Saturday, November 16, 2019

Evolving Purpose Statements Inspired By Defy Ventures Washington by Ruth Utnage

My personal purpose statement is:

As a self-developed, persevering and independent woman I create healthier communities by educating leadership to recognize, embrace and empower those who have legitimately rehabilitated despite their incarceration.

This concept was introduced to me when national bestselling author and community leader Brandon Peele came into this prison and hosted a conference with our newest Defy Ventures Washington cohort. It closely resembles an organizational mission statement and acts in much the same way, its a guiding set of values for what people (and yourself) can expect from you.

It is interesting how I hear and see so much publicity around the concepts of personal values, compassion, and self-awareness yet so few people are willing to put in the time to really dig deep into their own lives and pull this information out and bring it to the forefront of their thoughts for introspection. Maybe this is because there is a lack of know how, maybe some are afraid of what they will discover. Regardless this kind of information comes in handy when I run into life and I need to make decisions about why I am doing what I'm doing and if its really worth it. Like eating that donut, getting frustrated about the slow-poke in the fast lane, or if this probable one-night stand hottie is really worth the risk and time.

Programs like Defy Ventures Washington, and more importantly its leadership, bring a platform for us to dig deep into ourselves and mine out that gold, that positive soil for us to bring to the community. For me, I have found confidence and a greater sense of purpose in knowing that I am going to reenter society with a healthy contribution and sure footing on my own path to happiness. How many people do you know that can honestly say that? What will make you feel fulfilled and happy that you lived on this planet? How many of your friends and family know that? Here's what makes me feel fulfilled and happy that I live on this planet at this time:

As a self-developed, persevering and independent woman I create healthier communities by educating leadership to recognize, embrace and empower those who have legitimately rehabilitated despite their incarceration.

It took me seven evolutionary statements to finally forge this guiding purpose statement, I have named the whole process "The Evolving Purpose Statement", try it. Write out your purpose, then every day for a week wake up and reread it and edit it for seven days. Spend one week to make a purpose for the rest of your life...if you need help, I'd be glad to assist you. You know how to get ahold of (see below!).

With Love
Ruth Utnage

Subscribe, Follow, Interact, Comment and change YOUR community

Mail To:
Jeff aka Ruth Utnage 823469 C-601-2
MCC-TRU
P.O. Box 888
Monroe, WA 98272

or email through jpay.com
DOC: 823469
Name: Utnage, Jeff (though I am legally Ruth)

Visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lgbtqprisonsupport/

No comments: