It’s time to change the way we think and speak about our dreams. Transforming a conversation, just like manifesting a vision, begins by setting an intention. Your intentions will assist you in taking greater control of your life.
A working definition for intention is: “to have in mind a purpose or plan, to direct the mind, to aim”. Lacking intent, we sometimes stray without meaning or direction. But with it, all the universe forces can align to make even the most impossible possible. I intend to transform the conversation around dreams from fear and doubt to hope and possibility, followed by action and results. Some might say this is not the right time to dream. The media and masses say, “It’s time to be realistic.” Consider this. Without our dreams, all we have is our present reality. Reality is not a bad thing. We have to know where we are to design the appropriate strategy for getting to where we want to be. The challenge is our attitude around “reality” and being “realistic” and what being realistic has cost us. Often that’s our passion and joy, our hopes and dreams.
Given the unknowns and sometimes craziness of life, there’s never been a more important time to dream, and setting your intention is the first step. When should you select a choice? You could set a purpose every day. Your preference could be to work less and make more or find a new career that you are passionate about. It could be to get healthy and physically fit, or to spend more quality time with loved ones or alone. It can be specific and about something in particular or more like a quality, such as to be more relaxed or involved with life. At seventy, Bessie set an intention to become a world-famous photographer. Although many thought she was too old, she didn’t. She entered a photo contest where she won the first prize of $10,000. Her prize-winning photo toured around the world with a Kodak exhibit. She told me, “We’re never too old to make a dream come true.”
People set intentions on all kinds of dreams; to get married or have children, to get a job or make a career change, to write a book, lose weight, or move to a foreign country. When you set an intention and then act on it to demonstrate your commitment, amazing things occur. Purpose can also give us fortitude for dealing with tough times. Purpose can be used for community or social issues, global events, or (literally) in your backyard.
In conclusion:
- Get clear about something you want and write it down.
- Share your intention with someone in a way that will supportively hold you accountable for taking action.