Sometimes when I look back, I can see myself moving from one busy moment to the next without taking time to go about anything with intention. Feeling like I was on autopilot or just along for the ride was my normal - I don't think I ever realized it in the moment.
With three busy kids who enjoyed being involved in EVERYTHING and knowing I wanted to be the most supportive mom I could be, I didn't often take time to stop and think, or plan anything more than the logistics of how to get everyone where they needed to be and back home to be fed before going to bed - just to begin again the next day. No regrets - I loved that part of being a mom and wouldn't change any decisions Eric and I made so that we could make it work. I loved being there for my kids. Still do, even though what that looks like has changed a lot since then.
Looking back, aside from the intentional choice for Eric to be our breadwinner and for me to stay home with the kids, I don't know that very much else happened intentionally. We were winging it... along for the ride.
But what if, from here on out, I could steer my own course?
Especially after everything our family has been through in the last year, I'm feeling a need to live more intentionally. I'm determined to live with purpose and make more deliberate choices along the way. So much happens that's out of our control, I crave the feeling of control over SOMETHING.
I've just got to figure out what that's going to look like for me and that's gonna mean a bit of reflection and decision-making.
Reflecting on the Past
In the past, even when I made some deliberate choices, they often weren’t intentional with enough thought put into them. Things just kind of happened with decisions being made on the fly.
I often tell people that I try to live with no regrets because, with one big exception, I love my life. (I'm still trying to find the sense in or purpose of losing Eric and instead focus on the fact that he was in our lives for as long as he was... that's not easy and will probably be something I struggle with as long as I live.)
But most of the time, I can see where every decision I made in some way brought all of my blessings into my life. Even some questionable choices I made got me to where I am now. And I've got amazing, smart, kind, and fun kids and grandkids who are a joy to be around!
Usually, when I look back and see that something didn't turn out quite right, I also see a choice that was made without much intention or thought.
Many of the examples that come to mind revolve around things like not having an intentional routine for my kids, beginning when they were toddlers and not being more mindful and intentional with what we all ate.
I learned how much a strict daily routine helps when I started carrying for my grandkids while my daughter and her husband were at work during the day. Factor in my age and the energy level that comes with that, and you'll see why I grew to rely on naptime routines, especially. I've also learned soooo much about the difference what we put into and on our bodies makes, I wish I'd been more intentional about all of that when my kids were younger. I guess right here is where the wise person might insert that cliché about doing better once we know better... it's not easy to excuse past ignorance though, is it?
While those moments shaped me, I now feel a need to reclaim control over my future. I want to live with more intention.
What is Intentional Living?
Living intentionally means actively making choices aligned with your values, goals, and dreams. Increased clarity, purpose, and a sense of empowerment are the benefits of this.
Living on autopilot means letting the days pass by without really questioning why you're doing what you're doing. It’s that state where you react to whatever comes your way without reflecting on whether it aligns with your deeper values. I've experienced moments where I felt like I was just drifting—letting routine, habit, and circumstance shape my life without consciously choosing a direction.
Moving forward, I want to break free from that automatic mode. I aim to be the architect of my own life, setting clear intentions, making mindful decisions, and aligning my daily actions with the goals that truly resonate with me. Instead of letting life happen to me, I’m choosing to create a path that reflects my authentic self—a path full of purpose, growth, and intentionality.
Steps Toward Living Intentionally
Living intentionally means making choices that align with what truly matters to you—rather than just letting life happen on autopilot. Here are some steps that have helped me start taking control of my story:
Mindfulness & Self-Awareness
Before making any big decision, I take a moment to pause. Whether it's a few minutes of meditation, jotting down my thoughts in a journal, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea, these practices help me become more aware of my true feelings and intentions. This small act of reflection can be a game-changer, helping you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting automatically.
Setting Clear Goals
Intentional goal-setting is key to aligning your daily actions with your deeper desires. I am working to break down both big-picture dreams and daily tasks to ensure that every step I take moves me closer to the life I want. When you set clear, deliberate goals, you start creating a roadmap that guides you toward a more purposeful future.
Evaluating Your Choices
Every now and then, I will take a step back and review my decisions and habits. This evaluation helps me notice patterns that might have left me feeling like I was just along for the ride. By being honest about what isn’t working, I can adjust my course and ensure that my actions are in tune with my true values and leading me toward my goals.
Creating a Personal Mission Statement
One of the most empowering things you can do for yourself is write a short mission statement that reflects what matters most to you. This statement serves as a constant reminder of your core values and goals—something you can refer back to when life gets hectic. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to resonate with you. It's a great thing to add to your vision board, if you've got one. If not, now is a great time to create one!
Embracing Change
Change isn’t something to fear—it’s an opportunity to evolve. I try to welcome change with a proactive mindset, seeing it as a chance to learn, grow, and redefine my boundaries. By embracing change, you give yourself permission to leave behind old habits and step into a future that’s aligned with who you are becoming.
Each of these steps is a tool to help you take charge of your life. Living intentionally isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about making thoughtful choices that lead you closer to the life you truly want.
Practical Strategies and Tools
Living intentionally isn’t just about shifting your mindset—it’s also about putting concrete systems in place to support that shift. Here are some practical strategies and tools that have helped me bring more purpose into my daily life:
Daily Routines
Start your day with intention. I’ve found that establishing morning rituals—like a quiet cup of tea, a few minutes of prayer or meditation, or a simple check-in on what I want to accomplish—sets the tone for the rest of the day. Regular check-ins, whether it’s journaling or a brief reflection, help keep my intentions clear and focused.
Time Management
Time blocking has been a game-changer for me. By dedicating specific chunks of time to the things that truly matter, I ensure that my day isn’t hijacked by distractions. Simple scheduling methods can help you carve out dedicated periods for work, self-care, and intentional activities. I often just use the calendar on my phone for this.
Seeking Inspiration
Sometimes, a little external spark can fuel your journey. I love turning to books, podcasts, and online communities that explore intentional living. They offer fresh ideas and remind me that I’m not alone on this path. Whether it’s an insightful podcast episode or a community of like-minded individuals, find what inspires you and make it a regular part of your routine.
Accountability
Finally, having someone to share your journey with makes a huge difference. Whether it’s a friend, mentor, or coach, accountability partners can help you stay on track and celebrate your wins. When you know someone is cheering you on, it’s easier to stick with your goals and push through the tough days.
Together, these practical tools create a framework for intentional living, helping you align your daily actions with your deepest values and aspirations.
My Experience So Far
Living intentionally has been transformative for me, and here’s a glimpse of what that looks like for me right now:
Personal Updates
I’m beginning to see intentional living in action—whether it’s through carving out time each morning for quiet reflection or making choices that feel true to my values. Recently, I’ve noticed small wins like feeling more centered after my daily prayer time, choosing to say “no” when I need space, and even rediscovering passions I’d put on hold - like the new local history-related podcast a friend and I just started:
Each of these things has been a gentle reminder that every choice I make can shape a life filled with purpose.
Challenges & Triumphs
The journey isn’t always smooth; there have been days when old habits, a wave of grief, or unexpected setbacks made me feel like I was slipping back into autopilot. But even those challenges have taught me something valuable. Each triumph—no matter how minor—reinforces that progress is happening. I’ve learned to embrace the bumps along the way as part of my evolution rather than seeing them as failures.
Encouragement
I invite you to reflect on your own life and consider: What would it look like to live intentionally? Think about the moments when you felt truly aligned with your values and dreams. How can you bring that intentionality into your daily choices? Your journey is uniquely yours, and every step toward living with purpose is worth celebrating.
Looking back on this journey, I've come to see that living intentionally isn’t just a trendy phrase—it’s a way to reclaim control over my story. I’ve reflected on times when life just happened to me, realized that intentional living means aligning my choices with my deepest values, and taken concrete steps through mindfulness, clear goal-setting, and thoughtful evaluation of my decisions. I’ve even embraced the challenge of rewriting my personal mission and welcoming change with open arms.
I’m learning that every choice shapes my future—and I’m ready to take control.
If any of this resonates with you, I’d love for you to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. How do you plan to live more intentionally? Let’s start a conversation about turning everyday moments into deliberate choices that lead to a life of purpose.
Let’s make our lives a series of intentional choices, one day at a time.
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