Phew. I have been busy with a four day retreat at Lifebook (more on that to come later) rethinking and re-dreaming about twelve areas of my life. Twelve areas? Yep, twelve different areas which include:
- My Health and Fitness
- My Intellectual Life
- My Emotional Life
- My Character
- My Spiritual Life
- My Love Relationship
- Parenting (for when I do have kids)
- My Social Life
- My Financial Life
- My Career
- My Quality of Life
- My Life Vision
I wasn’t only “thinking” about each of these areas, I was reflecting on what I believe about them, what I want out of them in my life, why they are important, and what I need to do to make them happen as I’d like. Needless to say, it was a transformative process.
I actually feel differently about my life, much more so than I expected.
After looking at my goals and strategies for each area I have no less than 63 total habits that I would like to work into my daily life.
Sound a bit overwhelming? Actually, I feel less overwhelmed than ever before. I ironically feel like I have more “space in my life.” Having gone into such depth about all of those areas in my life, I now clearly understand how to achieve so much of what I really, really want. And a lot of what used to occupy my time less intentionally as melted away freeing up the space, energy, and motivation to do the most fulfilling things in my vision for my life.
With that said, I’m not focusing on all 63 intentions all at once. I’m choosing to focus on five of the most rewarding (and easily implemented) habits until August. Then I plan to reflect, document my progress, and move on to the next focus habits on my list.
So here are my new intentions:
My Health and Fitness
I plan to continue to choose to listen to my gut and intuition when it comes to eating, and how much I eat. I plan to also work movement into my life through things that bring me enjoyment and connect to other areas of my life as well like long walks alone (also related to my Spiritual Life), biking and lifting weights with Mr. Lively (also related to my Love Relationship), walking with friends (also related to my Social Life), and a weekly yoga practice (also related to my Spiritual Life).
My Intellectual Life
I plan to read for 20 minutes each morning before getting out of bed and also read an article in the New York Times. In addition, I am having Mr. Lively teach me about reading music and playing the guitar.
My Financial Life
I plan to triple my savings each month for an overall substantial goal by the end of the year. This goal is important to me because it will prepare me to get my first home.
My Spiritual Life
I plan to write (journal) five days a week to reflect on my life, document my progress with my vision, and seek inner guidance.
My Career Life
I plan to set out concrete sales goals for each month for the rest of the year.
So there you have it. As I’ve mentioned, I am sure that this process will come up many more times in the future. It has turbo charged my future letter practice in a way that I am incredibly grateful for. It has also given me a wealth of breakthroughs, a-ha moments, and intentional ways of living my life that I cannot wait to share here on MML.
So stick with me, the best is yet to come.
June 27th, 2011 at 10:17 am
Wow, Jess – your intentions and new habits sound incredible! Lifebook seems like an amazing experience and something I would LOVE to do in the future
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June 27th, 2011 at 10:54 am
I always KNOW that the best is yet to come with you, my friend. You are so inspiring… I need to get pen to paper myself soon on goals and intentions.
June 27th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Carolyn, thanks! I think (no, I know) you would absolutely LOVE the process! I couldn’t recommend it more for you.
Jill, aw, thanks so much! I feel the same. I hope you get your intentions on paper. You might even want to consider Lifebook with your husband – they have couples rates too!
June 27th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
I can’t wait to hear more about your Lifebook experience. I’m really intrigued by it, and would love to have the funds to do it one day.
June 27th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
Jenn, I totally know what you mean! I can only say that I got way more out of the experience than I anticipated (and I had high hopes to begin with). So definitely keep it in mind!
June 27th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
Wow- this is awesome! I can’t wait to hear more about Lifebook. It’s funny, this post was exactly what I needed to hear (ahem, read) today. I’ve been thinking about the first half of 2011 and how I can re-aline my intentions for July on. Thank you!
June 27th, 2011 at 8:28 pm
Jess- your blog really is helping so much with rebuilding my life. Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your intentions!
June 28th, 2011 at 6:48 am
I don’t even remember how I found your blog in the first place (I think it was from Scoutie Girl?), but oh how I love reading it. If I have no time in my week to read anything else, I always read here. You are utterly delightful, thank you for sharing so much of yourself. xo
June 28th, 2011 at 8:59 am
A great post! You are such a good example of the power of goal setting.
June 28th, 2011 at 9:24 am
I LOVE this kind of stuff! I think these intentions sound great. My husband and I have been saving like crazy for several months in preparation to buy our first house and now the time is almost upon us — we will start house-hunting in the fall! Can’t wait to read more about your intentions and I’ll have to check out Lifebook’s website!
June 28th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Thanks so much ladies! It means so much to hear how much you all enjoy MML and are learning. That literally is why I show up here each time that I write
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Hugs to you!
June 28th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
Love these new intentions. What an amazing retreat that must have been! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
August 3rd, 2011 at 4:50 pm
I am so glad to hear that you went thru the Lifebook session and that it was a great experience! I am anxiously awaiting for our session next month. Best wishes!