How to live Intentionally & Purposefully

Be intentional and find meaning in all that you do

In 2018 I decided to book my ticket and go solo traveling in Thailand. This was one of the biggest choices that I have ever done at that point in my life.  Whenever I have traveled in my past it was always with people that I was familiar with they were either family or friends but in 2018 it was different.

Before choosing to go to Thailand I was intentional about the reason why I was going to Thailand. I wanted to explore a different country’s culture and I wanted to do this independently. I knew that this experience would grow me as a person and help me to learn to trust my gut instincts.

The thought of traveling alone was pretty scary, but my “why” was much more exciting.  I wanted independence, freedom, experience, and a journey to greater self-understanding.  Once I determined where I was going and why, the next step was to put my ideas into action. I started researching the location, booking my flight, places I would stay, really making this solo travel a reality. After the experience, I came out of it stronger, smarter, wiser, and confident knowing that I can do anything I put my energy in.

When you are intentional about the decisions and choices you make, you align with your values and what is in alignment with you. Being intentional is meant to grow you as a person because you are living based on values that are important to you. Even though I was scared to leave the country alone, I knew my purpose was bigger than my comfort in America. I never want to live a life of “what if?”. I wanted to be living it.

Here are ways that you can be more intentional in your life:

Begin by writing your desired life

I know you might have thought about it, but put it on paper.  How would you like your life to be? Write your own hero story. You can write about yourself like a character in a story to get you inspired.

For example if you have a goal to lose weight, what would the character in your story be doing if she was at her weight loss goal? Mabye the story can go a bit  like this:

Janet is feeling vibrant and refreshed because she has lost 100 pounds, eveyone was amazed and inspired by her fortitude and discipline to stick to her weight loss journey.Janet is feeling self-confident and empowered, she realized she is capable of accomplishing anything. She has now become an abassador for a very popular weight loss brand, she inspire millions worldwide. She remember a time when she thought she would not be able to accomplish such an amazing goal, but here she is grateful for the amazing journey”

When you read this story doesn’t it inspire you, even though it’s made up, it takes you on Janet’s journey. Rather than just goals for weight loss, put meaning and purpose behind it. So start scripting, use your imagination, dream BIG! Most of all have fun with it.

Get Clear on your Values

It’s important to identify what your core values are, they are guides to your decision making. Your core values inform your thoughts, decisions and actions. They’re the essential foundation in living purposefully. Your values should align with the intentions that you set.

If losing weight is an intention then Health & Wellness would be a core value as well as discipline, consistency and patientce. These are just an example, you would need to discover values that feels right for you. Reevaluate your current core values, and ask yourself are they aligned with where you want to be.

Be Present

In our fast-paced world, it can be easy to get lost in our thoughts, we are either focused on the past on what should have been done, or focused on our future and what needs to be done.

When you are being present you are more aware and mindful of what is happening at this very moment, you are in the “here and now”. You are less distracted by the ruminating thoughts and the worries about the past and the future, but living in the present.

When you become present and quiet the noise you welcome in more peace, creativity, and inspiration.

There are several ways that you can start to become present, take a walk in the park, or sit in the park and observe nature. You can also take a walk around your neighborhood creating awareness of your surroundings.

Mindfulness meditation is also helpful, if you are not comfortable with just sitting with your eyes closed you can focus your attention on a particular object.

Remove all distractions, such as your phone or television. Being more present in your everyday life is a secret to happiness and intentional living.

In conclusion, you can have the life you desire and want. With daily intentional living, you are making the conscious decision to choose what is best for you and what will make you happy in the long run.

So how can you live a more intentional life?