I learned a story of a short-sighted decision. It was an impulse decision, and from my long view of life, I could see how the decision had little depth or positivity. Without a long term vision, we often waste time, money, capacity, and potential. Vision and long term planning matter when it comes to good living and thoughtful expenditure of your limited resources of time, money, energy, and endeavor.
I am thinking about this today as I plan ahead for some wonderful events including a family celebration and a family adventure.
For the family celebration, I need to save a few dollars, good energy, and positive intent--those three ingredients will set the stage for a loving event. And for the family adventure, I have to make time for research (which I love!) and also save money. These events are both months and years ahead. There's time, and the challenge is keeping the vision strong so that I'm able to do what I need to in order to prepare.
As I think of the big events that we reach for in life, I also know that the act of preparation and spirit of anticipation make up the exciting challenge of getting there, essentially the ascent. And I know that while we reach for big events in our life, we also have to make time for positive daily events that are the mainstay of our living as well as the unexpected, serendipitous events that sometimes, in the long run, turn out to be some of our most joyful (and yes, painful) moments of living too.
What can you do to energize the momentum and engage in the sacrifice it takes to reach those big events in life--the goals of special celebrations, travel, education degrees, professional jobs, unions/reunions, and more.
First, a positive routine sets the stage well for any goal you have. To work at your goals a little every day truly pays off in the end. What is it that you want to achieve and what can you do each day to get a little closer to that end? For me, one goal I have is to simplify--each day I can get rid of more things and make choices that lead to greater simplicity. I also have some personal health goals, financial, and family goals that profit from daily attention.
Next, it's good to study whatever it is that you envision--learn all about it via books, movies, conversations, lectures, and more. The more you understand the goal you seek, the more apt you are when it comes to achieving that goal with success. One dream I have is to change the place where I live. This might be a modest change of updating my home or a greater change of moving to a new place. I have lots of questions to research with regard to this change including questions about climate change, long term property values, the culture and community of specific areas, and services available in particular places. I'll enjoy this research as I study this change.
And, eliminate the activities that don't contribute to your goal. Shed the layers of life that are no longer needed or desired. For example, I will change professions in a few years. With that in mind, I can give away many of the items that connect to my current profession as I won't need them in my new endeavor. The same is true for my home--no matter if I stay in my current home or move away, there are many objects I don't need anymore. I'll give those away to people who may need items like that now.
Set the stage for achieving your goal. Even if you haven't reached the place you're heading, you can begin changing your lifestyle as if you are already there. For example, I imagine a future that includes more time for creativity. With that in mind, I can begin building in more time to create, make, and innovate now. One Idea I have is to make beautiful hand sewn heart ornaments from a wonderful collection of fabric I was given. I can imagine making time for that activity as I enjoy one of my favorite pastimes which is watching movies. That will be a good start for the more creative life I imagine in the years ahead.
To dream, to plan ahead, and to begin working for your dreams means you'll likely live a more satisfying and fulfilling life. To work ahead with confidence towards what you imagine means that you're less likely to stay stuck in life and more likely to achieve that vision you have for your life in five, ten, fifteen or twenty years down the road. It wasn't until I was in college, that I really learned that I could achieve my dreams if I worked towards that. This is a powerful lesson, one that I believe is important to share with all whom we love and care for. Onward.
I am thinking about this today as I plan ahead for some wonderful events including a family celebration and a family adventure.
For the family celebration, I need to save a few dollars, good energy, and positive intent--those three ingredients will set the stage for a loving event. And for the family adventure, I have to make time for research (which I love!) and also save money. These events are both months and years ahead. There's time, and the challenge is keeping the vision strong so that I'm able to do what I need to in order to prepare.
As I think of the big events that we reach for in life, I also know that the act of preparation and spirit of anticipation make up the exciting challenge of getting there, essentially the ascent. And I know that while we reach for big events in our life, we also have to make time for positive daily events that are the mainstay of our living as well as the unexpected, serendipitous events that sometimes, in the long run, turn out to be some of our most joyful (and yes, painful) moments of living too.
What can you do to energize the momentum and engage in the sacrifice it takes to reach those big events in life--the goals of special celebrations, travel, education degrees, professional jobs, unions/reunions, and more.
First, a positive routine sets the stage well for any goal you have. To work at your goals a little every day truly pays off in the end. What is it that you want to achieve and what can you do each day to get a little closer to that end? For me, one goal I have is to simplify--each day I can get rid of more things and make choices that lead to greater simplicity. I also have some personal health goals, financial, and family goals that profit from daily attention.
Next, it's good to study whatever it is that you envision--learn all about it via books, movies, conversations, lectures, and more. The more you understand the goal you seek, the more apt you are when it comes to achieving that goal with success. One dream I have is to change the place where I live. This might be a modest change of updating my home or a greater change of moving to a new place. I have lots of questions to research with regard to this change including questions about climate change, long term property values, the culture and community of specific areas, and services available in particular places. I'll enjoy this research as I study this change.
And, eliminate the activities that don't contribute to your goal. Shed the layers of life that are no longer needed or desired. For example, I will change professions in a few years. With that in mind, I can give away many of the items that connect to my current profession as I won't need them in my new endeavor. The same is true for my home--no matter if I stay in my current home or move away, there are many objects I don't need anymore. I'll give those away to people who may need items like that now.
Set the stage for achieving your goal. Even if you haven't reached the place you're heading, you can begin changing your lifestyle as if you are already there. For example, I imagine a future that includes more time for creativity. With that in mind, I can begin building in more time to create, make, and innovate now. One Idea I have is to make beautiful hand sewn heart ornaments from a wonderful collection of fabric I was given. I can imagine making time for that activity as I enjoy one of my favorite pastimes which is watching movies. That will be a good start for the more creative life I imagine in the years ahead.
To dream, to plan ahead, and to begin working for your dreams means you'll likely live a more satisfying and fulfilling life. To work ahead with confidence towards what you imagine means that you're less likely to stay stuck in life and more likely to achieve that vision you have for your life in five, ten, fifteen or twenty years down the road. It wasn't until I was in college, that I really learned that I could achieve my dreams if I worked towards that. This is a powerful lesson, one that I believe is important to share with all whom we love and care for. Onward.