Chicago intentions

This weekend Beth and I are traveling to Chicago to spend her 30th birthday with 16 of our very good friends, all who, with the exception of two couples who call Chicago home, are traveling in from around the country. Beth first came up with the idea for this trip in January and we have been looking forward to this weekend ever since.

Chicago is one of Beth's favorite cities and definitely ranks in my Top 5. We love the energy, the sights, the waterfront, the skyline, the restaurants, the clubs; it is a great place to spend a weekend partying, something we have done several times.

And, most importantly, our friends are all coming to celebrate. These are long time friends of both of ours, people that we don't get to see very often, but with who we communicate via phone or internet on a pretty regular basis and friends with who we always have a great time. You know me, I love conversations, and we will have some great ones this weekend, ranging from sharing fun stories from the past, catching up on current life situations, making new jokes to deeper things like discussions of religion, current events, goals, aspirations and life plans. These are our close friends because we share many of the same values and one of the big ones is the value of connection.

I enter this weekend hopeful and excited and with certain intentions in mind. I believe holding to these intentions will make the weekend as fulfilling as possible; hopefully for all parties involved, although others' fulfillment is mostly out of my control.

I remarked to Beth the other night that my memories from Europe seem stronger, clearer and more easy to recall, in more vivid images than other vacations we have taken and I wonder if that is due to going into the Europe trip with the intention of fully absorbing, as much as possible, the sights, sounds and experiences. It could just be a matter of time, it was our most recent trip, but I believe much has to do with my state of mind heading into the trip and I hope to carry the similar state of mind into our weekend celebration.

Here are my intentions for Chicago:

• My energy is other focused, I hold the energy for others, listen to others, and am focused on helping others, especially Beth, have a good time and get their "needs" met, whatever that is.
• I allow others to "tell their story" and allow others to have their voice heard. I serve as a facilitator in creating a weekend that is fulfilling for all; as much as that is in my power.
• I am confident, relaxed and balanced. I have a positive self image and a low need for compliments and outside approval.
• I am my true self - deep romantic boy and strong confident man.
• I am present in each moment, fully experiencing each situation and embedding it in my memory, taking it all in and having fun.
• I am focused on appreciation and what "is", not focused on what is missing.
• I follow my breath, bringing my presence to present with high awareness of self and others.
• I take a few minutes each day to close my eyes, focus on my breath and bring my awareness fully to the present moment.
• I take each moment as it comes, okay and accepting of whatever the universe in that moment brings.

With open heart and clear mind I humbly submit my intentions and ask all that is good and love in the universe for the support and personal ability to make these intentions reality.