First Generation Programming Services
Welcome back, First Gens! As we close out January, we are excited to share the final episode of this month’s theme, First Gen Forward: Intention Setting for the New Year, where I discuss my intentions for 2025. This year, I have decided to focus on themes that create alignment in my life rather than setting strict goals. While goals are important for tracking progress, intentions guide our energy and mindset, making them more flexible and sustainable.
Goals and intentions can often be seen as the same thing and are sometimes used interchangeably. To help understand the differences a little bit better, let’s talk about my top three intentions for this coming year!
First Gen Forward
The first is to keep mental health a top priority. I know it has been a while, but back in episode 48 of the podcast, I share with you all how my journey with mental health is ongoing. It’s something that can always be worked on but, throughout my journey, I have learned that no job, relationship, or responsibility is worth sacrificing my mental health and sanity. For 2025, I plan on scheduling regular therapy sessions and embrace the mindset that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s foundational. Instead of thinking, “I can’t pour from an empty glass,” we are reframing it to, “I can only pour from an overflow.”
The second intention is to say yes to joy and purpose. This year, I am committed to only saying “yes” to opportunities that bring joy and align with my purpose. As a recovering people-pleaser, I know how hard it is to set boundaries, especially with family or at work. However, I have realized that overextending myself leads to burnout. In 2025, I am embracing the power of intentional “yes’s” and mindful “nos” to protect my well-being and make space for what truly matters.
Setting Intentions for the New Year
Lastly, I am setting an intention to set and enforce boundaries. We have talked about this many times, but boundaries are vital for protecting our time, energy, and mental health. Although it can be a work in progress, we know how transformative boundaries can be. Last year, setting boundaries helped me find balance, even when others initially pushed back. This year, I plan to double down on boundaries for myself and others, because I know that they’re essential to growth.
For this year, I decided that my guiding phrase is surrender and bloom! I am letting go of limiting beliefs and embracing the opportunity to rise up and bloom. As we reflect on 2024 and set our intentions for the new year, remember that it’s never too late to live a purposeful life on your own terms.
The First Gen Madrina/The Social Work Madrina
If you are a University, College, Company or Organization, The First Gen Madrina offers workshops on a variety of topics (such as imposter syndrome, time management, managing burnout, building a self-care plan, etc..), custom built mentorship programs as well as customized services tailored to your needs.
In order to follow along, remember to rate, review, and subscribe to The First Gen Madrina Podcast to stay connected. Also, follow on Instagram and LinkedIn @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW. Sara acknowledges that the term first gen can be fluid, so The First Gen Madrina is committed to supporting all first gens! This isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s about providing unwavering support that propels individuals to embrace life’s challenges and triumphs.
Also, in case you have missed it, I recently announced a new branch of The First Gen Madrina called The Social Work Madrina. The Social Work Madrina will bring intentional support to social workers and more programming on mental health. Within TSWM, you will find The Madrina Network: A Community for Social Workers!
The community will be kicking off in March, just in time for National Social Work Month! Our community deserves more support, guidance and resources.
Soooooo are you ready? Here are some highlights of the community!
Monthly zoom calls to discuss the successes, challenges and needs of the social work community.
Opportunity to network with fellow social workers from all over the U.S!
Monthly workshops with different social work-related themes.
Optional coaching time with me for additional support!
Stay tuned in the upcoming weeks for more information! Check out thefirstgenmadrina.com for more information soon!
¡Hasta pronto!
