“One Word Away From Strength: Tonia Tilman’s Intentional Reminders”
The Power of Intentional Reminders: How Wearable Words Can Transform Your Daily Life
In a world filled with constant distractions and challenges, maintaining focus on our personal goals and values can feel nearly impossible. This is where the concept of "intentional reminders" comes in – a simple yet profound practice of carrying or wearing a meaningful word that serves as a compass for your daily journey. During a recent podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Tonia Tilman, a craftsperson from Bossier City who specializes in creating these powerful tokens of intention.
Tonia's journey into creating intentional reminder jewelry began during the uncertainty of 2020. Like many of us during the pandemic, she found herself seeking something meaningful to do with her hands. Through prayer and divine timing, she discovered a business called "What's Your Word?" which resonated deeply with her own practice of choosing a focused word for each year. This synchronicity led her to begin crafting personalized tokens – bracelets, necklaces, keychains, and bookmarks – each bearing a single word chosen by the wearer to serve as a daily reminder of their intentions, goals, or source of strength.
The concept is beautifully simple yet profoundly impactful. These intentional reminders, limited to 14 letters, become powerful anchors during life's inevitable storms. As Tonia explained, "We get so bogged down with life because it happens and we can't control it." Her own bracelet bearing the word "strength" serves as a constant reminder that her strength comes not from herself but from her faith. "Don't lean on me, lean on Him," she says, demonstrating how a single word can encapsulate an entire philosophy or spiritual practice that guides daily decisions and attitudes. This practice of wearing your intention transforms abstract concepts into tangible, visible companions throughout your day.
What makes these intentional reminders so effective is their ability to redirect our focus during challenging moments. When life pulls us off course or distracts us from our purpose, a glance at your wrist or neck provides an immediate reset. As Tonia beautifully articulated, these tokens "put you back on track... put you back on your path." In a culture where mindfulness and intentional living are increasingly valued but difficult to maintain, these physical reminders serve as mindfulness tools that require no apps, batteries, or special techniques – just a meaningful word chosen with purpose and worn with intention. The practice bridges ancient wisdom traditions with modern needs for grounding and focus.
If you're feeling inspired to incorporate intentional reminders into your own life, Tonia encourages everyone to "be intentional, grab a word." The process itself can be revelatory – what single word would serve as your north star right now? What concept, if kept at the forefront of your mind, would help you navigate your current season with greater purpose and clarity? Whether it's "peace," "courage," "joy," "patience," or like Tonia, "strength," the act of choosing and then wearing your word creates a powerful feedback loop of intention and awareness. As Tonia reminds us, once you experience the impact, consider sharing this practice with others who might benefit from tangible reminders of their own purpose and potential.
Kimberly S.
Business Coach, CEO, Author, Fashion Designer, Influencer
I remember looking in the mirror, and not being able to recognize my own face. I didn’t have any physical make-up on. I was wearing so much emotional make-up, I truly couldn’t tell who the person was that was looking back at me. In life, we get so caught up in: pleasing our flesh, pleasing other people, and becoming the puppet people want us to be. After we’ve done all this changing for them, they move on to the next person. I’m here to tell you that, you don’t have to be a people pleaser, nor do you have to give into pleasing your flesh. Those things won’t and doesn’t define who you really are. God gave me Experiencing Amazing Transformations to tell my story and be transparent in it. “My truth” Often times, our truth does not look or feel good, and looking through someone else’s eyes, they don’t see your story like you do, but it’s your experience not theirs. By coming together, we can overcome and be the best versions of ourselves. I pray that E.A.T. helps you become more open and honest about what you're going through. I also pray that E.A.T allows you to celebrate your victories no matter how big or small because you deserve those moments. I pray E.A.T helps you stay encouraged. This is the time to celebrate yourselves when no one else will. Lastly, I Pray that E.A.T leaves you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and empowered from the steps of how to get through the good times and the bad times. So, come and listen to E.A.T!
