"The key to the ability to change is a changeless sense of who you are,
what you are about and what you value." -Stephen R. Covey

Writing a personal mission statement, value statement, life statement, mantra, etc. is an
exercise I recommend to help clarify what matters to you most.  It's also a great reason to
create some alone time and really get in touch with your authentic inner voice.  Set aside a
time and place without interruptions, maybe light a candle or put some real soft baroque-style
music on in the background and just "be."  Don't focus on the end result up front.  The goal is to
enjoy some deep, unrestricted thought first, and then put it all together later.

It make take a few minutes for you to settle in and detox from the world you're stepping away from,
but you'll know when you feel connected.  To inspire thought, most people find it helpful to use
 questioning to help frame their thinking.  Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

What qualities do I admire most about me?

What qualities would I most like to strengthen and display to the world more often?


                                  

The last time I wrote mine was on October 5, 2000.  It was funny, it was inside of a folder I hadn't
opened for over 5 years and I just came across it again this spring.  What was most pleasing and
brought a smile to my face was it's accuracy and relevance in my life in the present moment.  It was
as valid as it ever had been to me and I couldn't think of any changes I would make, even after almost
six years!  Here's my personal mantra:

"I will smile!  I will embrace each day gifted to me and see each day as not just another day, but one
filled with opportunity and adventure.  I will live, love and learn purposefully with passion, excitement
and by the values of honesty, sincerity, humility, empathy and flexibility.

I must climb my mountains today, for tomorrow may be too late.  I will not make excuse or blame others. 
I will keep my mind, body and spirit healthy and strong.  I will treasure those I love, enrich my life and
the lives of all who cross my path by being a mentor, inspiring others to greatness and by affirming their unique worth in love.

I will give all I have to give and teach others what I know and learn what I can from them by helping
 them get everything they want.  I will help others discover and pursue their way, thanking those who
help me.  I will nurture the development of all life in harmony with nature and the laws and energies of
the universe."

As I type this, it affirms my belief in the power of soul-connected writing, wishing and thinking and how
it can manifest the people, places and opportunites you desire into your reality!  



   Photo By  Greg Summers of Colorado Photos