:: Be a Force For Good!
Thursday, September 15, 2016 Inspire Intent 0 Comments Category : Artists of Life , Food For Thought , Giving Back , Inspiration , Nonprofit Knowledge , Paying It Forward , Philanthropy , Volunteering , Win/Win
:: Excellent Reminders to Self
Monday, February 02, 2015 Inspire Intent 0 Comments Category : Artists of Life , Creativity , Food For Thought , Goals , Inspiration
I absolutely loved this! From Julian Smith of inoveryourhead.net
Had to share, and add a few of my ownthoughts...
PostKey:
Straight on? Pure Julian,
Italicized Side Notes = My Own Thoughts.
❖ The goals others set for you are usually wrong. The people who give them to you seem well meaning, and they have more experience, too. But your heart will guide you better than anyone. Find internal markers to know if what you’re doing is right. a.k.a. - Intuition.
❖ If you do two things at once, one of them is getting done wrong. No matter how wrong you think this is, or how many exceptions you think there are… I sincerely doubt it. Focus. Intently.
❖ Any organization that claims it has the answer is either wrong or lying. Sometimes it makes a fun game to try and guess which one it is they’re doing. You’ll also notice that, somewhere along the line, they want you to either buy something or work for free. Cut tha crap. Investigate for yourself.
❖ Since everything is getting louder, seek out the places that are quiet. Sanctuaries are few and they all get a bad rap. Parks, libraries, and all the rest are places to make sure you have your head on straight. Go there. Find out what people think of you. Amplify it. Quit seeking others for 'answers'. Look into your own source.
❖ Everything that isn’t your main purpose should be either delegated or dropped. If you do this right, you should make more money, not less. Pay attention to what’s vulnerable, not just what’s strong. Actually, this also helps you predict trends in the marketplace, which is good for your pocketbook. Priorities.
❖ Take some time to do absolutely nothing. Meditate every day, if only for a minute. It produces an amazing ability to step back and escape whatever your usual patterns are. Be creative. Let your joy - surge. In whatever form. It creates sparks, equaling... pure beauty. I swear it. PS? I'm terrible at meditating :/. I always have one eye open, thinking... "you really meditating?? no way." ~tries to look convincing here~ =/ (how do y'all do that? teach meee!?;) So? I can't 'meditate? Creativity is my form of meditation. Ch'yup! Do what works for you!
❖ Wear your heart on your sleeve. Do this no matter how many times you get hurt. Keep on feeling, no many how many
❖ Join a movement. Or better yet, create one. The whole world is ready to be changed by someone just like you. I need you. Your
❖ The world is going faster, but that doesn’t mean you should. Slow is good too. Smart? Is not always faster. Remember some good old-fashioned ways.
❖ Find the time to think. Freewriting produces more clarity, and reduces stress, more than almost any activity. Flow, Mo! Cut. You. Loose~~~ We love it. I swear.
❖ Start a gratitude journal. Studies show it is the one thing that produces the largest change in happiness. I’ve had one for the past month and it’s been awesome.True. Story. Though mine so far is only mental ~starts writing it down~
❖ Have a quest. It fills your days with pregnant purpose and makes you live longer, too. VisionQuest. Googleit. Check out Carl Jung’s archetypes; he knew a thing or two. It’ll help you find your place in the grand scheme of things.
❖ Let everyone be. Don’t try to change them. They’re just following a larger pattern – and so are you.
❖ Go through your childhood and find what interested you. Combine those things and add a trend or two. Do it right and you’ll have a great business. It’s ok to get sidetracked.
❖ Don’t worry about wasted time. Start again today. No such thing as "wasted time" if you learned something. Today is a completely new day. Fresh canvas. Paint it.However.You.Want...
∞
:: To Begin, Begin
Monday, January 26, 2015 Inspire Intent 0 Comments Category : Creativity , Food For Thought , Goals , Inspiration
Does it really get much more beautifully simple than that?
No.
So what are you waiting for?
Every single step you take, no matter how small—gets you all the closer to your goals.
Drop the huge list. Stop overwhelming yourself.
Put all the excuses of 'why not' aside; along with all your shoulda, coulda, woulda's...
and...
and...
Simply
Begin.
:: We Rise By Lifting Others
Saturday, January 03, 2015 Inspire Intent 1 Comments Category : Creativity , Food For Thought , Giving Back , Goals , Inspiration , Nonprofit Knowledge , Paying It Forward , Resources , Volunteering , Win/Win
Need a little elevation of the soul? A lift in spirits? I have a story I'd like to share with you on how I elevated my own spirits and whilst rising? I had the absolute pleasure of elevating others as well.
It's something I call Beautifully Contagious.
Have a moment?
If so, do read on...
I was at a life crossroads.
Moving forward with a life-long dream of mine.
Or turning back. To safer, more reliable methods.
It was time to make an important decision in life that I needed internal guidance on planning my next steps to push forward, or to retreat into my secondary plan (which was not an attractive option to me). I'm determined, if anything―once I have set my mind upon something? I do not easily back-down.
In deciding what my next life steps would be, some very inspired answers came to me.
Questions I asked myself... and made myself answer.
(and, no. sometimes this isn't easy. but always eye-opening.)
How can I give back in ways of doing what I love? Creating beauty. Inspiring others. Utilizing my love of many art forms. What do I have to offer this world in my own way of making it a better place? How can I show my immense gratitude for people that make this a better place for many on a daily basis? People that give hope to many who might not have it?
These are a few of the questions I asked myself in looking for my own way of adding light to a sometimes bleak world. The answers came, one by one, as I set forth my intent. Not only answers for me personally, but what ended up becoming a very intentful part of what I'm building a branch of my creative business upon.
Within the last few years, I have had the absolute pleasure of working with and volunteering for several amazing non-profits within my community. School Choice Scholarships and The Cabbage Patch Settlement House to name a few, of which I have great respect for in the ways they're bringing betterment to the community. And in particular? Children (the babies, as my beloved Grandmother called them:). As they are our future leaders, with a HUGE place in my heart. I remember hearing this years ago,
"Children are the messengers to a future we'll never see.
What kind of message do you want to send?" 
That thought stuck with me, never forgotten. I can't even find its source? Perhaps it came to me through the ethers? Perhaps I only imagined it! I didn't question it too much, as it was an important part of the questions I was asking myself. I listened closely, and used the message as part of my intentful map I was creating, and still am. Bottom-line, when my heart screams? I listen. Here's what it said:
That thought stuck with me, never forgotten. I can't even find its source? Perhaps it came to me through the ethers? Perhaps I only imagined it! I didn't question it too much, as it was an important part of the questions I was asking myself. I listened closely, and used the message as part of my intentful map I was creating, and still am. Bottom-line, when my heart screams? I listen. Here's what it said:
:: These are people I believe in.
:: These are people who give the ultimate gift. The gift of hope.
:: These are people who give the ultimate gift. The gift of hope.
:: These are the kind of people I want to help in some way, shape or form.
:: These are the people with an intent that inspires me. To my core.
:: This is an important foundational block in the type of business model I want to be the architect of.
:: These are people empowering society's future leaders. The Children. This is the kind of message I want to send.
:: These are people empowering society's future leaders. The Children. This is the kind of message I want to send.
These are people and organizations who are truly helping make this world a better place. In ways of providing a better education potential to children, empowerment for those who might need a helping hand; offering many forms of the arts, education & culture to some whom might have never been exposed to otherwise. People providing brilliantly amazing ways of betterment and new possibilities within our community. People that stand for something of true value. A child's future.
Within my realization? My personal intent & mission to find ways of giving back became more and more clear. I realized I could help in many ways. That perhaps in ways of tricks, tools & skills I have learned along the way? I could help these organizations spread their good word. Perhaps help them think outside the box on different marketing methods to spread their name further with social media, content creation & imagery. I could share my photography skills to help them in promoting their cause, gaining more experience as I helped them. An absolute example of Win/Win (Win;), my preferred mindset in doing anything.
Though I might not be in the current financial position to donate huge sums of money to these life-changing causes? I am quite able to help in other ways—through my time, talents & skills. This is what I decided would be my starting point in ways of giving back. Paying it forward ~~~
Boom-ba-da-bing-magical-ting!!
* Inspirational Idea Sparks Flew Forth! *
An idea had been birthed!
My intent had been ignited!
So, my excitement aside (pardon my outbursts, I do this;)...
What I would like to inspire you to do?
Provide a 'Soul Spark' to you on...
Is to take a moment to think about Causes, People, Organizations within your own life that you're able to help. In some way, shape or form.
:: What causes are you passionate about?
:: How can you help make this world a better place in your own unique way?
:: How can you lift others?
It starts within each of us. To be the change we want to see. Never underestimate the value you are able to provide others. Never think it insignificant, the unique light you're capable of shining. It is invaluable. One person can change the whole course of someone's life. One person who believes in you, can give you the wings—that you might not have even realized you needed—to fly. Imagine for one moment, what a whole fleet of people with the same intention are capable of? That's powerful. That is magic in its truest form, with tangible results.
What many aren't aware of—and that I have learned firsthand working behind the scenes with these amazing organizations—is that many non-profits (especially smaller ones) truly struggle to meet the needs for their cause. At times these organizations are severely understaffed, struggling to find volunteers. If you can contribute in one small way, offer a skill or talent of yours that could help! Why not? Reach out! No matter how small you might think it may be; it's not. Even if only an hour a month. It all helps, every drop. I guarantee you these organizations would be so grateful for any type of help you're able to offer.
Added unexpected bonus? Giving Back gives such a fulfilling feeling—would you believe me if I told you it's even good for your health! It is so satisfying to know you are actually doing something, as opposed to just sitting back waiting for the world to change. You become an active participant. You add your light. You stand for something of value.
My own answers to self were simple as far as causes and organizations I'm passionate about, truly stand behind—light my fire. If it has to do with Children, Education, The Arts, Human Becomings who are not able to do for themselves or the less fortunate? Empowerment & Inspiration? I'm there. Everyone has a different hot button they're passionate about. What's yours?
If you need an excellent starting point to research organizations within your own community (actually it doesn't even have to be in your immediate area, many organizations are in great need of 'virtual volunteers' as well—worldwide, though my personal preference? Is to start at home, with my own) that might need your help? As a starting point on your own adventure into lifting others souls, peek here: VolunteerMatch.org. It's a great connection point for matching volunteers, non-profits and like-minded people to merge talents, skills, needs of. Explore it! See where you might be able to add your own unique light. If you are a non-profit group reading this and your organization is not currently listed at VolunteerMatch.org? Get yourself on there to find potential volunteers!
Added unexpected bonus? Giving Back gives such a fulfilling feeling—would you believe me if I told you it's even good for your health! It is so satisfying to know you are actually doing something, as opposed to just sitting back waiting for the world to change. You become an active participant. You add your light. You stand for something of value.
My own answers to self were simple as far as causes and organizations I'm passionate about, truly stand behind—light my fire. If it has to do with Children, Education, The Arts, Human Becomings who are not able to do for themselves or the less fortunate? Empowerment & Inspiration? I'm there. Everyone has a different hot button they're passionate about. What's yours?
If you need an excellent starting point to research organizations within your own community (actually it doesn't even have to be in your immediate area, many organizations are in great need of 'virtual volunteers' as well—worldwide, though my personal preference? Is to start at home, with my own) that might need your help? As a starting point on your own adventure into lifting others souls, peek here: VolunteerMatch.org. It's a great connection point for matching volunteers, non-profits and like-minded people to merge talents, skills, needs of. Explore it! See where you might be able to add your own unique light. If you are a non-profit group reading this and your organization is not currently listed at VolunteerMatch.org? Get yourself on there to find potential volunteers!
If you happen to be an organization, non-profit or an individual passionate about bettering our community, this world, lifting spirits? And you feel like I might be able to help your own intent in some way? I want you to get in touch with me at InspireIntent@gmail.com with Giving Back in the subject line. Or you can reach me via the contact form at: InspireIntent.com
Let's see what kind of Magic we can create, by Giving Back.
Together.
You in?
I hope so!
Let's do this.
And if perchance? You have your own amazing story, or inspiring experience of how you have Given Back? Please share! I would love to hear from you, as would many others. It's inspiring, on so many levels. Beautifully contagious. Win/Win. That's my intent.
Let's see what kind of Magic we can create, by Giving Back.
Together.
You in?
I hope so!
Let's do this.
And if perchance? You have your own amazing story, or inspiring experience of how you have Given Back? Please share! I would love to hear from you, as would many others. It's inspiring, on so many levels. Beautifully contagious. Win/Win. That's my intent.
:: Believe
Wednesday, December 24, 2014 Inspire Intent 0 Comments Category : Food For Thought , Giving Back , Inspiration
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| "The Magic of Christmas" photo by: inspireintent.com
I always like to take a moment to truly treasure what Christmas is about to me personally, at this time of year. A moment of thanks from my heart. It's not about expensive gifts, stressing out over the hustle & bustle, worrying over tiny non-essentials.
It's about The Magic. That very special magic, that is felt in the heart. Remembering the excitement you felt as a young child as you awaited a visit from Santa, about looking about the room when with family, no matter how large or small, and being grateful for each of them, their presences, their influence - in your life, from the encouraging inspiring ones, to even the ones who accidentally might have set examples in ways you might not choose to live as you paint your own canvas. It's about those beautiful, twinkling, soul sparkling lights. It's about giving back in ways that you can, to those who have less than. It's about being a reminder of all the beauty that exists in this world if you choose to open your eyes and heart to it. I was fortunate enough to have an extremely special soul grace my lifetime that I call my Fairy Godmother. She was also a second mother to me, a best friend, my biggest cheerleader, my soul encourager, inspirationalista extraordinairre -- in my lifetime. She believed in me as noone in my life ever has. I am honored to have had her friendship in my lifetime. She was the truest of priceless gifts to me. I lost her last year on this earthly plane to cancer :( -- but she too forever will live on in my heart. To remind me of The Magic. We always loved this as our own 'reminder' at Christmas time:  Yes Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus 
On Sept. 21, 1897, The New York Sun published what was to become the most widely read letter to a newspaper. It was sent by 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon, who lived with her parents in Manhattan. Below is the full text of that letter and the reply by Sun editorial writer Francis Pharcellus Church.
Dear Editor,
I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Virginia O’Hanlon
115 W. 95th St.
Virginia,
Your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole truth and knowledge.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God he lives and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10 thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
Believe In Magic
I still do ;-)
Perhaps in different 'ways' than Virginia is asking, but I still believe in that beautiful Magic. Matter of fact? I don't only believe in it, I expect it.
You see... it's not something found in a person, a place, a purchased object. Nothing as such. It's something found in our hearts. Something we all have, own, can access at anytime. Each and everyone of us. No matter what age. What income level. Where we are. Sometimes we just forget along the way, and need a gentle reminder of all the beauty that surrounds us - if we'll only open our minds, eyes and heart to it.
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:: Imagination
Saturday, December 20, 2014 Inspire Intent 0 Comments Category : Creativity , Food For Thought , Inspiration
:: The Best Teachers
Monday, December 15, 2014 Inspire Intent 0 Comments Category : Food For Thought , Inspiration
The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don't tell you what to see.
