Intentions

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.

Comments

[Marisa Anne]

1.

great post Bari! I saw that that Oprah tweet and it definitely got me thinking. It's so important to check in with ourselves every so often and see if what we are intending and where we are headed is matching up and truly where we want to go. I intend to be intentional too

[Linda @alamodestuff]

2.

Great intentions and similar to my own. Thanks for sharing this!

[mary]

3.

Love this post! I would say that one of my intentions is to be a "thoughtful" person. I mean that in the sense that I intend to think about what I do (say,type) before I do it. Ask myself what the impact of my decisions will be not just for me but for those I most care about.
I am not always successful. I come from a long line of people who lack filters between their brains and their mouths. I stumble. But I intend to persevere.
Persevere, Bari!

[Gwen]

4.

Great words, Bari! Thanks for putting this out there! I'll work to match your intentions!

[Tabitha O.]

5.

I try to do the same regularly and I am not always successful but I figure that is what keeps me moving forward, keeps me changing into the person I want to be...

[Scott]

6.

Good words my friend.....I think you put it out there quite clearly and just so you know...I think you have already been doing what you say you intend to....so I'd say you are paddling along just fine!!

[Sha]

7.

Well said!

[pam]

8.

Great post Bari. Xo

[Judy LeVang]

9.

Your post makes me think of the saying, "Say what you mean, and mean what you say." You nailed it! Your work inspires so many!

[Nan]

10.

Thanks for this post, Bari! Words are sooo important -- the ones we say to others and the ones we say to ourselves. Earlier this year I promised myself I will be more intentional in my personal life and in my business. I know it's making a difference!

[Laura Zarrin]

11.

Great post, Bari. Your intentions are similar to mine. This was my word for the year, but I haven't been practicing it. Thanks for the reminder. I also wanted to let you know that you have inspired me quite a bit!

[sew~amy]

12.

very good post. I love Oprah.

[Chyrle @ Mrs. McKenzie's]

13.

I just found you. I'm so glad...I feel like a kid in a candy store!

[Melany]

14.

:) I loved this post! Thanks for sharing the quote and your thoughts on it. I'm making a BIG career change soon and I liked how you laid it out for your business. That's a great exercise. Best wishes always!