I’m sure you’ve heard this buzzword recently and wondered just what intentional living is. Maybe you’ve been looking around, found some examples but still are not satisfied.
That has lead you here and it’s my hope this gives you a bit more clarity. Maybe even sparking that ember inside of you that has been longing to live a more freeing lifestyle than the one you currently inhabit.
For me, the meaning of intentional living is right there in the word itself. To live with intent. The American Heritage Dictionary defines it as “ Something that is intended; an aim or purpose”. I think it’s safe to say that we all want to feel we are living our lives with purpose. Of course that means different things to each person. My grandma once told me I was born in the wrong century because I gravitated towards what we call “old ways”. Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate technology and understand it’s significance in our world. Yet, for the most part I have chosen to live less than conventional.
I haven’t watched t.v. for the majority of my adult life which I believe put me at an advantage for living my authentic lifestyle. I wasn’t inundated with societies messaging about how we are suppose to operate, think and perceive the world. I’ve also lived in remote places which afforded me an immense amount of creative energy and a solid understanding of self reliance. Throughout those decades I immersed myself in books, classes and activities that expanded my mind, covered many modalities, several cultures and different belief systems. All with an intent to find the answers I sought and create the life my heart longed for. It wasn’t easy. Some friends and family members didn’t exactly embrace my choices. It’s a challenge to step out of our comfort zone, and it can be hard for others to grasp someone else’s vision.
So why do people seek an intentional lifestyle? That again is different for everyone. For me it was a knowing that the status quo wasn’t in my favor. Mostly I had a burning desire to find my own truth and purpose. I think at this current point in time with the world in the throws of chaos, as we adjust to this shift, many people are re-assessing what truly matters. They recognize that our system is broken. People are seeking more but in a holistic manner rather than objects, titles, etc.
And this is where it can get sticky for some as it requires us to dig in and figure out what it is that we truly want. What do we stand for. What kind of life will fulfill that desire we have for purpose. How do we live a healthier, happier life. What can we leave behind for our children, for future generations. We may glean wonderful ideas and inspiration from others yet it’s up to each of us to figure it out for ourselves. It’s a personal journey.
What truly helped me was what I’ve broken down below. Just a few things to meditate on.
1. What is really important to you? (Write a list, lists are a great way to explore.)
2. Where is your focus throughout the day? (Are you daydreaming about what could be? Are you feeling dread, bored, ambivalence? These are markers for understanding where you can adjust.)
3. What truly excites you? (Again, a list can be a game changer and remember you don’t have to show it to anyone so get in there and be honest with yourself.)
4. When do you experience joy? ( Write it all out. From basic to elaborate, nature to creative, your people, pets, you get the idea.)
5. When your heart says YES what holds you back? (This is where break through happens. Resistance is a cue. Fear is a block. Faith in God/Creator and yourself is your truest ally.)
This is not a blueprint to finding YOUR path. Merely suggestions and a bit of wisdom gained through process . For me living intentionally can be summed up by a person experiencing life on their terms. Exercising their freedom to be who they truly are and live as they choose. Is it always going to be joyful? Nope. Life is messy and there are plenty of struggles. The old adage “nothing that really matters comes easy” is true. The joy I am talking about is when you close your eyes in a safe environment, do you feel JOY? That’s your aim. Be good to yourself and remember this is a journey. Enjoy each step along the way.
