Unlocking the Depths of Self-Expression: Reflections on What Each Week Teaches Us

This Blog post answers the burning question: what are the differences between interest and intention?

Have you ever paused to ponder, "What did this week teach me?" In the journey of self-expression, we often find ourselves navigating the expectations and demands of others, striving to fit into predefined checkboxes that put everyone else at ease. But what if we reframed these moments as pivotal opportunities for learning and self-awareness, as gateways to unlocking the depths of our souls?

As I approach my 50th year on this globe, I've found myself increasingly curious about what life is teaching me—specifically, what lessons each day, each hour, and each week offer. This reflection isn't merely an idle exercise; rather, it's a recognition that life is a journey, replete with clues on how to release, let go, receive, and accept the impermanence of everything around us. This wisdom dawned on me years ago when I delved into Buddhism, immersing myself in meditation, temple visits, and reading.

There's a profound beauty in this mindset—it grants us the strength to resist the temptation to control every aspect of our lives. For me, cultivating curiosity has been a saving grace, transforming doubt into joy, lack into contentment, and loosening the grip of our innate human desire for control.

So, what has this week taught me? It's illuminated the disparity between mere interest and genuine intentions. Reflecting on the past week, I've realized that while interest often accompanies intentions, it alone is insufficient to manifest our desires. One question I ponder daily is: If my prayers were answered, how would my life feel, and how would I act? This contemplation not only kindles my interest in my true desires but also propels me from mere interest to steadfast intentions.

While interest serves as the initial spark, intentions embody the willingness and ability to translate that interest into committed action. Intentions propel us toward our aspirations, distinguishing them from expectations, which often burden us with undue pressure to meet predefined standards. Intentions, on the other hand, afford us the space and freedom for our interests to evolve into something more profound.

With this insight in mind, I encourage you to take a moment to grab your journal. Draw a line down the center of the page, labeling one side "interest" and the other "intentions." Write down what you're interested in and, in the adjacent column, detail the intentions you harbor toward those interests. This simple exercise can alleviate confusion and set you on a clear path forward.

As you engage in this practice, take a moment to meditate. Close your eyes and visualize a container brimming with your intentions—expand it with love, gratitude, and radiant white light. Too often, we drift through life with fleeting interests, neglecting to consider whether we possess the willingness and capability to translate them into action.

In the end, it's not merely about being interested; it's about having the intention to turn that interest into tangible outcomes. Through mindfulness and purposeful action, we can unlock the full potential of our aspirations and embark on a journey of profound self-expression and fulfillment.

This is a great activity to complete with your family and business partners, and it even pertains to essential topics in your life.

I was reminded by a dear friend today as I took her yoga class, sitting on my mat, that life is a journey; people show up and exit; situations are here to teach us and help us grow, and we only have to remember to accept them.

Thank you for reading, and if you find this helpful...share, tag, and discuss it with someone you care about.

April

Author | Coach | Leader

Positive Mindset & Leadership for your Life, Work and Team