What are Your Intentions?

 “A gift consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer.”
                    Seneca, Moral Essays, Volume III: de Beneficiis

          Everything you do starts with intention. Without intention you’re just along for the ride, like a leaf floating on a puff of wind.  With intention you are able to create anything you want. Intention is one of the cornerstones of your most powerful self.

Clear away the fog

       Have you ever started out on one path to accomplish something and then felt somewhere along the line you got off track? For me, it's not "if" but "how often." Things became muddled and unclear or overwhelming? Looking at your intentions can clear away any fog and confusion. A lot of the time I have to literally write down my intention and post it on the bulletin board above my desk. It becomes the hub in the wagon wheel of my activities and thoughts. (groan!!!)  Did I actually just use that dorky analogy????
 

          Having a clear intention will keep us on track toward our end result. Let’s say we want a new car. We save money with the intention of having a safer and more reliable vehicle to transport our family about town. When we get to the dealer, however, that spiffy two-seater sports car beckons us like a piece of chocolate cake. The salesperson steers us toward the more expensive and less practical. If we’re not clear on our intention we drive out with a vehicle that doesn’t meet our needs. It’s fun but not what we set out to get.

We want things
 
          We all want things; we want those things our way. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting things, be they material possessions or emotional tranquility. The reason behind our wanting is more the issue. Do we want to spend thousands on improving our appearance to feel better about ourselves or to compete with a younger crowd? Staying focused on intentions can save lots of money.

          Ideally, once an intention surfaces, it’s good to evaluate all the thoughts and activities that will bring it to fruition. It’s not a test. If your eyes aren’t glued to your purpose all the time, in every situation, life will not cease to exist.  My purpose here is only to remind us all of what we know to be true.

          For me, having a clear intention brings a brightness and clarity that is always valued over uncertainly and confusion.

You might also enjoy:
          Ten Things to Make Your Senior Moments Happier
Contact me at:  antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or
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