Intentional Living: 5 Ways I Do It

A few years ago, I made a vision board in my journal. While working on it, the word "intentional" kept coming to my mind. I didn't really know what it meant at the time, but it felt like a sign, you know? Like I needed to move past just dreaming and start really doing what mattered to me. 

Turns out, that one word ended up changing a whole lot for me, especially after everything went down with the pandemic. I ended up ditching my 9-to-5 office job and now I'm working from home. I even gave this blog a little makeover and switched up its niche, all in the name of living intentionally.

But I get it, "intentional living" can sound a bit vague, right?

What does intentional living really mean?

To me, there's no one-size-fits-all definition. For me, it's about living with a clear purpose and focus; being self-aware and making small tweaks in your life to make it better, bit by bit. It can be anything from changing a tiny part of your daily routine to planning out your future vision – it's really up to you.

And let me tell you, it's not just about making plans for the future. It's about being present in the here and now, recognizing that you have some say in what happens next. It's about finding contentment in what you have got while still striving for what really matters to you. It's about being active in your own life, no more autopilot.

How I live intentionally:

Practicing gratitude

This is totally part of my daily groove now. It's become a cozy part of my morning and bedtime routine. I've got this section in my bullet journal where I jot down five things I'm grateful for. It's sort of my way of pausing and counting my blessings. You know, it's the little things, right? Taking a sec to appreciate the good stuff that might slip under the radar otherwise. It's been a game-changer in keeping me feeling positive day in, day out.

Romanticizing the heck out of my life

I'm just a girl, right? I am also a gentle Sagittarius soul. I'm all about finding the magic in life's little moments and making everything around me a bit more pretty. I'm just a simple girl at heart. I'm all about those cute cups for my tea, and there's something special about being the one in charge of the stove, whipping up dishes from scratch. Even in my workday, I find joy in the tiny details. From how I tackle my emails to the stationery I use, it's all about making myself feel good. It's the little things, you know?

Slow it all down, my life is not a race

Ever since I started seeing life through rose-colored glasses, I have kinda made this big shift to take things slow. It's like, we're all just zooming through life, multitasking like crazy, always on to the next thing. Not that there's anything wrong with that, I guess. Everyone's got their own groove, right? But I have been all about stripping it back and just chilling out. Like, if I'm sipping my tea, I'm really savoring that moment. If I'm making dinner, that's all I'm focused on. No rushing, just fully being in the moment. And lemme tell ya, I have noticed I'm not as wiped out as I used to be when I was hustling all the time.

Celebrating small wins

You know, sometimes, I get so caught up in trying to better myself that I overlook the little wins along the way. Life's not about just coasting through. It's about finding bliss in the ordinary, soaking up those everyday moments, and patting ourselves on the back for the stuff we do, no matter how small. Like, making it through my morning routine for a whole week without slipping up, or resisting the temptation to hit snooze. Even something simple like tidying up my workspace before calling it a day feels like a win! Those tiny moments of accomplishment are worth celebrating.

Prioritizing rest and self-care

I have learned that not getting enough sleep really messes with how I function. It's like trying to run on fumes all the time, and trust me, it's not good for my body or my mind. So, I'm making a conscious effort to take better care of myself. I have started going to bed an hour earlier than I used to, and I have cut out the TV and screens before bedtime. I have also made a rule to keep my phone away from my bedside table so I'm not tempted to check it if a notification pops up. It's amazing how much better I feel when I prioritize getting enough rest.

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What are your thoughts on intentional living?