For Further Reflection

Toward the end of each month, I like to spend a little time reflecting on my word for the year -- intention.  It's always nice to have some sort of observation or "learning" about my word to share.

But, y'know?  Sometimes things just don't work out that way.

June has been a fun-filled, crazy-in-a-good-way, running-with-my-hair-on-fire kind of month.  I have (pretty much) loved every single minute!  But . . . well . . . let's just say there hasn't been a lot of time for reflecting (on much of anything) this month.

Still, my word is right there . . . in my head all the time, just rattling around in there, and loosening up these thoughts (for future reflection) (you can count on that):

• Intention . . . is a tricky word.  It's not about goals or focus or things I want to DO.  It's more about the purpose for my actions.
• How do I make sure my actions are aligned with my intentions (or should I say purpose)?
• A clear set of values seems like a great place to start.  After all, values can't be checked off a list; they don't change all that much over time.  My values are overarching (underlying?).  While I can probably articulate my values, I've never tried to create a list.  (Hmmm.)
• Goals vs. Intentions.  Goals are future-focused, destination-specific, external achievements.  Intentions are lived-each-day, in the present moment, and independent of specific destinations.
• We make time for the things we really want.  If I'm consistently not making time for something I think I really want to do . . . what might that mean?  What's out of alignment?  What should I do about it?

As you can see . . . it's all a bit of a muddled mess right now.

How about YOU?  What's going on with you and your word these days?

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Want to find your Ravelry number?  Follow this link (it's a Love of Ravelry group post) for the how-to.

Comments

[Vera]

Well! You have had a busy/crazy month filled with fun things (visiting son, Solstice party, garden emerging, etc., etc.). Things may be a bit muddled, but I applaud you even thinking about intentions!

[Bonny]

Those thoughts don't look like too much of a muddled mess to me; they look like germinating seeds of some excellent cohesive ideas, ready to swell, grow, and develop into some heartfelt, and wonderful ideas in your garden of intentions!

[Kat]

I love this honest post and my head is nodding in agreement with so many things! Sometimes life does overtake us and you just need to go with the flow then... right?

However, I love that you shared that despite the craziness of the month, your word is still rattling around your brain - not far from the surface of all the craziness. And, that is brilliant - truly. There, making its presence known, and hanging on for the ride (and maybe blowing out those flames!)

[Dee]

Seriously ..... not good. My word was also intention, but stress and family matters kind of pushed that right out the window.

Maybe let-it-ride should be my word. LOL

Hope things settle for you and intention will be back in the forefront.

[margene]

My thought on this post is that you're living a life of intention if you had a "fun filled, crazy in a good way kind of month". You weren't roped into something you didn't want to do. Thank you for sharing the details and ministrations of your working process.

[Sarah]

Maybe a bit muddled, but you're thinking about it all, and I think that's important. For me, goals have an end point, whereas intentions are more of a general theme for every day. That makes intentions a bit nebulous, but on the plus side, you never achieve or fail to achieve an intention as you can with a goal, so perhaps it's a gentler way to approach life.

[Karel]

Loved the info on finding my Ravelry number: I'm relatively new at 455,300 compared to your impressive 11,638! I'd never heard of Ravelry until I moved back to Michigan. I joined in September 2009, and wore my RESIST t-shirt while out and about in Kalamazoo today, in support of their policy.

[kathy b]

You know what? June has been nuts . Every since we got home from Zion and Memorial Day hit, its been one thing after another. But it is all turning around. Phew. including weather. We finally have warm summery weather.

[Vicki]

I feel like intention is just sort of rolling around in your head... checking out the nooks & crannies, gathering steam. I can hardly believe it's the end of June already.

[Chloe]

Running-with-my-hair-on-fire... I'll have to remember that one! Too bad you're Intention. isn't Taking the Best Flower Photos EVER. You'd have a done deal. Chloe