The Power of Intentions

On Thursday, February 22nd, 2018, I wrote on a piece of paper: "I want to do something with my hands. I want to know my customers."

My wife and I were in Malaysia enjoying the last few days of tropical air and sunshine before we embarked on our big move to the U.S. She had us sit down and write out the feelings we wanted to feel, and then things we wanted to do on a daily basis in our next life chapter.

It was a time of new beginnings. We were starting a family and a new life together in Green Bay. We were both ready for something different but weren't completely sure what that looked like. Ironically (or not so ironically) we both said we wanted to meet our customers face to face.

Four months later, I started working toward my goal of "wanting to do something with my hands." What a reminder of the power of our thoughts, huh?!

My hands and my body have notably changed since becoming a baker. My day is totally different than when I worked in front of a computer. I'm on my feet for 12 hours each day, hustling around the kitchen. Last Thursday I realized I didn't actually sit down for 12 hours straight.

A baker's hands are one of a kind.

My hands are strong. They have a new sensitivity to them. They hold, they stretch, they knead, they provide.

Seven days of the week I'm touching my bread. Whether that’s with my hands in the dough, putting a loaf into a bag for a customer, or taking it out at home to enjoy a slice for myself. I'm now really doing something with my hands.

It's so rewarding to look back on an intention that I set and see it come to reality with such precision. Be careful what you wish for!

Seeing photos of my hands making a product is a constant reminder of the power of intention and setting goals.

My wife and I sit down regularly to write clear intentions. Whether that’s an ideal weekly schedule that includes self-care, exercise, and super productivity, or places we want to travel and things we want to create for our lives.

It's a value she's infused into our family and one that is being infused into Voyageurs Sourdough. "Thoughts create intentions, and intentions create reality," she reminds me regularly.

So here’s a question from your friendly, local sourdough baker to inspire your thoughts today…

What intentions are you setting this week? Big or small. How can you focus your thoughts to help guide you toward your goals?

This is my intention for the week:
To tick off 1 specific item on my Bakehouse project list. We are still a few weeks away from being able to begin the build-out and officially announce the location, but we're getting closer.

I have visualized this Bakehouse for over a year now. There is total clarity in my mind of what this space is going to be for the community, and I'm determined to see it become a reality for all of us! I'm excited to share the full concept plans with you soon.

Until then, I’d love to hear about an intention you’re setting this week. Leave a comment below to share inspiration and commit your intention to becoming reality.

And if you’re curious about how I use my hands to shape dough, click here to see a video!