Live with Purpose & Intention

Many of us have been dealing with the major cold snap that has hit the Midwest and seemingly stalled - bringing with it snow and below average temperatures.  I hope you are all managing with the multiple weather issues and are in need of some inspiration!! If you are hoping for some fluff piece - I hate to disappoint you, but no fluff here!! I want to give you something to thing about, really dig your teeth into.  

 

2 years ago last month I moved out on my own - leaving behind a home I had helped to design and build and started a new chapter in my life.  Recently, I've thought to myself, “Wow. 2 years—that went really fast. What have I done during those two years? Did I accomplish anything? Did I take steps forward or backward? Do I like the person I am today? Is there anything I need to do to better myself? Two years from now - I want to be able to say that “I have continued to make positive changes in my life and have impacted the lives of others along the way.” Time moves way too fast and if you don’t make some plans for who you want to become, you become who everyone else wants you to be. If you do not live with purpose and intention, you end up where you did not intend to go.

Every thing you do, every action, should start with a thought - whether subconsciously or consciously.  Do you often find yourself on autopilot? Did you drive to work this morning and at some point along the way, thought to yourself, how did I get here? You have probably done that 100s of times - could be getting dressed, getting the kids off to school, reading your texts, and the list goes on.  

I actually came across another blog post a few months ago that really got me thinking.  It was a post about 18 summers (http://www.thenester.com/2012/06/18-summers-how-many-do-yours-have-left.html).  The summers you get to spend raising your kids until they grow up and go off to college.  18 years seems like a long time when that sweet, innocent, tiny baby is laid in your arms.  Seems a little overwhelming thinking that you have 18 years to nourish, teach and let them grow up.  But 18 summers? That seems pretty short!!  What if I told you, at my age, if I live the average life expectancy, that I have 27 summers left? Certainly makes you step back and really focus on how you want to spent those next 27 summers?? I may have more or I may have less - that is all unknown but do I want to waste ANY of them, not being purposeful with how I spend the time?? My answer would be no!!

 

What if you lived your live more consciously? What if you woke up and purposely set in your mind a thought for the day? Just one. Don't let life just slip by - set out with a purpose and intention.

 

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. — John Quincy Adams

Gretchen

 

Welcome...

Come on in, have a seat and relax.  So, why are we here exactly? I have been considering starting a blog for some time.  I had to develop a few blogs during my undergrad and enjoyed posting information that was of interest to other people – but for the most part, only read by my professor and classmates.  Since completing my MBA, I have been thinking about it again.  This time is more about putting my thoughts, ideas, commentary and mindless nonsense out there on the World Wide Web.  Will I have any followers?  Time will tell.  I look at it like a shop opener must when they are opening their doors for the first time – hopefully waiting for the first customer to step across the threshold, and then the second and so on.  I certainly hope as you read my posts you find at least a small bit of information that is of interest to you.  That is my goal – to make this a place where you can come, gain a little knowledge or laugh a little and take your  mind off of the world outside your window, if only for a few moments.  I am sure you are asking yourself – why is Gretchen writing this blog?  Well, to be honest, I find it interesting that I can post my thoughts and others from anywhere in the world can read it.  It is truly amazing how far we have come from Paul Revere riding his horse across the land shouting that the British were coming because that was the only way to let people know.  Now, with a push of a button anyone, anywhere, can know what you think, feel, see, or believe.

More to the point, my reason for starting this blog is very simple.  I have read numerous blogs, surfed the web, research numerous topics and am amazed at the information available.  I am hoping to not only provide my insight on specific topics but also point you towards information that may be helpful or interesting.  I plan to focus on the following topics :

• Career thoughts & tips
• Shopping (where to find the best bargains)
•  Discounts and free stuff available (with no strings attached)
• Organization (tips  & tricks)
• Crafting & DIY
•  Personal commentary

I would like you to contribute as well…whether it’s a simple comment about how much you love or hate the post or if you have additional information that you think others might be interested or that you want me to discuss – please share!! I will make one promise to you…I will do my best to steer clear of political or religious areas.  I am not outspoken in either of these areas but I have my beliefs and thoughts and sometimes, and I am sure you will agree, when you are passionate about something and you write it down, others don’t always feel that passion and want to attack your beliefs. 

Well, thanks for stopping by! I certainly hope you will consider being a follower (a.k.a. an individual who wants some down to earth advice, ideas and information). It’s time to get blogging!!