“And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.” —Abraham Lincoln.

The end of 2009 approaches and my mind naturally drifts into reverse and scans the last twelve months. Questions arise–What did I accomplish? Did I tell those most important to me that I love them? Have I lived this year in integrity? And if I could have, what would I have done differently?
 
Once satisfied with that direction, my mind shifts into forward drive and I wonder what life will present in the coming year. What might I want to create intentionally?  What I’ve learned from living a good many years on this planet is that life always throws me curve balls. To make the best of it I’ll be open and do what I can to greet and meet them with humility and heart. I’ve also learned that I have the ability to create aspects of my life intentionally.

Sometimes it’s very clear what’s next. When it’s not, I ask myself questions to stimulate my imagination. Years ago I read Steven Levine’s book, A Year to Live. Since then the question I most ask myself is, “If I had a year to live, what would I be sure to do?”

Creating a list, I reflect on my responses to see what truly matters most. This process helps me see if what I say is important has enough merit to motivate me into action. It’s not that I don’t get anything done if I skip this process. I just feel more empowered knowing I am part of the cause that affects my life; that I actually play a part in creating my reality.

We all find our inspiration differently. A friend of mine uses the following questions to gauge how on track he is with his priorities.

1. What brings me joy?
2. What do I really enjoy doing?
3. What three things would I do if I won the lottery?
4. What issues do I care deeply about?
5. When my life is ending, what will I regret not doing, seeing, or achieving?
6. What 2-3 things must I do every day to feel fulfilled?
7. How do I connect with the five-10 people I care most about in the world?

He finishes with:

1. My most important values are...
2. Things I can do at the "good-to-excellent" level.
3. What I'd like to stop doing or do as little as possible.

He says this helps him set goals for the days, months and year ahead.

For some reason the word goal makes me cringe. I like to use the word intention. My horoscope in the latest issue of the Maui Times read,

“When you set positive intentions for yourself, something good comes of     them, even if you have trouble following through long term... even     partially fulfilling your goals will be good, so please do set some for yourself.”

Taking this advice, even if I reach 50% of what I’ve intended, I’ve accomplished that much more than I might have.
William A. Foster says, “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.

Whether you choose to live 2010 by chance or intentionally, have a most Wonderful New Year!