This is part 3 in a series dedicated to how we can accomplish our goals & realize our dreams (also see part 1 and part 2). By now we have a good understanding of our character strengths, the needs in the world that move us most, the values and principles that guide our lives and we have a mission statement expressing our life's purpose. Now we get to have some fun, now we get to dream, now we listen to God's whispers about our future.
Because of the work we did in part 2 we now have a better sense of direction. However, as we get more specific we need to subdivide the aspects of our lives. This is what I do. I make a circle on a piece of paper and divide it into four quadrants by drawing a cross. You can say, God bless my life in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit as you make the cross. Label each quadrant as follows: Spiritual, Mental, Physical, and Emotional. Next draw two more lines dividing each of the quadrants in two. This should look like a pizza with eight slices. Inside each of the quadrants write the name of a role in your life that relates to the spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional aspects of your life. For me they are: fun and relaxation, closeness to God, career, calling or vocation, home/financial, health, family/friends/community, and husband/father. So the next part of our process is to visualize and describe how we want our balanced life to be in each of our quadrants given our sense of purpose. We should dream two to five years out.
This doesn't have to be all done in one sitting or one weekend, unless you have set time aside for just that. Every-time you set aside for this should begin with prayer, allowing the presence of God to fill your whole being, and asking God to help you see and feel your desired future. You can pick one role at a time or let your mind jump around. To help you dream you could...
Draw or paint your vision of this role.
Take a walk in nature, especially now that is fall and let your mind wonder. Or do a walking meditation like a labyrinth.
Write a poem.
Write in a journal anything that comes to mind.
Get many magazines and cut pictures that move you and then make a collage.
Sit by the fire and just stare or close your eyes and let your mind tell you stories.
Read scripture with the intention to be inspired.
Dance, laugh, sleep, dream, or describe how certain beautiful melodies relate to you as a mother and wife.
Isn't this fun? Then write down your vision, as vivid as possible, for each of your roles, keeping in mind your sense of purpose...
Then sit with a great bowl of ice cream, and just be...
God bless!
Technorati Tags: Accomplish Goals, Dreams, Mindfulness, Passion, Purpose, Success, Visualization
very nice... very nice.... very helpful! thanks!
Posted by: Angie | October 27, 2005 at 11:52 PM