Are you interested....

or are you committed!?!  There is a difference.  Many things will capture our interest.  Interest is about drawing your attention - sometimes to distraction.  Anything that gives you pause - a color, a smell, a conversation, the news - can attract your attention and interest.

The dictionary describes commitment as "a pledge".  We often will commit ourselves to relationships, to lifestyles, to our communities.  It is a promise to ourselves to attend to the needs of whatever we find truly important in life.  

Many times we confuse interest and commitment.  There are so many things that call to us to learn and experience in ones lifetime.  How many times have you heard someone say they have always wanted to play the piano, learn to cook or go skydiving?  Perhaps you have had similar thoughts.  When this occurs we may feel disappointment or frustration.  Don't!  Recognize that these types of things are your interests and may not have a role in your life in this moment.  However, you can be open to having them to expand their role in your future.

Become clear on what you are committed to so that you can focus on creating a future that is meaningful and fulfilling.  Allowing clarity will bring your path into focus.  It will be easier to take the steps you need to support a commitment when you actually know to what you are committing.  This allows your energies to be focused on the things that are most important to you.  Recognize that your interest and commitments will change as you move through life.  Also recognize there are somethings that need a commitment from you in order for you to find happiness and feel successful. These areas include your work, your health, your life partner, your family, your creativity and your joy.  Take the time to think about how you can attend to these important areas in your life.

Do not allow "interesting" things to distract, discourage, overwhelm or stress your life.  Mindfully decide if it is something that needs commitment - if not let it go with no regret knowing that if it is truly something that needs more energy from you, it will reappear in your life. 

So, are you interested or are you committed?

Before setting a new course in life we must know where we are in the present moment.There needs to be an acceptance of what is before change can come because you can't ignore something and change it at the same time!  This does not mean you are affirming or wallowing in your current situation - just looking at it.  Acceptance equals power - where as denial leaves you powerless.  Acceptance helps remind us that we are not the situation but just having an experience.

This is the jumping off point for making change.....

With paper and pencil in hand, make a list of statements that describe your current life experiences.  There is no emotion connected to the writing - just looking at the facts.  Be sure to include all areas of your life like your job, home, friends, family, health, wealth, contribution etc.  Your work could look something like this:

     My current job is not fulfilling nor satisfying on any level.
     I love being a Mama to my wonderful children.
     I need to move my body more.  I am interested in finding a dance class.

Continue with your statements until all areas of your current living situation are addressed.  Do not keep re reading them, just write and move on.  In the end, you will notice that there are things to celebrate in your life and  things to change.  Here is the fun part! On a fresh page, start to list the things you want in your life.  Just write simple statements, in the present tense, of the way you picture your ideal life.  Your work could look something like this:

     I am so grateful to have the job of my dreams.  All my co workers are positive and supportive.
     I enjoy perfect health and care for myself and my family by eating nutritious foods.
     I enjoy taking time to care for myself - especially in dance class.

Don't worry if your don't feel these dream life statements are truthful in your current moment.  The idea is to be focusing on all the good things you are going to bring into your life instead of what you are lacking.  This shift in your mindset is really all that is needed to start you on your way to meaningful change.

After making the list of your ideal life, take a couple of moments to imagine what you will be feeling when this dream life becomes reality.  Think of the joy, freedom, fulfillment etc.  Write a couple of sentences on that and re read these sentences with joy!  Lastly, re read your dream life statements with the emotions you just were feeling while reading how this will feel for you.   Look at the wonderful package you have now created for yourself.   You could write your dream life statements on an index card ( or two) that can be reviewed everyday.  What a great way to start and end your day ~ acknowledging your potential!

Now you have a map, a direction to set your focus.  Anytime you feel down, overwhelmed or any emotion you do not enjoy, pull our your dream statements and remind yourself of all that is waiting for you.