What’s the point of having a dream?
Sylvia spends a lot of time daydreaming about life after the year 2020.
“There’s no point in thinking about 2020 anymore,” she says to her friend, I can’t think of a single experience that has positively contributed to my life.”
Come to think of it, when Sylvia looks back to years 2019- 2018- 2017…she recalls highlights which make her heart feel fulfilled and lighter.
She digs even deeper into her heart and asks these questions:
(NOTE: Answers in this moment seem mostly unclear.)
Who or what gives me the strength to move forward each day, each year?
My mom, dog and friends
Is my life action-oriented or am I passing time without a clear direction?
I don’t have clear direction. Is that why my outlook is bleak?
How do I practice my core values? Share my spiritual gifts? Express my passion?
I want to make a difference in the world.
What impact do I make in the lives I touch?
It feels like I’m the one who calls first, makes plans and reaches out to share news. Although I don’t like one-sided relationships, I don’t know how to change these dynamics without breaking up with these people.
Does any part of my life or my relationships inspire a consistent practice of what I stand for?
Not really. I spend a lot of time complaining about the world mess and blaming leaders who appear not to care or do anything significant to clean things up.
The best image to summarize Sylvia’s life?
“I am a 5000-piece puzzle. Once opened, the box’s contents are dumped onto a table. So many loose pieces are waiting to come together. When the puzzle is assembled, there is one piece missing in the center. I search all over for it with no luck.
What do I need to do to find the center and complete the puzzle?”
Right around the time Sylvia is exploring her “life puzzle”, an email pops up in her inbox with an intriguing headline. Is it time to clear out your mental warehouse? Learn how to live with mission instead of distraction today! Curious, Sylvia clicks the article link which says:
What are the characteristics of a Heart-Driven mission statement?
Sparks Inspiration.
When the heart aligns with the imagination, the light of creativity turns on and illuminates a path forward. Words, images, symbols and impressions seemingly emerge out of nowhere to provide words and context to what we stand for.
Provides a Compass.
With a tangible idea planted in the heart, it can lead to clarity and confidence regardless of what appears to be tragic or unexpected. A mission statement allows the heart to recognize life’s spiritual dimensions, and resist the temptation to allow fear to swallow us.
Why am I here on Planet Earth? To improve something? Ignite others? Build connection?
The heart’s true purpose is to love and be loved. It is up to every person to cultivate and sustain an open heart. We must avoid falling prey to ego which seeks to veer us away from love.
When the heart resonates with a mission it facilitates an open dialogue with our values, spiritual gifts and passions. Lifelong learning opportunities abound as one seizes moments to serve, share and support others. The ego cannot dominate the heart when these elements are actively practiced and expressed.
Stands the test of time and exposure.
The impact of a well-practiced mission statement cannot be overstated. Its selfless contributions advance and expand the heart of humankind. A clear and strong heart demonstrates oneness, authenticity, harmony, understanding and empathy to arise in the darkest moments.