Since I posted some mission statements last week, I’ve received a few e-mails with more. So I’m running a part two. First, I want to share some additional mission statements that I’ve received. And then I want to take a step back to talk about the power in these contructs.

First, a spotlight on some very brave readers!

My very dear friend, Heather Thompson said:

Here goes nothing! I’m a little nervous following these other deeply thoughtful insights.

I belong to a family to give and receive nurture and support.

My heart and soul are fixed on faith, hope and love. My body, mind and soul are guides. I listen and respond to their needs.

Creativity is essential to my life.

I offer artistic expression.

My home is an extension of myself. It is a safe haven, a nurturing environment, and a playground for creativity.

I encourage others to pursue their true selves.

I remember and share my story. I treasure my spouse.

I give in times of need.

I live intentionally.

I am an entrepreneur.

And, on her lovely blog, the talented Bridget has this to say.

I will…

realize it’s ok to be imperfect.

be the wife my husband married.

be the tour guide through life for my child.

be a friend for my sister.

cherish each and every friendship.

not take life for granted.

be a successful business woman.

give back.

And those are just the mission statements I received via e-mail! I also happened upon a lovely blogger everyday elembee, who wrote and shared her mission statement.

And Rosie of Notions wrote an introspective post inspired by my guest post at Scoutie Girl on budgeting for your creative habit.

This is exactly what I hoped would happen when I started this series. I’m so honored by everyone who is participating and sharing.

As nearly every commenter acknowledged, putting together a personal mission statement is HARD. And sharing it takes bravery.

Let’s take a look at one last comment. Meliors had this to say:

When I read your excellent post on defining values and developing a mission statement last week I found myself plunged into a familiar despair and angst. I think partly because I was comparing myself to bloggers like yourself and Marianne (and so many other inspiring web entrepeneurs/ coaches) who all seem to have have such a lot of confidence in areas that I don’t. But after a day or two of feeling really awful, I decided that I quite like my draft mission statement:

To create and share beautiful things and inspiring words in ways that are gentle on the planet, enhance my connections with people and spread joy from the still centre of my being to the ever-expanding edges of the universe.

As for goals, I don’t have any problem with a year or less for a goal setting timeframe but I struggle so much with the longer term…I have a feeling paying attention to this area is going to feel just as bad as last weeks exercise. But I’ll try.

I am putting Meliors a little on the spot here, and I hope she’ll forgive me. Because I want to say…

You are not alone.

Heather said it so well yesterday in a post called inspired to intimidated. In it, she laid bare some of her own insecurities.

For me, there are certain people that I long to emulate. Sometimes I go so far as to wonder if they are living the life I was supposed to live but somehow I tripped up miserably in the process.  “Maybe they never had anything bad happen to them”, I fantasize. Or , I know, one of my favorites: “Maybe I am just lazy”.

I feel this way, too. I can’t even tell you how much pressure I feel, especially since launching this series, to be a model of creativity, financial responsibility and…I don’t even know what else!

If my mission statement or philosophy about money look polished, it’s because these are areas that I’ve worked on for years and years.

I’ve been at a time of transition currently, and it’s been uber stressful. And I think that the Internet is a gorgeous thing for putting us into contact with people we admire. People like Heather, Marianne, Susannah, Tara, Jules, Chris, Holly, Adam.

But the danger lies in comparison. So I want to share something with you that is still fresh and more than a bit raw.

I made the decision yesterday to put my dreams on hold, just for a little bit. Well, not on hold. But I slowed way down.

Part of the reason is that I am still shy of my financial benchmark.

The process I’m outlining in Warm Soft Money helped me look at my dreams and my budget and realize I wasn’t quite there yet.

I’m close. Painfully close. Close enough that it feels like I’m there.

So much of what I read leads me to believe that close is good enough.

It’s not.

I’m not willing to make the sacrifice. Not just financially. That I can do. But if I weigh my choices against my mission statement, I know I’m sacrificing too much.

So I’m slowing down a bit. And trying really hard not to feel like I’m selling out on my dreams.

The power of your personal mission statement is that you create your own benchmark.  

Instead of comparing myself to other bloggers, other people I see as more successful, I weigh my choices against my own values. Yes, of course I still feel jealousy. Like I’m not measuring up.

But, when it comes right down to it, you can’t let your feelings and insecurities run your life. You have to have something rooting you. That’s the power in this process.

When it works, it frees you.

I have to admit…this post took an unexpected turn toward the heavy. But if I present myself as all together, well…that’s a lie.

So, why don’t we do something to lighten the mood a bit? Will you share in the comments one thing that’s NOT in your personal mission statement?

I’ll go first!

I put up a wall, so that people cannot see my failings.

Nope, not in there.

Your turn!

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