Last night on Twitter Oprah wrote "Intention defines outcome. Don't believe me? Look at your own life.". She says this a lot. But last night, after a somewhat emotional weekend, it got me looking at my own life more than usual. 

What are my intentions? Overall, I intend to be a good person, to contribute to the lives of my kids, family and others in a positive way, to live a happy and meaningful life. But does what I say and do match my larger intentions? What are the intentions of all of the little actions I take and do they match up with my overall intention?

When I was in acting school, we'd dissect a script this way. We'd look at each and every word and ask what the intention of the character was in saying what they were saying. For the truth is, with each word we say, with every action, there is an intended outcome.

For instance, what is my intention in writing about intention?

For myself, I intend to become clearer on what my intentions are. But what do I want you to think, say or feel? I want you to know that my intentions are good. I want to be upfront about my intentions and make them clear to everyone who reads what I write over the internet, whether it be here or on social media. And I want you to know what my intentions are for my business as well.

So in black and white...

My intentions in my business:

1. To create pretty, unique, fun and useful products for the sewing, gift, home and paper (etc) industries.

2. To offer inspiration about creating and sewing and motivate people to create.

3. To make a living doing what I love... and send my kids to college with money made doing what I love.

My intentions on my blog and social media (twitter et al):

1. To let you know about new products at Bari J.

2. To build brand awareness.

3. To let you in on tidbits of my personal life and behind the scenes at Bari J.

4. To build connections and friendships.

5. To be social.

6. To generate business for Bari J. in order to make a living doing what I love.

 

Ah. There it is. That feels good. Thanks, Oprah.

Lastly, I want to say, I intend to think about what my intentions are with each action and each word.

I intend to be intentional.