So why are you doing this? 

Doing what?

This. 

What?

This. This reading of this article. Why are you doing this? 

To read about intention... At least that is what I thought I was doing…. 

Why are you doing this instead of doing something else?

Because it looked interesting? Because it came up on my screen? Because someone sent it to you? 

Is this a reaction to something? 

Or

Was this something that is part of your routine? Ritual? Mission statement? 

Mission statement. What is your mission? 

I don’t know. 

Well then, it’s time. It’s time to take time to discover your mission in life. 

Once you have your mission statement, you can live the world with intention. 

With purpose. With desire. With joy. With zest. 

Zest. 

Have you ever had the opportunity to live life with Zest? Oh, she is a fun one!

Living with intention happens the clearer you become with:

What you are doing, what you want to do, and how you play in life. 

Play. 

Yes, you are allowed to play. 

No guilt necessary in order to play.

Really. 

Wondering, exploring, discovering. 

You are truly allowed to this. You were born to do this. It’s actually the natural way of living. 

Honest. 

See, most of us are on auto-pilot. We just react to what we are ordered to do. No questions asked. 

Sometimes those Curious Questions do creep up. 

What do you do when those stinkers arrive?

Listen?

Or 

Shut them down?

Afraid of what you may hear?

Afraid you may actually have to change? To create? To get a little uncomfortable and live on that edge of greatness?

See, there is no need to think for ourselves if we believe that the protocol has already been scripted for us. 

Or has it already been written for us?

What do you want to believe?

Start with your morning:

Why do you do what you do in the way that you do it? Has it been working for you? Does it help you live up to your fullest potential? Does it make you a feel like a better person? The person you want to be? The person who you are? 

Do you want zest in your life? Do you want humor? Joy? Care? They always bring a good time when they are around. 

Start with yourself. 

The complaint you have with the other is usually because you have complaints within yourself. 

What is the purpose of your life? 

Big one, I know. 

What is the purpose of your life?

If you subscribe to the idea that life is to serve with the gifts that you have been given…

How are you using your gifts? Are they being used to the best of their ability?

Or are they hidden? Why? 

What are you afraid of?

Face it. 

Feel it. 

Now.

You know what you want. You know what you don’t want. 

So now come to the middle: That is your mission, should you choose to accept it. 

And if you do choose this mission you have created, you have a co-collaborator ready to assist when you are ready to ask for help.

It’s that cool co-conspirator that will steer you back on course if you stay present with this mission statement of yours. You can find your one of a kind CEO of Life when you sit quietly with yourself. 

Real quiet. 

It can be in the comfort of your home, nature, or secretly in your car. 

Where ever you feel you can shut off the world. 

All of it. 

It’s the Pause. 

It’s the Reflection. 

It’s the “awe” between the inhale and the exhale. 

When you take that time, you will get your answers. All of your answers. Be ready, open and willing to listen. 

It starts when you are ready. 

The practice begins one moment at a time. 

Start with this one:

What does your heart want to do when you are finished reading this? 

Is it in line with your life’s mission statement?

Pause. 

Breathe in-

Hold and listen-

Exhale. 

Great! Now go and enjoy your most intentional life.

___________________________________

Bernadette Noll holds safe and sacred space for women through active listening and use of the arts including dance. During the day, she is an Executive Director for Haven House, NJ,  a nonprofit home in West Windsor, NJ that supports and creates a community for single young mothers (ages 18-24) and their children. You can connect with her at blissfullybalanced.weebly.com