Like any journey —creating a Life of Abundance requires that you first know where you are going. If you don’t think about what you want the end to look like – how will you know how to get there? During my many years working in the corporate world, I would often think about what I wanted to do “when I grew up”. During recent reflection – I was surprised to realize that my original dream still remains. Even more surprising was the realization that even without intentionally trying, foundational pieces needed to accomplish my dream have been happening. Was this a coincidence? Or is my mind projecting my needs?
To lead a purposeful life, we need to build our own personal roadmap. Our roadmap includes our mission (purpose for living) and a vision of what our life will look like during and after our mission has been accomplished. To get a handle on what these should look like, examine your core values, beliefs ongoing perspective on decisions we face in our life. How can we expect to live our life to its fullest potential unless we bring our own purpose to it?
Your mission statement should be a single sentence that is uniquely you. It’s your big “WHY”. It should be something that gets you fired up when you read it. Pick words to describe your core values, talents, passions, and gifts that are most important to you. Then put it all together to form your mission statement. This exercise alone is often an eye opener in helping you identify the things that are the most important to you. And whatever is important to you – is what you should be working towards – thus your mission. If it helps, start at the very end. If someone were to say a sentence about you at your funeral, what you would like them to say. A bit weird, but effective – try it.
Next write your vision statement. This should identify what your life will look like in 5 years, 10 years, etc. What do you want to have accomplished, what will you be doing, and what’s next? Now you have your roadmap for …
….A Life of Abundance

A Life of Abundance
Part 1

     Now that is a mouthful ! What is a life of abundance? It will be different for everyone – but Isn’t it that magic pill we’re striving for? A life of abundance is a balanced harmonious life having enough money, quality relationships, and valued accomplishments to successfully fulfill our own personal mission and vision for our life. A life of plenty. We only get one life and our time is limited. The most important question is not what am I achieving or accumulating, but what am I becoming.
     A Wealthy counterbalanced Harmonious life was the topic covered in THE best class I have ever taken. The class was created by Gary Keller and in Austin is taught by the BIG GUNS. I’ve taken the class twice with Gary Keller and was priviledged enough to take the class again this week with the Dynamo – Mo Anderson. Mo is the CEO of Keller Williams. At 73 she is a role model for us all – still enthusiastic, energetic and full of vigor. The class is called Quantum Leap. The subject is an evaluation of all aspects of our lives with the goal of breaking through our current ceiling of achievement to new levels. After attending the class, I’m always energized, but for some reason this class just really excited me. I’m bursting with new ideas for several aspects of my life I want to improve and can’t wait to put them in action.
     Gary Keller lists 8 disciplines to a wealthy counterbalanced harmonious life. My plan is to carefully review each one. As I review the material and ponder the application and implications on my life — I will also write something in my blog about what I have discovered. I’ll try to post regularily —– every Monday night at least.

Follow Joyce’s review of a journey to….

A Life of Abundance

     The thought occured to me this weekend as I was floating on Lake Travis – that life really is pretty good!   The weather has been great this summer – the lake is still almost full and the water temperature remains refreshing. We parked the boat in one of our favorite coves and I totally relaxed in my noodle chair with something chilled to drink. As I listened to the sounds of other people enjoying the day – I just had to think how lucky I am to be living here.
     Before moving back to Austin after an extended stay in Seattle, we did our research. Where is the best place for us to live? Everyone’s criteria will be different, but ours was: Warm weather, fresh water lake close by, low cost of living, vibrant community, low crime, and plenty of fun things to do. After 2 years of research via vacations, we chose Austin. Our family has vacationed  around Lake Travis for years – why not make it permanent?
    Since living here – we are continually thankful for our wise decision. My only regret is that we didn’t move sooner so our children would live close by. AHaa – hindsight! No looking back now.  We’re here now — and forever!  Enjoy what’s left of the summer.

joyce

Nov 28th – Jan 12th — Ice Skating on the Plaza – Mon-Sun 10a.m. – 9p.m. Whole Foods Market roof 525 N.Lamar

Nov 28th – Jan 4th —- Rockin’ Christmas Party – a show that will get you in the Christmas spirit with singing and dancing.  Zachary Scott Theater – 1510 Toomey Rd. www.zachtheatre.org

New and Improved

Here is a look at some of the new additions to the Top 100 Courses in the U.S. and the World.

NANEA

• #44 in the U.S.
• #76 in the World

Our top new American course is an ultra-private enclave on the Big Island of Hawaii, just up-mountain from the Four Seasons Resort in Kailua-Kona. Bandon Dunes architect David McLay Kidd etched a links-style layout from the side of a mountain atop volcanic lava. The result is a firm, fast track with elevated views of the Pacific from every hole. At 7,503 yards, par 73, it’s enough golf to test anyone, but the real challenge is solving Kidd’s pay-me-now-or-pay-me-later puzzles that come in the form of ornery bunkers, clever angles, significant slopes and hard-to-read greens.

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