Ever since 2020, I’ve made mind maps to dive into what I wanted to invite into my life. I don’t believe in manifesting each desire I have, but I do buy into having an image, word, or list posted somewhere to ground me when I’m worried, push me forward when I’m lost, and remind me that I have accomplished so much more than I give myself credit for or am even aware of.
2024’s word was “surrender”. It was all about releasing control in order to rest in peace. Cease grasping for things that are not mine. Relinquish authoriship of all of the outcomes and only own the inputs. Returning to myself and my inner voice is only possible when details are dropped.
This year taught me what real self care was. And that I couldn’t only rely on myself. I had to set my life and relationships up in a way that fed me as much as I gave to them.
It also taught me what a real pause was. And that I can use the time of surrender to find real clarity instead of ignoring the disquiet and substituting silence for easy answers. It taught me that it is in this moment of turning inward that I came forward. Truth sang out.
And I owe the forward momentum my life has to the pause, to surrendering, to stopping when I needed to. Now, I approach the new year not in trepidation, but in curiosity and wonder.
2023’s intention is LOVE. Not just cultivating a romantic partner, but to bring light and love to myself, and every individual in my life and along my path. This is not a selfish or needy act, but one that strengthens, uplifts, and grows each bond between me and other souls. It’s mutual, kind, and reciprocal. And not for the faint of heart.
2022’s intention was INSPIRE. The Latin roots are “into” and “spirare”; meaning to breathe in. The definition—to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something like creating something new.
In reflecting on the previous trip around the sun, did I do all these things and achieve it all? Hell no. But would I say I filled someone with the urge to do, feel, or create new things? Absolutely. I felt myself serving as a catalyst for the people closest to me, and my students. That’s what relationships are. We propel ourselves and each other into new realms of ourselves and life.
2021’s Intention was WONDER with a Whole Heart. Initially, I had planned for wholehearted. I reconsidered when I realized it could take all of my 30s to really unpack that in myself. This is probably my personal favorite because of all of the drawings with my words. I really spent time with this. Also, it niece, Ada, who was 2 and a half at the time, helped me color on the back.
In reflection, I’m still working on many of these aspects of wondering and many words and expressions of wonderment have come with me in life and on future mind maps. I’m pretty sure this is a decade in the making.
2020’s mind map was about the FUTURE. It was actually made in one of my groups when I was in treatment. In case you didn’t know, Anxiety, Depression, Panic Attacks, Suicidal Ideation. If you are there right now, reach out to me. I have an excellent program recommendation and choice hospital. I couldn’t have been luckier to land where I did. I really believe it’s a big part of where I ended up.
The instructor had us write and draw in our mind maps all that we needed and wanted in order to keep on our healing journey after the program. I had this on my wall and kept looking at it daily. It was a constant reminder of my internal compass and what I needed to do now. And it started this intention mapping ritual for myself.
Danielle Koch 