By Susan Liddy

"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee." Marian Wright Edelman

Do you ever feel like you are rushing around aimless in the dark? Like you are running blindfolded with your hands outstretched, hoping that you don't crash into anything that will break or at a minimum leave a bruise? Life can certainly feel chaotic at times. Amidst our numerous tasks and commitments, we can lose sight of ourselves. Feeling lost, we go on auto pilot and before we know it weeks, months or years have gone by along with our sense of purpose and passion.

Most of us are familiar with setting goals and priorities to complete a to-do list. And while I support this practice, I present you with a similar challenge that will connect you to you and bring clarity and focus to your day. How could your life change if everyday you connected with your values and increased your awareness of your thoughts and feelings? Your challenge this month is to practice living with intention.

There are many intentions that you can choose each day. The kind of intention I am encouraging you to consider is defined by your inner value system. Taking time to think about your values and considering how to practice your values will give them presence in your life. They will support you through decision making, feeling your feelings and communicating with others.

Today, step out of the darkness and set a value driven intention. Not only will you feel an increased sense of self, you will also increase your awareness of your present moments. Knowing who we are in every moment of our lives is a main ingredient of personal empowerment.

Reality Check

• Become clear about your values and commit to practicing them each day.
• Allow your values versus other's opinions to influence your choices.
• Take a moment each day to discover HOW you can bring your values to life.
• Check in with your intention before responding to your feelings or someone's request.
• Reflect on your day's intention and discover how it supported you.

Fearless Integration

1. Take a moment and consider your values. Examples of values include patience, kindness, forgiveness, listening, commitment, gratitude or trust.
2. Set an intention to practice one of your values. For example, "Today I will practice kindness to myself."
3. Determine ways you can meet your intention. For example, "give myself a break, acknowledge myself, say no to other's requests, nurture myself, do one thing at a time."
4. Remind yourself of your intention throughout your day and check in with your intention before you react to an emotion or make a decision.

Aspire Intentionally!

About the Author:

Susan Liddy, MA is a Life Coach and founder of Aspire Life Coaching™. Susan facilitates personal growth in women who have poor self esteem, negative body image and unhealthy relationships. Common to most of Susan’s clients is having the general feeling that “something is missing in their lives” with fear being the root cause. Susan’s programs and seminars teach women how to manage fear and create a healthy lifestyle through self care, fulfillment and healthy relationships.

©2007 Susan Liddy, AspireLifeCoaching.org, All rights reserved.

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