This week we were asked to read our one sentence DMP (Definite Major Purpose) out loud in front of the mirror for 50 minutes. I found a hand held mirror and put it on my desk and started to read my DMP. I decided to listen to Handel’s Water Music while I read my DMP.

I noticed that every time I read my DMP, I read it differently. Sometimes I read it fast; other times I read it slow. Sometimes I’d emphasize certain words. Other times there were long pauses between words or phrases. Eventually I started to sing my DMP. Occasionally when I sang I did a little dance in my chair.

I kept looking at myself in the mirror, seeing my serious face fade into a more playful, happy look. Sometimes I’d glance at my Vision Board in front of me, remembering why I chose different images, words, or phrases.

By the end of the 50 minutes I had my one sentence DMP memorized. It was as easy to say as “Do it now!”, “I can be what I will to be”, and “I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious, happy, and healthy.”

Another assignment we were given was to take 50-70 index cards, split them in half, and write our 5 affirmations, various accomplishments, and qualities on the index cards. We were to have two identical sets that were shuffled.

We could write about awards we won, activities we’re proud of, places we visited, concerts we went to, daily chores we do, etc. It took me awhile to think of what to write about but soon my pen was flying through the index cards.

I wrote about graduating from high school with Honours, completing my Trades Foundation course with Distinction, being an English as a Second Language (ESL) coordinator for four years, marrying my hubby during COVID, traveling to the Philippines, and washing dishes, to name a few. It felt good acknowledging things I was so proud of in the past but many I had forgotten about.

We were encouraged to use the five senses with each card we read. I can still remember graduating fifth in high school, wearing a blue gown and cap, and flanked by several tall guys on either side of me. (I’m 5’1” tall.)

I remembered my wedding day when most things didn’t turn out the way I expected but it was still a memorable day. I can still hear the gun shots from the nearby firing range during our wedding ceremony and being serenaded by peacocks as the sun set.

I remembered hearing the constant laughter, tasting the rich, sweet and fruity chocolate raspberry velvet wedding cake, see the words “Todd and Deanna You’re Worth It” on the wedding cake, smelling the roses and sunflowers in my bouquet, and feeling the ribbon from my bouquet brushing against my hands.

One set of index cards travels with my phone, which is usually with me, while the other set resides on my desk. I read them when I need encouragement or I’m waiting in line at the post office or cafe.

What I learned with these assignments is that I can complete tasks in a fun way if I focus on them and it’s great to remember past achievements, especially when I use my five senses.