Living with intention
The news is full of warnings about things that could end our lives—coronavirus, random acts of violence, car crashes, and forest fires…just to name a few.
You know what we don’t talk about enough? The danger of not living life in the first place.
I’m not downplaying the importance of washing our hands, locking our doors, driving defensively, or protecting the environment.
But let’s add live with intention to the list.
Take the vacation.
Go on the hike.
Eat the chocolate.
Play with the children.
Kiss the boy—or the girl.
Watch the sunset.
Laugh at the jokes.
Dance to the music.
Rock the workout.
Take the nap.
Smell the flowers.
Take charge of your schedule. And whatever you decide to do today, do it with intention. Really notice the sensations: the sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes, the textures, the emotions.
Live with intention.
Scheduling news
I’m taking my own advice and going on vacation next week. I will miss you all, but will be back refreshed and ready to go in two weeks.
Your turn
- What will you do with intention today?
- What smell do you really love?
- What song makes you want to dance?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all.
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Shared on the GRAND Social and #MLSTL.
Image by Alfonso Cerezo from Pixabay
Excellent advice! Something I don’t always do enough of in my own life.
I’m sure we could all use a reminder once in awhile. I know I can.
I love this! And honestly it’s easy to do-you simply have to be aware. (Not to say I always do this.) I’m going to try to live in the moment all day-enjoy the group of kids I’m working with, not think about the next group, engage and be kind to the employees at the stores I need to go to, and relax and enjoy the taste of my meals while eating.
I love the smell of lilacs, I can’t think of a song that makes me dance, but anything upbeat. I usually only dance when I’m being silly with grandchildren.
If I catch myself thinking too far ahead or obsessing about something that’s passed, I stop and consciously assess all of my senses. It really does help pull me into the present moment. I also love lilacs. It doesn’t hurt that they are one of the earliest spring flowers. I confess I don’t have any good dance moves, but I do find myself moving to the beat when a good song comes on. We must be sisters! 🙂
Great advice Christie, enjoy your vacation! I like the aroma of lavender among others. An old classic rock song with a good beat makes me want to dance!
Thank you Dee. I am soooo looking forward to it. I like the classic rock as well. We’ll be hearing some of that in Mazatlan when they have Rock ‘N Roll day at Surf’s Up Cafe.
Nothing better than classic rock!!
Amen to that.
I love this
I’ve been debating whether to take on the expense to go to Alaska to see where mom made her grand journey and say goodbye to her. Today I decided to do it. ?
I’m so glad you are coming Heidi! XO
I like this a LOT!! I’ve already told my husband if we have to stay at home for 2 weeks I’m going to be the thing to be scared of, not the virus…Shared!
I’m right there with you Lydia! Although, we’re headed to Mexico this week, and if they want to quarantine me on the beach, I could make that work!
I’m right with you!! Have fun.
Thank you Suzanne. I hope you are having a fabulous week!
Excellent advice, Christie! I think we all need a reminder now and then. Enjoy your time off!
Thank you Janis. I’m really looking forward to it.
I love this quote Christie (and pinned it of course!) It’s so nice to intentionally focus on the positive stuff rather than the doom and gloom. Everyone seems to be panicking over the Corona virus – shelves are emptying at the supermarket and the doomsdayers are having a field day. I just refuse to see it that way, it’s a virus, it’s quite potent, but it’s not the end of the world – and even if it was, stocking up on toilet paper isn’t going to solve the problem!
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM ?
Thank you Leanne. I like that quote a lot. My husband and I went to Costco this week (a planned trip, not related to the virus), but were shocked to see how many items they were unavailable due to people stockpiling supplies. We couldn’t buy Kleenex or green beans! One good thing to come out of all this is people are learning the proper way to wash their hands. Funny thing is they talk about it here in the U.S. every flu season, but it doesn’t get this kind of attention.
Enjoy your holiday – I’m sure that you need the break. Look forward to hearing about it when you’re back!
I really do need a break, Jo. I need some time with Mother Nature and particularly the ocean.
I need to get better at living intentionally. It feels – at the moment – as if I’m blindly falling into whatever comes along and it really affects my frame of mind and my moods. It’s as if I’ve no control (and I am a control freak by nature).
Happy holidays!
I can relate to what you’re saying Deborah. It’s good to be flexible and spontaneous at times, but it should still be a choice that you make and not feeling like you are pushed or pulled into things. Right now, I choose to drink coffee and read blogs. 🙂
Great advice. I’m trying my best to live with intention and it makes life so much easier and meaningful.
Enjoy your break!
Good luck in your endeavors, Corinne. A wise person once reminded me that it’s called mindfulness practice–not mindfulness perfect–for a reason…so trying your best is exactly enough.
I will cook a lovely roast chicken dinner which we will all enjoy. I like the smell of those scented candles my wife and daughter love. Jump Around by House Of Pain
I bet that roast chicken was delicious, Enda. I tend to be a fast eater, so I’ve made a conscious effort to slow down and really savor whatever I am eating. It makes a huge difference. I love scented candles too; my husband, not so much. So I keep them in my bathroom. Isn’t it great how a song comes on and you immediately feel energized. I’ve made a playlist of those songs to pick me up when I need it. Wishing you a lovely week.
Love this Christie and I’ve included setting intentions in my Creating Morning Ritual resource on the blog. I’ve just read on Jen’s post at Next Phase in Fitness about Bookending Intentions which is a great idea. You set the intention in the morning and then review at the end of the day. Have a lovely vacation and enjoy every moment. See you at #MLSTL when you return. x
Hello Sue. Bookending intentions is a great idea. I received a “5-minute journal” for Christmas. In the morning you write three things you are grateful for, three things that would make today great (intentions), and one affirmation. In the evening, you write three amazing things that happened and one thing that would have made the day even better. I treat that as a way of looking for areas of improvement or gentle reminders of what I might do different next time. And, of course, while I’m there I review my intentions. I hope you have a beautiful week!
Christie I’ve made the decision to reduce my work hours now that I’ve officially hit retirement age. Planning to take your advice and live with intention #MLSTL Sharing
Wishing you all the best Jennifer! I am happy to hear that you are cutting back work in order to do more of what you choose to do. Enjoy!
This is a wonderful post, Christie, especially right now and always! Your list brought tears to my eyes. You hit a nerve. There are too many wonderful things in this world where we can place our attention.
As the comments mention, the quote is great. This is all there is. Have a wonderful vacation and I look forward to hearing all about it. #MLSTL and sharing SM
Thank you Erica. I appreciate you letting me know that this post touched you. This life is short but wide, and as you pointed out, there are so many wonderful things for us to experience and appreciate. That quote is one of my favorite, maybe because I need to be reminded periodically. Enjoy your week!
A fabulous way of looking at things Christie, enjoy your break 🙂 #mlstl
Thank you Deb. I’m sure I will!
This was a very timely post for me Christie. I’ve been off on my own little hiatus, focusing on living life and not blogging about it.
Enjoy your vacation and I’m sure we’ll hear a lot about it upon your return.
Embracing life each day is what I am trying to do! thanks for the reminders.
#MLSTL
Good for you Nancy. I hope you enjoyed your hiatus. It’s good to have you back.
Well-done you!! enjoy the time away. I am with you on more intentional living but still negotiating with my inner fear monger …
Next week my time out includes getting both eyes’ cataracts removed…and I am doing my best to manage any levels of inconvenience or stress I can consider.
I am, as they say, blessed, to have excellent health care providors, private health insurance and the cost to us financially is nil.
Loved reading this.
Denyse #mlstl
Good luck with your surgery Denyse. I have a cataract too. So far it doesn’t require treatment, but they tell me eventually it will. Like you, I consider myself lucky to have access to excellent healthcare providers and health insurance.
I have a tee that reminds me to do these very things. Take the trip, buy the shoes, eat the cake. Hope you are enjoying every well-deserved minute of Mazatlan. Enjoying your pictures. Safe travels home.
We had a wonderful time, Leslie, and made it home safely. I hope all is well with you and yours!
Such good advice! I hope that you enjoy your holiday and your week is off to a good start! Wet and rainy here!
Thank you Mica. It was a lovely vacation and great for resting and restoring. Back to the craziness!
I love this post, Chrisite – I do try to live intentionally — but greatly appreciate (and need) the extra reminders!
Hello Donna. Living with intention is definitely a process–practice, not perfect, I like to remind myself. Thanks for stopping by. Here’s to a day of intention!