Live With Intention

I've had this poem by Mary Anne Radmacher for probably 8 years now. I just love it! It's currently "living" on the side of my refrigerator. And for months now it's been calling me to post it here and expound on it. So... here goes..... (her words are in green)

Live with intention.

Do you have a mission statement for your life? What are YOU about? What's important to you? What makes you "tick"? What is your purpose here?

Walk to the edge.

Be willing to take risks and to step outside of your comfort zone. Stretch yourself. Dare to develop your talents, skills, and abilities to their fullest.

Listen hard.

When you talk to someone, really listen - deeply - to what is being said. Listen to what's NOT being said. What is their body language saying? Listen for the feeling underneath the words. What's being said in the silences?

Laugh.

Lighten up! Don't take things so seriously. Stuff happens. If you don't like it, use your energy to change it instead of complain about it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Find SOMEthing positive about it. Do whatever it takes to find joy in your life.

Practice wellness.

Take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritual. Give yourself what you need to be your best self. Don't give yourself away until there's no you left. If you're going through a rough time, be gentle with yourself. Don't wallow in self-judgment or self-pitty. Do what you can with what you've got. Give yourself what you need to bet better.

Play with abandon.

Fully engage in whatever you are doing - without inhibition or restraint. GO for it! Let yourself loose! You ARE the lead player in your life.

Continue to learn.

Keep your mind open. Be willing to think outside the box. Examine each of your beliefs periodically to see if it's still something you "believe" or if it's just a thought habit. Does it serve you now and enable you to succeed in life, or does it limit you? Be willing to learn - expand yourself - on all levels, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.

Appreciate your friends.

Friends are gifts from God. Don't take them for granted. Tell them how much they mean to you. Cherish the time you spend together. If you haven't spoken to an old friend for awhile, call them to say hello and catch up. Don't wait until it's too late.

Choose with no regret.

When you make a choice, MAKE IT. Don't be wishy-washy about it. Decide with your whole heart, mind, and soul. Then don't look back.

Do what you love.

Life is too short to put off doing things that fill your heart with joy. Don't let excuses stand in your way. "Some day" is today. Listen to your heart. Find a way to be involved in doing that thing you love doing.

Live as if this is all there is.

Right now, in this moment, this IS all there is. Make the most of it. Appreciate it. Wherever you are, be fully present - in mind, body, spirit. Don't let life pass you by.

Mary Anne Radmacher... author, artist, and inspirator... has been writing since she was a young lass. Her commitment is to writing that reflects the passion and possibility treasured in every day. Her writings are inspirational and are partnered with original and handcrafted art. www.maryanneradmacher.com - www.facebook.com/maradmacher

Here's to continuing the Journey.... Living with intention every day, in everything we do.

-Becky