What does it mean to be living intentionally well? I’ve spent the last two weeks thinking some deep thoughts. Thoughts about expectations I’ve placed on myself and making adjustments.
About three weeks ago, I found myself stretched to the max. We were still trying to find our rhythm with homeschooling, my husband’s work schedule shifted (again), my two oldest children started [separate] sports, and there is a lot to growing a blog from the ground up. My brain was fried.
The Clarity in the Overwhelm
I was juggling 15,000 balls in the air. Do you ever feel like that? I had to pause and take a beat to remind myself what was important. Now granted, in the moment, everything feels important. But, I needed to take some time to plan, focus, and reevaluate where I was spending my mental energy.
My little corner of the internet here is called Intentionally Well because I believe it is essential that we live our days on purpose with a purpose. Our days are numbered. They are limited. I want to spend mine well.
On this quest of intentionality, I’ve learned some things. You have to be intentional about being intentional. It seems redundant. I know, I know, but go with me here. Our lives are not static. Things change (hello, 2020!). Schedules, routines, seasons, etc., it’s constantly shifting.
My brain can handle some minor shifting and take it in stride. But after a while, I feel like I’m swimming in a deep sea while trying to stay afloat. And that, sweet friend, is not a place I like to be. Do you? Therefore, it makes sense that we must consistently evaluate our circumstances to know where to put our time and energy—notice, I always said, not continually.
When you do this well, it won’t need to be something that you have to dwell on daily. You’ll already know what’s important and where you need to spend your time. You’ll be able to focus on what matters and let everything else fade into the background.
How Can I Achieve Intentional Living?
So, how exactly do we do this? At the end of each month, I take myself on a bit of a date with my planner and calendar. I head to lunch or a coffee shop alone and spend time taking inventory of what is happening with my family. I consider what we have coming up, and I take stock of how things are going and what needs tweaking.
If my schedule doesn’t have room for my little date, I’ll spend time planning after the kids are in bed. But, friend, there is something so relaxing about getting out of your everyday environment. It is much easier to focus when that pile of laundry isn’t staring at you in your peripheral vision.
I find that monthly and weekly planning is what works best for me. However, you might find daily or quarterly planning is better for you. The frequency isn’t as important as the consistency, which then develops into a habit.
I am not talking about a daily to-do list or things like my homeschooling lesson plans. I am talking about planning things such as family time, how I will grow in my relationship with the Lord, what needs focus in my marriage, and what needs changing so I am living my life from a place of rest—big things. Essential things we aren’t intentional about will slowly disintegrate if left unattended.
Give Yourself Grace
I have been doing intentional planning for about two years. I know it works and is beneficial. But I’ll be honest; it’s been more challenging this year. 2020….there aren’t enough or adequate words to brush the surface of what this year has been like for all of us.
Putting it lightly, it’s been hard. I have been on it for some months, like planning and intentionality to the tee. Then other months, like last month, I’ve rushed it. I always pay for it. But that’s ok. Remember, it’s the consistency that matters.
We don’t have to do life perfectly to do life well. So, I’m pausing and evaluating what and where to spend my time. And so can you! I want to be remembered for living intentionally well. I am living each day on purpose with purpose.
Do you plan out the big things in life? How are you living intentionally well in the season you’re in? Let me know in the comments below.
Pingback:Intentional Days – Intentionally Well