Our boxer dog, Carl Dean, just had his second birthday. We celebrated with friends, family and his closest dog companions with pupcakes, a hot dog game and bubbles. It was a blast, and everyone commented on how well behaved the dogs were.
If you’ve raised a puppy, you know that the first year or two is challenging (to put it lightly).
For such cute, cuddly creatures, puppies pack a punch. They chew on everything, hate being left alone, have an erratic sleep schedule, pull you on walks and potty everywhere but outside. Once you’ve gotten the hang of one thing, they’re onto the next phase of puppyhood and it feels like you’re embarking on a brand new set of obstacles.
It’s challenging, but rewarding.
At two years old, I can see the upside of our efforts. With our clear intention of raising a well-behaved dog we can bring anywhere, then taking aligned action with lots of support in the form of training, practice and dedication, we’ve watched Carl Dean mature into a wonderful, very good boy. He still has more to learn, but the momentum we’ve built is evident.
This metaphor translates to caring for or growing anything from infancy to a more mature state: a partnership, a project, a business, a hobby, a community, etc. The roadmap is the same:
You have to set your intentions for what you want to accomplish
Take aligned action
Then watch the momentum build
For the last few years I’ve been in the intention and action phases of so many important areas of my life.
Raising our puppy
Rediscovering my authentic self post-burnout
Building my business in a way that energizes me
I’m starting to see these areas shift into the momentum phase and it feels like a homecoming. I feel grounded, joyful and grateful for the life I’ve intentionally created.
Our dog is maturing
I’ve never felt more authentic and aligned
I’m attracting new clients, partners and opportunities in my business
With the weight of world events that are ongoing and upcoming – natural disasters, elections, conflicts, economic pressures – and wanting to honor the harvesting energy of Fall, I'm content building momentum during this time of transition.
When it feels aligned for me to begin a new growth stage, I’ll use this roadmap to set new intentions, take action and watch momentum build again.
How are you building momentum towards an authentic, aligned life? With curiosity, reflect on the following questions and witness what discoveries come through for you.
What areas of your life are you seeing momentum build?
When you acknowledge this momentum, what feelings does this evoke, if any?
Are you embarking on any new growth areas that you need to set clear intentions for? If so, what intentions do you want to set?
How will you take aligned action? Do you already know the steps you want to take, or will you harness your intuition and your holistic self – mind, body, spirit – to guide you?
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