3 Keys To Greater Fulfillment In 2009

"Intention is the key method by which we motivate and move our self on this planet. It always has been." ~John-Roger

If your formal eduction was anything like mine, it may have been directed mainly into gaining qualifications so that you could get a sound job, reliable income and the material benefits to enjoy a rewarding life. So far, so good, But only up to a point.

School education in my experience does not generally equip us to relate well with each other, or we would not witness social breakdown in schools and colleges. Nor does it always assist us to recognize and realize our individual aptitudes, natural motivations, heartfelt aspirations or least of all, our innate value and worth as a human being. This self-understanding leads to personal fulfillment.

What if you could create an intention for greater fulfillment? Setting an intention involves choosing a direction, a positive focus that may be fulfilled in many ways over time. It is not finite and it is expansive.

These 3 keys offer a foundation for your intention, and for the fulfillment that will unfold from it.

1. VALUE YOURSELF

"Our intention creates our reality." ~Wayne Dyer

What if you were to fully know your value and express it into the world through your work, your relationships with others and your presence of well-being? You could transform your world - not necessarily the world as a whole, but the world immediately around you - of your family, work colleagues and friends.

I would like to suggest that appreciating your value is an important key to finding greater fulfillment. Appreciate has the sense both of gratitude and of increase. What you appreciate grows in value for you.

Think of a garden you enjoy cultivating, giving your time, care and attention to produce flowers, maybe fruit or vegetables. It gives back to you. As you appreciate yourself, your value grows. As your value grows, you have more to give. As you give more, you may receive more. It is a virtuous cycle that spirals upwards.

HOW?

A simple and yet powerful exercise I have used in partnership, and in corporate training, is that of acknowledgment (of tasks accomplished) and appreciation (for qualities expressed). Acknowledging and appreciating others is a great exercise for developing intimacy in a close relationship, and strength in a team,

At the end of a day, experiment by acknowledging and appreciating yourself. It could look something like this:

I acknowledge myself for...
... taking the kids to school
... going to the gym
... giving constructive feedback to my assistant

I appreciate myself for...
... being patient, kind, thoughtful, fun, a good listener

2. ENJOY YOURSELF

"Never underestimate the ability of the Divine powers that be to work out what is coming from clear intention." ~John Morton

The intention that works for me is written in my heart of hearts. It is not a sentimental thing but something solid that resonates within me. It is not an idea, a belief, a passing wish or a vain hope. It has the deep quality of knowing. Clear intention in me is profound, unshakable. The energy of intention fuels the aspirations I envisage. A clear workable intention has a quality of joy with it.

We each have a recognizable Personal Motivational Trend, defined as that which we are good at, enjoy doing and gives us the experience of success. If you are at a career turning point, knowing your Personal Motivational Trend will guide towards your next best choice of vocation. Your Personal Motivational Trend stays with you through your lifetime, although it may be experienced through many different avenues of expression.

HOW?

Reflect for a moment.....

What do you most enjoy doing - at work or otherwise?
What are your natural skills, talents and gifts - things that come easily to you?
Recall a moment of fulfillment in your life so far - notice what was special about that experience for you; feel, see, hear anything about it, as if it were happening right now. Be aware of the joy within you.

3. CELEBRATE YOURSELF

"I'm delirious with joy. It proves that if you confront the universe with good intentions in your heart, it will reflect that and reward your intent. Usually. It just doesn't always do it in the way you expect." ~J. Michael Straczynski

Why celebrate? Because you are worth it, as the advertisement goes In every person I have ever met, when I have looked beyond the smokescreen of disappointment, hurt feelings, frustration, self-doubt, I have never failed to find the precious gift of life, which is also the gift of loving, that sustains them. You, your life, is a precious gift.

HOW?

Start with giving yourself your most precious gift - the gift of your time. You might like to review this post. (Insert link to How To Celebrate A Lily Day article)

Give yourself a Lily Day, Afternoon or even an Hour; time to breathe and just be yourself; no commitments, no pressures; time to listen to, and follow your heart, as you are inspired. Celebrate the love that you are.

Be prepared - life may find a way of delivering some wonderful surprises for you!

"A good intention clothes itself with power." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

What does fulfillment mean for you? What are some of the ways you find fulfillment in everyday life? How would you like 2009 to be a fulfilling year for you? Please leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.

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Comments

[mmp1]

Much obliged Anne for your references that synopsizes your illustrations. Your posts have opened my world and continue to bring me serenity and enlightenment.
Good on ya!

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Anne,

Beautiful images in your writing. Always uplifting, affirming. I especially like how you frame the "unfolding of fulfillment". Like a huge cornucopia, spilling out its gifts, we unfold our gifts and are fulfilled by the very act.

It's like that for me. Fulfillment comes in tiny moments. And every moment holds the possibility of fulfillment, no matter what is going on. It's not about what's happening. It's about who's aware of what's happening. Fulfillment for me is the awareness that everything is sacred. Every act of suffering and rejoicing is sacred. Perhaps our jobs are to keep that awareness alive in the moment.

Having a community of conscious and kindred spirits helps. Thank you for your contributions to this community of kindred spirits. I always look forward to reading your work.

Blessings your way,
Judith

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Judith,

I love what you say about fulfilment coming in tiny moments. And I agree that everything is sacred; our job to keep that awareness alive in the moment. Not always so easy!

Today being a Sunday is easier. I have just come in from walking in the sun, observing couples of all ages holding hands; dogs with their owners enjoying the air; the sea calm and the sunshine bright - these I think of as ThankYouGod moments.

Yes, we do have a wonderful community of kindred spirits and it does make a great difference For which I am most grateful. Thank you again for your encouragement.

Happy Sunday blessings to you,
Anne

[Happyexpat]

It's interesting that the blogs with the most comments are the ones about politics, war, the recession, etc. Not that they shouldn't be commented on, but this blog is so worthy of comment because it is positive and uplifting. I do try to to remember things to be grateful for on a daily basis, but rarely do I think of acknowledging myself or(Good Grief!) celebrating myself. Quite amazing how it makes me feel as if someone I respect has patted me on the back. And oh how it makes me want to do even better. Great post. Thanks so much.

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank you very much for your comment. I am very happy to know that you enjoyed the post.

For all that I know, the posts I write may sometimes only be for a few and I hope those few may derive benefit from them.

It is possible that news events that stimulate our fear and concern provoke comment because there is a need to express and not feel so alone with the bad news. I am sure there are other reasons as well.

In my own work with individuals, couples and groups, I am keen to encourage and witness the loving power of the human spirit as it steps forward to express itself. Writing these posts is a new medium for me and I am still finding out how best this can serve readers!

Wishing you great fulfilment in 2009!

Anne

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi- Our Intention is truly a reflection of who we are. This is a great blog.

Anne- You do make me laugh. I go to the gym everyday but I sort of take it for granted and of course love to go but I haven't, said to myself "I acknowledge myself for... going to the gym." It does feel good!

Actually all the above is valuable and I will take it in.

Many thanks, May we all have positive and uplifting intentions.

Cheers,

Ed

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Ed,

Thank you very much for your comment. You know I think it is those little things that over time make a big difference!

I feel sure we all have so very much going for us, yet to be discovered. So yes, I agree, positive and uplifting intentions for us all.

I really appreciate your affirming presence in this community.

Love and blessings,
Anne

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Gosh Anne, it is very kind of you to speak well of me.

As we are a community that write blogs when we are able to honor each others work it makes us a strong group. It is inspiring to me to be of service to others and hopefully I am able to be helpful to our readers.

Big Love,

Ed