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?

Intentional Living: 5 Ways I Do It

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?

22 comments

  1. I had a similar epiphany at the start of the pandemic and made some changes to live more intentionally. My most important one is living in a way where my actions align with my values and this has made my life so much better.

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    1. That's awesome to hear! It's amazing how those moments can really shift our perspective. I'm glad it's been so positive for you too xx

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  2. I need to start practicing intentional living. I've recently taken up practicing gratitude and it has certainly given me more perspective on life! x

    Lucy Mary

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    1. Practicing gratitude is such a great way to start being more intentional. It really helps you appreciate the little things <3

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  3. I have to say I am all for intentional living. I practice much of this already but I want to add meditation to the list. Great post here and so glad it had a positive impact on your life.

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words! Adding meditation sounds like a great idea :)

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  4. I absolutely loved reading this post! It is so important to prioritize self-care and remember to celebrate the small wins. Thanks for sharing this! :)

    https://melissakacar.com

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    1. Thank you so much! I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Self-care and celebrating the small wins reaaaally make such a big difference for me xx

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  5. Living intentionally seems so fulfilling! 😊 It's inspiring how you've embraced gratitude and found joy in the little things. 💖 Keep celebrating those small wins! 🎉
    Doris/ Pure Life Gem

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    1. Thank you so much! It really has been fulfilling <3

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  6. I feel like I struggled with the word; 'intentional', at first, because like you mention, I wasn't quite sure what it meant. When I realised it's different for everyone and such a personal thing, it feels like everything clicked. Such a great post xx

    Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/

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    1. Awh Hannah, I'm so glad to hear that it clicked for you! "Intentional" really is such a personal and unique concept for everyone xx

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  7. This is such a great post! I definitely need to slow it down a little because I feel like I'm constantly rushing around!xx

    Emilia | emiliajosephine.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you so much Em! I totally get that feeling. It's amazing how taking things a bit slower can make such a difference xx

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  8. I've been trying to live more intentionally. I've always prioritized self care but need to work on slowing down and celebrating small wins!

    Jill - Doused in Pink

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    1. It's great that you're already focusing on self-care; taking the time to acknowledge and enjoy your progress will only add to that! <3

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  9. Love this Lenne! I need to start practicing living more intentionally! xx

    Danielle’s Beauty Blog

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    1. Thanks so much Danielle! I'm glad you loved it xx

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  10. I was just thinking about this! I think the world would seriously benefit if we all lived more intentionally. I’m trying to practice intentional living over the summer in hopes to better prepare myself for college.

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    1. That's awesome! I totally agree that living intentionally can make a big difference. Best of luck with everything!

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  11. Gratitude is such a great way to maintain an intentional way of life! Reminders of the positive in life is definitely important. Thanks for sharing!

    xoxo,
    Sydney

    www.thelotuslist.com

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed it Sydney! Gratitude really does make a big difference in staying positive and intentional xx

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