Over the past few weeks I’ve been very focused on reviewing my values, considering the dreams I want to accomplish, and the ways I can best set myself up for future successes. I’ve been able to build a framework that is easy for me to review on a daily basis and has already helped curb my behavior and thought processes.

The only part I’ve been struggling with is a theme to tie it all together. Like a good movie I was interested in finding a creative tag line for the framework. Something short and to the point, a way to quickly remind me of the way in which I am choosing to live life this year. A succinct reminder to point me in the right direction.

I’ve read and read a few paragraphs of Walden more times than I can count over the past 24 hours as there’s been a strong gravitational force from my souls pulling me in that direction. This morning Becky and I went for a run on the quiet country road we usually run on. While enjoying the sensation of being outside in nature it all came together.

I could see the words of Thoreau appear before my eyes…

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.

In an instant I saw all of the values, dreams, goals, and the rest of the framework I’ve been building flow into three words. Within only four syllables lay the mantra that will be rolling through my mind on an almost constant loop this year.

Into the woods…

With those three short words my mind instantly calms and sees the path I am choosing to take this year. A year of simplicity, living deliberately, focused on the essential. While I would love to go into the woods in real life, the idea of metaphorically going into the woods already brings peace to my soul. My direction is clear and all my thoughts can quickly be focused with this one phrase. This was exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks!!!