Purpose, Passion, and Plans

I'm currently attending a 2-day seminar entitled "7 Habits of Highly Effective Managers" (anyone out there heard of Dr. Stephen Covey?) My employer is really good about sending us to excellent employee training, focused on understanding how each of us is unique with distinct abilities and skill sets, and how we can all work together best.

Throughout the day we were given several examples of individuals whose decisions impacted so many people - in some cases world-wide. One individual we discussed, John Wooden, was a college basketball coach touted as the "Greatest Coach of all Times" by some in 2009. Highly revered among his players and colleagues, John was positively inspirational to his team. He didn't focus or harp on winning, he guided players on the team in life lessons - lessons still being applied today. I was reading up on his life this evening and I read his 7 Point Creed that I would like to share with you.

• Be true to yourself
• Make each day your masterpiece
• Help others
• Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible
• Make friendship a fine art
• Build a shelter against a rainy day
• Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day

I read this and thought about how simple each point is, yet how important. It was pretty obvious that John Wooden was passionate about basketball and about teaching and his players. When I assess my work life, and sometimes even my personal life, I feel like I am missing some of the passion I respect in so many great leaders. Perhaps I missed my calling....maybe it'd be easier to be passionate about something slightly more exciting than accounting! :) However, I think there is opportunity in every situation. Opportunity to positively impact coworkers, make a difference that will be remembered. Maybe I just need to look deeper...I don't know!

In any case, I feel fairly introspective and I've been thinking about things I want to accomplish this year, since it is a new one. I think I'll start a list here...my list of things I want to be passionate about, things I want to achieve or do, ways I want to make a difference.

Purposeful, Passion-filled List:
A) I want to be a nurturing, supportive wife and mother. I want my family to always feel appreciated and that home is safe. Home is fun. Home is love.

B) Crafting provides me with a creative outlet, one where I can learn, improve and just have plain ol' fun!

1. I want to have card-making nights with friends where we make cards all evening and laugh and joke. We'll have snacks and drinks and just enjoy each others' company while gettin' down with our creative selves. Anyone want to join me??
2. I will be quilting this year. I am purchasing equipment and will be getting fabric for projects in the next couple weeks. My bestest bud will be joining me on this journey (let's hope she enjoys it!)
3. I will sew the summer outfit for Annika that I planned to make. If the pattern I currently have is too small I will get another one and make something that fits!
4. I will start Annika's scrapbook. I will finish Annika's scrapbook.

C) I will find a church I enjoy attending and start going and getting Annika into the kids programs.

D) Begin reading non-fiction books each month to learn something new.

E) Take more pictures and really get to know my camera. Make sure to have many family shots - they're important.

F) Make time for frequent family visits.

G) Take a long hard look at what I'm doing with my life. Is there anything I need to change? Do I want to go back to school? Eeeek!?!?

That's enough for today. Lots of things to add, but I'm tapping out for tonight. Going to read a fiction book and escape! ;)

Penny