favorite pant this year. Flared jeans and slacks lengthen the leg and allow your calves to breathe. My favorites are by J. Brand because the denim holds you in like spanx and are so flattering. (I get compliments every single time I wear mine!) TIFF’S TIP: I cannot stress enough the importance of the length when you wear flares. If they are too short..well, JUST DON’T DO IT! This cheapens the look and will actually shorten your legs.
Remember to shop your closet before making unnecessary purchases. Which of the 5 will you start wearing NOW?
I’ll be back with a longer list of my Fall favorites via video! I’ve been doing my “research” and have comprised a great list.
Blessings for a Spectacular September!
Take some time to set your intentions for the month and take it a step further and visualize how you want the remainder of 2015 to play out. Staying stylish is important to feel confident and put your best image out into the world, but you MUST start with your spirit first. Our outer world reflects our inner world!
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS, SISTA!
Love, Tiff
2015: Your Best Year Yet
2014 will soon be in our dust and I hope you took some time over the past few weeks to reflect on the year and start getting mentally & spiritually prepared for 2015.
Preparation is key:
Choose a day when you have a few quiet hours alone.
Light a candle.
Play some inspirational music.
Quiet your mind.
Invite God into the space with you.
Pray for guidance.
Get a fancy new journal.
Ask yourself a few questions:
- What did you accomplish? List the Top 5.
- What milestones were hit to make the year memorable? Special anniversary or birthday? Promotion?
- Did you put your personal growth as a priority?
- Were you filled with purpose or did you veer off your path?
- Did you enjoy your relationships or was there more drama/strife?
- Can you say- honestly– that you are proud of yourself?
Instead of beginning with the typical list of goals or resolutions, I suggest you start this year’s plan differently. Make sure to acknowledge yourself what you have accomplished and done right. Take special notice of breakthroughs and what you have overcome. Celebrating yourself- instead of beginning the new year in disappointment and desperation- -sets the tone for the year in a positive, productive and purposeful way!
In order to keep growing and moving toward our destiny it is vital to evaluate the things that need to change. Do you find yourself daydreaming about an authentic and full life instead of putting the action toward it? A major part of my purpose is to instigate change in you. This is why I continue to keep intention & goal setting along with vision boards on the forefront on your mind. I know it may sound redundant, but I keep mentioning the importance of it all because these tools have worked in my own life.
Life gets so crazy at times which easily derails us from our goals and if it’s left unmanaged- we end the year without manifesting what we want. Ouch! Give yourself the time to create your plan, set goals with a timeline, be specific. Get prepared and then go rock it! Ask a likeminded confidant to join you and meet on a regular basis for accountability. Taking it a step further and creating a mastermind group is even more powerful!
If you haven’t downloaded my complimentary affirmations ebook yet, I encourage you to use it as a tool in helping getting your thoughts going in the right direction.
Simply join the mailing list at tiffanyhendra.com and it will arrive directly to your inbox.
I want you to have THE BEST YEAR YET!
Love, Tiff
HELLO DECEMBER! The Final Stretch Of 2014 Affirmations
Hey Hey Gorgeous!
The final 31 days of 2014 are glaring at us. What emotions does this stir up in you? Excitement? Anxiety? Anticipation? Disappointment? Childlike wonder? Perhaps a mish mash of them all? December is a special month for so many reasons. I encourage you to take a deep breath and enjoy every single last day of this year.
The first day of any month is exciting to me because of the clean slate we are given to be better and do better. Take some time today- on December 1st- to get quiet and visualize how you want the month to look. Write out your intentions. Are you carrying resentment and unforgiveness toward a family member so you dread having to see them over the holidays? I encourage you to see yourself surrounded by a huge heart and filled up with so much love that it pushes out all resentment. Instead of dread, look at this as an opportunity to practice forgiveness and extend love to the most difficult people in your life. Say a prayer for them before you arrive and you will be shocked at what a great visit you will have. Remember, being peaceful is being powerful. Do not allow that crazy aunt or cousin to steal your joy and peace.
This experience will richly bless you, I promise.
Did you forget to save up or max out your credit cards all year long and now there’s no budget for Christmas shopping? What a great learning lesson right before the new year. I’ve been there and royally screwed up my credit in my 20’s from being irresponsible with credit cards. Big big learning lesson! It’s not fun to sit in our debt mess, but take it as motivation in the coming year to pay off your debt and by next Christmas you’ll feel proud of yourself and will be able to give without guilt.
THIS MONTH, I WILL….
- Extend love in every situation regardless how challenging.
- Focus on the merry & happy of the holidays.
- Indulge a little..not a lot.
- Be blessed not stressed.
- Stay on my workout program- NO MATTER WHAT!
- Carry over the attitude of gratitude from last month.
- Make the time to love, pamper & care for me.
- Not be a Scrooge.
- Be like a silly kid & enjoy the little things like twinkle lights & candy canes.
- Throw out those janky old slippers & get some new fancy ones covered in sequin. (I just did this and it’s amazing how good it feels!) Target has some cute ones under $18.
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I would love to hear your intentions for the month. Sharing and writing them out gives them power. Wishing you all an amazing month!
Make sure to keep an eye out for the popular SOS Stocking Stuffer Giveaway. Tell all your friends!
As always, it will be filled with fabulous things.
Love, Tiff
4 Little Innocuous (but revolutionary) Phrases by Guest Blogger Natalie Bolton
Scientists have done studies on “happiness” and why some people seem to grasp it and why it eludes others. MINDSETS are one of the possible factors that will determine the quality you are able to see reflected in your life. And let me say, I am no perfect master at this, however, it I can just set an intention or two for the day it does help.
Take the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, if one decided to challenge their everyday life with just one of these agreements a day this could totally shift the baseline of the mind, just by focusing on one.
These four little innocuous phrases can be revolutionary!
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BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD. (I may just take this one on everyday for an entire month)
If I can make the promise to myself to be impeccable with my word that means that I believe that what I say means something and impacts my life and others. If I just say “YES” to everything and over schedule myself then I end up flaking out of something and letting someone down. So my “yes” should be solid, strong, and valuable. And if I’m putting my word behind it-I need to pay close attention to what I am signing off on in my life. People are affected by my loose over scheduling, over committing, and under delivering (one of my life challenges).
DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY.
I am uber sensitive. I have pinned it on being creative, artistic, a Capricorn, and moody. Blah blah blah…whatever. I have been sensitive in my life because I have taken things personally. What is so amazing in this life is that no one is ever really doing anything on account of anyone else. Honestly, we are so self-consumed that when someone hurts our feelings 9 times out of 10 the hurter of the feelings was completely unaware and in their own world. When someone “consciously” seemed to personally hit you where it hurts it is due to his or her own fear- his or her own perception, and his or her own battle that they are fighting. When I can remember this I am no longer at the affect of someone else. Yah, we all act out sometimes but if we can pause and think that maybe just maybe that person’s issue has zero to do with us it allows us to continue to buzz throughout our life. Then we are able to put our efforts into things that truly matter.
DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS.
There have been times more often than not, sadly, where I have written an Oscar-worthy drama of “Gone with the Wind” proportions that actually in reality never even happened. Now, don’t judge me and say ”Oh, hmmm, did she just admit that she hears voices in her head…hmmm? Did she just announce her crazy to the world?” NO. What I am saying is I think we all at some point have created storied to back up our colorful imaginations. For example, someone doesn’t pick up his beautiful Great Dane’s poop from your yard turns into “Why does so-and-so hate me?” Or a teenager cackles you from across the street turns into “Oh my god! My cool factor has expired and I am officially old.” Or your partner forgetting the dinner at 8 date turns into “He doesn’t love me and he never did love me!” I know I am NOT the only one so reader don’t squint your eyes and poke fun-we all have done it (hormonal fluctuations could be the culprit most times). Nevertheless, we all have had these ridiculous conversations with ourselves. If I can make the choice to NOT assume, I can show up in the world as an adult and ask real questions to get the real answers. Such as, “hey, poop perpetrator, I have a stash of bags here in case anyone walking their dog needs one in a pinch. Have I told you before that they were here?” Poop perpetrator replies, “Oh man, good to know, the other day we totally left a present in your yard because I forgot the bag and also locked myself out of my house resulting in being late for work and forgetting to come back and pick it up. That is what these flowers picked from my garden are for. My sincerest apologies.” The teenager scenario is simply a teenager scenario. And the forgetting of the date drama? Maybe a question such as “So, by you forgetting about our dinner plans is a simple glitch resulting from you being overworked and overscheduled?” And that gives your partner the opportunity to express his or her love for you and how they were actually getting so involved in planning a surprise weekend get-a-way that they simply forgot about the dinner at hand. Problems solved with simple real questions.
ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST.
What does “The Best” scale look like? Well, it is different everyday and moment by moment. One minute I can extend love to a complete stranger on a plane by listening to her heart for the entire 3-hour flight, and the very next moment I can get annoyed and react to the person kicking the back of my seat. Our best is continually changing but if we are striving to always keep our best forefront in our minds we can avoid the all too common abusive self-talk and regret we love to punish ourselves with. You may be able to run the LA marathon after training at your best, but when you are laid out sick from the flu just getting up from the couch to go to the bathroom is your absolute best. Be kind to yourself and always keep your “BEST” as the goal.
Fall can be our best season yet. It can be a time of restoration on many levels. And our mindset can be the solution to problems we have been unable to fix until now.
Small tweaks powerful impact.
Thrive on,
Natalie.
In Natalie’s own words she shares her personal philosophy, “The mandate for my life is not only bringing beauty to people by external means with new technologies, and cutting-edge technique, my goal is to also refresh the spirit. I pray every morning to bring beauty to the spirit of everyone I touch-so they leave feeling more beautiful and at peace after they leave me. I want to live my life like that as well. I want to leave the world more beautiful than when I found it.”
From CBS’s SURVIVOR to skincare, my sister Natalie Bolton has landed at VANITY LOUNGE in Houston, TX. (Yay, do you know how happy our mom is to have both her girls back in the Great State!!) Having the opportunity to fulfill her desire to bring beauty, healing and a sense of well being to men and women alike, Natalie has found her calling. As a state-board licensed aesthetician and certified Epicuren specialist, Natalie enhances the appearance and condition of her clients’ skin and their sense of self. Her specialties include rejuvenation and anti-aging. Natalie is also an expert in the areas of acne and problematic skin.
To book your appointment with Nat, call 713-942-9177 or book online. Vanity Lounge is located at 2800 Kirby Drive #B110
Houston, TX 77098 in the Tootsies shopping center across from Eddie V’s.
YOUR MONDAY ‘Kick-In-The-Butt’ MOTIVATION: Getting Balanced In July
Have you been overindulging a bit too much this Summer? My hand is waving in the air and I’m screaming “Oh, Oh, Oh” like Horshack on Welcome Back, Kotter (for you youngens who don’t know what the heck I’m talking about…click here & watch this quick clip!
Ok, back to the topic. My fab YouTubers have asked for me to keep up these Monday Motivational candid vlogs and today’s video has several kick-in-the-butt ideas. If you are like me and have been indulging a bit too much this Summer, join me in July by doing more yoga, cutting back on the extra sugars & meats, plus detox your mind from the social media and junk food TV by reading more….
YOUR THOUGHTS?
Staying balanced all the time is impossible, but it’s being wise enough to know when we need to take a step back from certain things. Remember, if you are in the DFW and Austin areas, take a look at the new Sweat & Core classes at Sunstone Yoga. Stay tuned because we’re giving a FREE month to one of you Dallas sistas!
Gotta go – make a salad, drink some green tea and read, LOL!
Love, Tiff
INTENTION CREATES REALITY {Sunday Affirmations}
HAPPY SUNDAY SISTAS!
How was your first week of 2014? Were you able to get in some quiet time to set your intentions, goals and/or resolutions? I spent several days working on mine. Remember, it’s great to take your time with this task- even if it takes you a few weeks. I also had an empowering 3 hour ‘mastermind’ meeting with a trusting friend so we could share our goals with each other. This creates accountability and sets you up for success in a bigger way! This also activates creativity in each of you to come up with ideas to help one another achieve these goals.
Are you wondering what it means to set an intention? I believe it’s basically making up your mind what you want. How often do you hem & haw about things? It is so powerful when we get clear, get focused and make up our minds. Then, the real power is in the follow through. I also believe we are setting intentions when we pray and share with God what we want a desired outcome to be. Let’s look at intentions without follow through. How often do we say things like…Oh, I intended to call you…Oh, it was my intention to lose 5 lbs before summer…I’m sorry I hurt your feelings it was not my intent?? It feels pretty crappy, right? Let’s get to following through, shall we?
I see the word intention as a fancy name for GOAL– but, with an added oomph of Spiritual Power behind it. Without intentions for our life, we tend to wander. If you feel like you have lost direction and are wandering through life, here are 5 steps to setting intentions:
- DECIDE. What do you want the outcome to be? It’s as simple as that. Making the decision is a huge first step!
- WRITE IT OUT. Make it official by writing your intentions in your journal or putting up sticky notes in places you can see them on a regular basis. I have sticky notes on the sides of my computer monitor, bathroom mirror and fridge. This is a powerful daily reminder to keep your thoughts going in the right direction.
- SHARE. Find a trusting friend/mentor or group to hold your intentions with you. By sharing your desired outcome with others, you create a “mastermind” of positive thoughts. One of my favorite books is “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. His definition of a mastermind is– “Coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose.” Make sure to share with those of a like-minded spirit and steer clear of anyone who may try to sabotage your goals or be unsupportive.
- LIVE IT. Act as if your outcome is here NOW! Speak as if it’s here. Your words and actions have a powerful effect so be mindful of what you are doing, thinking and saying. Get committed!
- NEVER GIVE UP. Period.
I know what you are thinking right now– Hey Tiff, so what’s the difference between affirmations and intentions? They are marriage partners, first cousins, Batman + Robin! Affirmations are basically spoken intentions. They are the daily statements we declare over our lives based on our intentions. They help you course correct when you tend to wander. Affirmations and intentions are the power combo to creating the life of your dreams! Add in specific actions, prayer and a vision board then WATCH OUT– you are destined for success!
THIS WEEK I WILL….
- Really think about what I want.
- Make up my mind already.
- Stop hemming + hawing.
- Set intentions for 2014.
- Share my intentions with a trusting friend.
- Join or create a mastermind group.
- Act as if my goals/intentions are here now.
- Step out of fear into faith.
- Open myself to receive success.
- Pray for guidance.
- Claim that I am destined for..and deserve the life of my dreams!
What are your intentions for 2014?
Like, share, tweet, pin this post if you found it inspiring!
REMINDER: I will be taking new mentoring/coaching clients in January. If you are serious about committing and investing in yourself, please take advantage of my offer of COMPLIMENTARY 15 MINUTE SKYPE OR PHONE CONSULTATIONS through Wed, Jan 15th. If you are interested, please feel out the contact form on the SERVICES PAGE. Those who take advantage of this January consultation will receive a 25% discount on all packages or single sessions. *If you are not committed to your personal growth, a coach or mentor will not help you. Again, serious inquiries only!
I INTEND ON HAVING AN AMAZING YEAR!
Join me.
Love, Tiff
SANCTUARY OF STYLE 