Maria Shriver

Focus Forward

By Maria Shriver

Follow @mariashriver

Last weekend, when I was riding my bike along PCH for the Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle, I looked to the right and saw a sharp, steep cliff. I looked to the left and saw traffic speeding by.

If I turned right, I'd ride off the road. If I steered my bike out into the road, I would get hit by a car. If I looked back, I'd fall off the bike.

At that moment, I had one option: focus forward. And that left me with a exhilarating sense of freedom.

Since I was inspired -- and I love playing with words -- I spent the entire trip home writing down words that stood for the areas of my life that mattered most to me, the words that would focus me and guide me forward to a full and fulfilled life.

It wasn't until I got home that I realized all of my words started with the letter 'f'.

What makes your life full and fulfilled?

For me, it's about my faith -- faith in God and in myself. It has taken me a long time to put myself that high on my priority list, and I think that's true of many women.

Leading a full and fulfilled life is also about making time for my family and my friends. For my life to be full, I have to make room for fun, fitness (of the mind, body and soul) and nourishing food.

I feel fulfilled when I'm stepping into my femininity in a more forceful way, when I'm forgiving and moving forward, and when I'm moving out into The Open Field -- where anything is possible.

These are the pillars that guide me on my path, my focal points.

I asked my friend, Nadine, which words guide her life and she sent me her list. Some of my favorites are below.

Forgive - clear out your soul and forgive yourself most of all

Felicity - make yourself content and happy Fertile - with creative ideas and a life force that moves us forward

First Step - a journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step

Flexible - adjust, negotiate, be prepared to make a change

Now it's your turn. What makes your life full and fulfilled?

Join the conversation: In the comments section below, share the f-words that help point you in the right direction.

Image credit: KittyKate789 on 8Tracks.com