Finding Meaning by Setting Morning Intentions

Now that my daily routine has changed, I find it even more important to set my morning intentions. 

My intentions are not my to-do list.  My intentions are everything “behind” my to-do list.  They are guidelines that I want to live by for the day.  What are the things that will make my day most meaningful?

For example, here are my intentions for today:

• I will get more out of my “headspace” today and take centering breaks or moments away from the news and my work to bring myself into my body by taking deep breaths.  I will then read this list as a reminder of what is most important.

• I will approach each task and interaction with curiosity.  I will be open to learning in each situation no matter what arises. 

• I will find the small moments in the day to recognize something beautiful.  The photo here is what I took on my run yesterday morning as I stopped and focused on the colors in nature – the robin, the blooming tree and the blue sky. 

• I will express kindness, wonder and love and recognize when my thoughts are fear based which cancels out these positive feelings.

• I will make decisions today even though my future is undecided and uncertain.  I will ask myself: Do I know this is the right time to make this decision and take action?  If this answer is “yes” I will move forward no matter how difficult.   I will remind myself that every decision, even though it may be hard, can have positive consequences in the long run that are unforeseen.

• I will note things I am grateful for that normally I may be too rushed to notice.  A moment laughing in the kitchen with my daughter, a meal I cooked.

What are your intentions for the day?   When your day ends, what will you be most fulfilled with?    Having and fulfilling your intentions helps to establish deep purpose…something we call can use more of during this uncertainty.