my to-do lists have been incredibly random these days. One day it’s completely full and other days I’m doing whatever it takes to fill it back up again.

I’ve had a lingering item on my to-do list for a few weeks now: incYourself’s mission statement. I have one published, but it needs more tweaking. It’s difficult to try and translate a brand without sounding too dry. And I want to add a personal touch, because business should have some sort of REAL emotion behind it. (another topic.)  I guess it’s best not to over-think it, but it’s quite a different story when you’re trying to sell yourself and what you do.  And then there’s the challenge of keeping it short and sweet; just a FEW sentences that sums up your brand and what sets you apart from the rest. Piece of cake! :-/ It’s an exciting challenge though … you’re mapping out your future.

There’s also a flip side to mapping out your future; you believe every last detail has been ironed out, but destiny may have something else in store.  Surprise! But regardless of what life throws our way, there is an essential foundation to a successful mission statement: hardcore believing.

I think it’s time for a little homework?! You know you’ve missed my assignments. Tell us, if you had to write a mission statement for your own business – a lifelong dream – what would it be? If it’s not for a business, can you write a mission statement that defines your purpose? Or better yet, your calling?  Sell me some of you. I think it could be inspiring, and it’s a great reminder of what pushes us forward in life. Something we should never forget!

And yes, of course you can be silly about it…. silly is equally inspiring!

First, I have to thank my cousin for pushing me to start feeding my blog again. The push came in the form of a comment on my last post and two particular words jumped out at me: “come back!” She’s right; I was gone. I couldn’t find the inspiration to write, and I didn’t want my blog to become a platform for complaining. But her words did more than push me. It made me realize that I had an opportunity here: to share my struggles and use this transition to try and help others that find themselves in the same position. (More revelations to follow.)

Like so many other Americans, I’ve become a statistic. Laid off, sitting in front of a computer sending out resumes and filling out endless questionnaires, keeping an eye on the bank account, picking up consulting jobs on the side and praying fear doesn’t pull me under. But, there’s one thing I’m sure of: I refuse to remain a statistic.

It’s also important to allow our ‘realist’ to come out during life’s bigger transitions: there will be ups and downs. It’s a part of the process. It’s difficult to keep the positive energy going when you find yourself in completely unfamiliar territory, especially when you’ve been working for twenty years and you were accustomed to corporate blessings, i.e., the paychecks.  When it comes down to it, consistent paychecks are the source of our survival.

So what happens when we’re forced to walk away from our careers and the lifestyles we’ve become accustomed to? Is this our golden opportunity to control our own destiny, to take it one step further and start your own business? Is it practical in this economy? Is practical even a consideration any longer? The questions are endless. My resume continues to make its way across the country because of immediate financial obligations, but my energy remains focused on my own consulting business.

I’ve learned a huge lesson over the past five months: you can’t ignore the pull of your soul. It’s our guide. It requires patience, hope, confidence and incredible strength, but I firmly believe we each have a purpose that is bigger than we know.