Setting intentions instead of resolutions
By Debbie Gardner
dgardner@thereminder.com
As the Regional Director of Business Development at Legacy Lifecare, Mary-Anne Schelb uses her two decades of experience to help guide families through the complexities of elder care services every day. But there’s more to her career than the work she does from her office on the 23-acre campus of JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow.
Fueled by the empathetic approach to eldercare she has mastered in her daytime job, Schelb has taken her passion for holistic wellness and compassionate care to the next level, founding her own wellness center, International Calm, in 1999. Since then, she has helped countless clients find their path to better health and self-discovery, recently penning a collection of self-help journals to help guide her clients on their path to wellness.
Prime tapped Schelb’s holistic healing expertise to help explain the concept of setting intentions, and how they can help individuals on their paths to wellness.
Here’s what she shared:
Q: What is an intention? How does creating an intention, or intentions, differ from traditional New Year resolutions?
“An intention is a purposeful statement that reflects what you truly want to create or manifest in your life. It’s rooted in the present moment, unlike traditional New Year resolutions, which often focus on specific, future-oriented outcomes. Resolutions can sometimes feel rigid and guilt-inducing if they aren’t met. Intentions, on the other hand, are empowering — they allow for flexibility and growth while keeping you connected to your deeper ‘why.’”
“Intentions align your actions with your values and foster a mindset of self-compassion. They’re not about perfection but about progress. For example, instead of resolving to ‘lose 10 pounds,’ an intention might be, ‘I honor my body by choosing nourishing foods and moving joyfully.’ This shifts the focus from external results to internal alignment, creating space for sustainable, positive change.”
“Intentions also create a positive energy flow in your life. Think of your intentions as the roads and your thoughts as the vehicle to get you where you want to go. The clearer and more positive your intentions, the smoother your journey.”
Q: Is there a right way or a wrong way to write an intention? Are there frameworks to follow? How specific, or general, should an intention be?
“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to writing intentions — it’s a deeply personal process. However, a great starting point is clarity and positivity. Your intention should reflect what you want to create, not what you want to avoid. For example, instead of saying, ‘I don’t want to feel stressed,’ re-frame it as, ‘I cultivate peace and balance in my daily life.’”
“You can use frameworks like SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to bring structure to your intentions, especially if you want to track progress. Journaling is an excellent tool for this – it helps you refine your thoughts, identify small, actionable steps, and reflect on your journey.”
“It’s also important to take the time to think deeply about what you truly want to achieve. Are you trying to break a bad habit, start a good one, or get out of a rut and into a better routine? Crafting an intention starts with understanding your ‘why’ and allowing it to guide you. Visualization tools like vision boards can also help bring your intention to life, creating a tangible reminder of your goals.”
“Remember, small steps still move you forward. Progress, no matter how small, is worth celebrating, because every step represents growth.”
Q: Once you’ve established your intention or intentions, are there ways to measure or track your progress towards achieving them?
“Absolutely! Journaling is one of my favorite ways to track progress. It allows you to reflect on your daily actions, celebrate wins (big as well as small), and stay connected to your intentions. Writing helps solidify your goals and lets you look back to see how far you’ve come, which is incredibly motivating.
“Break down each intention into manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to ‘establish a morning routine,’ start with something simple, like waking up 10 minutes earlier to journal or meditate. Celebrate every milestone—each one represents progress and reminds you of your capability.
“Visualization is another powerful tool. See yourself already achieving your intention — this not only builds confidence but also creates the energy and focus you need to succeed.
“And most importantly, don’t be discouraged by setbacks. No matter how far down the wrong path you’ve gone, you always have the power to turn around and realign. Intentions are a guidepost, not a strict map. Stay flexible, positive, and focused on your goal, and you’ll find your way.”
You can learn more about Schelb’s holistic approach to heath and wellness at her website, www.IntentionalCalm.com.
