Have you ever wished you had a compass to help make sure you are making the right life decisions? By creating a theme or a mission statement for your life, you can have that compass. Some of us may be so lucky that have an inner intuition that easily guides us but a lot of us have a harder time hearing those soft inner voices in the noise of our busy lives. We can get off track easily by not having a centering compass to keep us on track.
If you wish to create your own theme, keep reading for the basic tips on how to write one.
You can create it in one sitting or let yourself have a few days to develop it fully. Of course, if you have a partner or spouse you should create one together (as well as individual themes) so you are on the same page for decision making. Set a good bit of time aside. Make the room comfortable, grab a cup of hot tea and settle in. All you will need to get started is pen and paper.
Start with a brainstorming list of the following topics:
What do you value most?
What are your long-term goals?
- Career
- Financial
- Family
What hobby or activities do you love?
What do you find yourself drawn to the most?
What are some aspirations that have been ignored that you want to bring into the light?
Reviewing your list start to notice things on your list that have a common theme and circle the one’s you gravitate to most and know you must have in your life. If you get stuck, you can see what resources are online. There are websites and books that can help in this area.
With your list complete and the circles around the absolute must haves. Begin to build a mission statement that you can refer to when you are going about your life. From daily decisions to large decisions. From daily commitments to your career choice. This mission statement can act as that compass that points to spending your time, effort energy and money on what truly supports the life you want to live.
It can be a collection of key words or a carefully crafted statement.
Example of theme just using key words: Love of Animals, Charity, Writing, Music, Retire on the lake.
Example of theme using a statement: I strive to live a simple life, making time to travel, balancing care for the mind, body and spirit while nurturing a relationship to my family and friends. (Yes, this may be my personal statement)
You can also have a yearly statement that changes if you wish to have a focus for the year to achieve a goal. After you have your statement, print it out and post it up for a daily reminder on the refrigerator, in your planner, on the bathroom mirror or anywhere that you look every day.
Have fun creating your theme and a life that you love!
Enjoy the journey and always be true to yourself.
~Jen to the Zen