I had the privilege of talking to a group of school RNs from Denton ISD this week. The subject was “Care for the Caregiver,” and part of the presentation was how to have an “intentional day.” I developed this concept for myself during one of my spiritual philosophy classes in South Dakota (thank you, Celeste!) as a way to reframe the way I went about my activities each day.  Instead of just making a list of things to be accomplished, I wanted to wrap the day in affirmations focused on a particular positive attribute (or attributes)  to enhance my life. 

I have used this idea consistently (usually determining a focus for several days to a week) for almost three years, and have found it most gratifying.  I still have my “to do” list, and also then write down a word or two to focus on.

For example, “gratitude” is one of the first focus words I used, and still use frequently as an intention.  Peace is another, and there are so many more.  Using gratitude as my focus word, all the things on my to do list become ways to practice thankfulness.  Here are the suggestions I gave in my powerpoint presentation to the nurses…

To make your day intentional, you can:

• write down two or three words to focus on and put them where you will see them often during the day (respect, health, sensitivity, joy, peace, serenity, prosperity, learning, forgiveness, soooo many to choose from!)
• make time to center yourself as your day begins with meditation, prayer, affirmations such as I am open to all the good that comes to me today, or My day unfolds with grace and ease.
• use affirmations throughout the day to strongly assert the outcomes you desire
• monitor your information sources in the most positive way for yourself, holding peace in your heart during unsettling events
• choose a model of living your values, such as “servant leadership”

              Intend to have a wonderful, productive, positive day!

                                            Here is the form I use each week

My Intentional Week:  Focus words_________________________________________________

Affirmation for the week:_________________________________________________________

My Morning Affirmative Prayer (MAP!) J   I know my thoughts guide my experience.            Spirit is responding to me and bringing into my experience everything that is necessary to my unfoldment, to my happiness, to my peace, to my health, and to my success.  I know God enables me to help others and to bless the whole world.  So I say quietly to myself:                                   there is One Life,      that Life is God,        that Life is perfect,      that Life is my life now. It is flowing through me, circulating in me.  I am one with Its rhythm.  My heart beats with the energy of the Universe, in serenity, in peace, and in joy.  My whole physical being is animated by the Divine Spirit, and if there is anything in it that does not belong, it is cast out because there is One Perfect Life in me now.  Jesus is with me today in all that I do, and angels surround me.  I am open to all the good that comes to me today, as all events and situations unfold with grace and ease.  I bless, build, and heal. I am filled with gratitude for this knowing, for this oneness, for this perfection.  I release this affirmation to the Law, to Spirit to be brought to form right now.       And so it is.                                                                                            Each day: spiritual – meditation, affirmative prayer, Creative Thinking, Daily Word, Fr. Rohr

physical – swim, walk, play with Maya, aerobics, healthy food choices, silver sneakers

                  mental – blog, make contacts, plans for presentations, reiki, daily crossword, acrostics                         

                  emotional – notes to family and friends, nurture marriage, gratitude letters, garden

Date	Major things to do	Energy In, Energy Out
Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.

Special prayer notes: