Helene feels like she’s been out of sorts lately. As she sat talking with her friend Francis over coffee she was finally able to put it into words. Dani, her youngest is in kindergarten, and even though the four hours seem to disappear, Helene doesn’t feel like she’s doing anything substantial—just frittering the time away.
Being present as a parent has been very important to her—important enough that she quit her job as a sales manager to be home full time for the past seven years. Now what?
What is purposefulness?
When we are purposeful, we use our time and other resources thoughtfully. Since we have limited energy, money and power, we treat these as precious gifts, not to be squandered carelessly but to be spent in ways that bring healing and happiness into the world. We direct our energy toward the things that mean the most to us and those we serve.
Intention is living day to day, even moment to moment, with a sense of choice and purpose. It means being continuously conscious of how the present moment relates to our values and goals–and where there are the greatest opportunities to cultivate love, beauty and delight.
Five Quotes to contemplate, discuss and share.
Nothing contributes so much to tranquilize the mind as a steady purpose – a point on which the soul may fix its intellectual eye.
–Mary W. Shelley
Remember this always: The living of your own life writes the book of your most sacred truth, and offers evidence of it.
–Neale Donald Walsch
Each of us can become a blessed channel of peace for the healing of Earth’s wounds: We can awaken from apathy and find creative, non-violent ways to transform the abuses rampant in today’s world.
–Nan Merrill with Barb Taylor
A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the “why” for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any “how.”
–Victor Frankl, concentration camp survivor
Bringing it home to your kids
1. Cultivate a habit of asking “why” questions, not with a tone of second guessing but with a tone of exploring –Why do one thing instead of another? Why buy one thing instead of another? What is the desired outcome or goal? What are the values being expressed?
2. Think out loud, so your child can learn what drives your own decisions, small and large.
3. Write a family mission statement. Have a “review” every six months to see how your day-to-day fits the mission.
4. Get clear on your own personal sense of purpose. Is it something given by a deity? Is it something you create for yourself? Are you doing the things that matter to you?
5. Expose your kids to purpose-driven people.
photo by Molly_darling
