Anh Thu Le (ATL): The Importance of Setting Intentions
We all have aspirations, dreams, and passions. They're easily spoken about it, but when they come to life it's an unbelievable experience. When conversations lead to actions.
A long time friend from college, Anh Thu Le or “ATL” for short and co-host Nikki attended the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities together and often had conversations about relationships, self-confidence, and community networking.
Nikki remembers ATL passionately talking about a blog she wanted to create to empower women to feel beautiful in their own skin. She shared her blog mission, values, and goals. Four years later, that passion turned into more than what she had expected!
ATL is Seattle Nurse by day and a lifestyle/mindset blogger by night.
Read through our interview with ATL on The Importance of Intention Setting below:
Who is ATL?
I am a lifestyle/mindset blogger at simplybeyoutiful.org. I inspire women to ignite their inner beauty through empowerment, style and travel. I often share about law of attraction, alignment work, style, travel and anything around personal growth! My mission is to inspire women to tap into their inner beauty as well as to share with one another their daily struggles and life lessons in becoming the best version of YOU. I believe in the practice of authenticity, embracing self-compassion, striving to be our best selves and encouraging others to believe in their own beYOUtiful self.
When did you start?
I have been writing therapeutically since high school. In late 2016, I realized I needed to pursue my passion for writing, photography and beauty and took my blogging to the next level. If I'm not on social media and blogging, I'm working as a Registered Nurse in Seattle, WA.
In starting something comes with challenges. As an entrepreneur you're literally creating something out of nothing and in the early stages, it's a one-person team. So if you don't get it done, it just doesn't get done. There are a lot of things that I am still learning about and take me probably double or triple the time it would take someone much more savvy. But I've learned that I am not alone and this is something every entrepreneur goes through. You just have to figure out what is worth the money to contract out and what is worth your time and sanity!
Why is intentionality so important?
Intentionality helps us to live a more meaningful and purposeful life. It’s like a compass that guides us in the direction we need to go. You can add even more value and meaning to any goal that is backed up with love and intention.
Read more on the importance of intentionality on her blog here.
How do you practice intentionality and how does it affect your day?
I choose a word for the day and that helps me set an intention for the day. Whether it’s committing 100% to the tasks I’m doing or being brave in the decisions I need to make. It really guides my day both on a conscious and a subconscious level.
I use one of the 50 visual intention/affirmation card(s) I created which really helps me get on track with my intentional day. Whether that be writing a list of things to get done and crossing it off it helps progress my day!
My cards help guide your daily practice of being open, present, and intentional. These cards include positive affirmation words such as gratitude, create, vision, etc. I recommend randomly choosing a card, journaling about it, and practicing it throughout the day. Research shows using positive affirmations can lead to decreasing stress and improve overall emotional state. You can purchase your cards today on my blog, simplybeyoutiful.org!
Words of Wisdom
Take time during your day to get re-centered whether that be in the morning when you first wake up, a break in your day or as you wind down at night.
- Know what you want
- Write it down
- Share with an accountability partner
- Schedule time to work toward it
- Allow yourself to feel the fear
- Celebrate the small wins
