A GUIDE TO LIVING WITH INTENTION
“Intentional” seems to be a buzzword that has made its way into our everyday language. Instead of letting it just be a buzzword, why not fully embrace it and truly live by its principles? Being intentional is living in a way that is in line with your values and beliefs.
When you’re going through the motions of day-to-day life, intentionality may not be on the forefront of your mind. It’s easy to find yourself in a routine that may feel like you are living in Groundhog Day. Intentional living is having a daily routine with meaning. You are specifically choosing to give daily devotion to the things that align with what matters most.
I have come up with a list of steps to live intentionally to give you ideas to implement this into your own life.
CHOOSE ACTIVITIES THAT ALIGN WITH YOUR VALUES
Make a list of your beliefs, values and top priorities. If you are unsure of what words to use to describe your values and beliefs, try taking a look at this resource from Brené Brown.
Ask Yourself:
“What makes my life worth living”
“What’s most important to me?”
“What do I want out of life”
COMMIT TO SELF IMPROVEMENT AND PERSONAL GROWTH
When life encompasses a path of self-improvement and personal growth, you will feel more fulfilled and have more meaning in your life.
Commit to and maintain a progressive mindset. If you want to expand and grow, staying curious is key.
Personal growth is a lifelong process that requires consistent practice and attention. Allow yourself to be in progress, not perfection.
ENJOY THE MOMENT
Being mindful of the present moment helps you increase self-awareness, build stronger relationships and can decrease stress and worry.
Often, people feel they are “in the moment” and enjoying the present, but truly being mindful and practicing mindfulness can be challenging. It takes a lot of intention and determination to shift that mindset.
Mindfulness is being aware of everything in the present moment. This includes your own body, physical experience, environment, surroundings, as well as emotional state, mindset and thoughts.
Being mindful and truly in the moment requires committed effort. Regular practice can help you to be more present and aware which leads to living life with more intention and meaning.
STRIVE FOR WHOLENESS
Creating and maintaining wholeness and overall wellness in your life is essential to living your life to the fullest.
Ensure all areas are well-cared for by focusing your attention on what is presented in the present moment. There are times one child may need more attention than another or you are birthing a new idea or creation. In these times, wholeness is giving that area of your life more of your time and energy while maintaining the other area of your life that matters to you. If things start to feel out of alignment, re-center. It is normal to experience life “out of balance,”. So strive for wholeness instead.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Helpful actions toward others, as well as yourself, can be beneficial to your mental wellbeing.
When you give back and help others it can help you feel better about yourself.
When you live with intention, you have more passion, more focus, and more attention to your actions, which can enrich your experience and your life.
Now that you have 5 steps to help you get started living intentionally. Make a commitment to daily practice in each of these areas. Be selective in who you spend your time with, what you spend your time consuming (media, tv, podcasts, books, etc) and what social events you say yes to. The goal is to ask yourself, “Is this aligned with my beliefs and values?” Now that you have those listed, you can use it as your guide to say’ “yes or no”. When you choose to live an intentional life, you will start to see how life is happening for you instead of to you. You will take back your power in every situation and circumstance and you will be living a life by design.
