Live an Intentional Life
We have 3 teenagers. Most days I love it. Like many parents I feel like I am trying to help them learn and navigate life to be who they were meant to be, all while still learning and growing myself. Most Mondays I send them a text call “Mondays with Mom”. I try to give them a seed of wisdom they may need later in life. There is never any response, which is ok with me. It isn’t why I do it. I do it because I want to be intentional about sharing things with my kids they will need in life.
Live an Intentional Life is one of the things John Maxwell writes and speaks on frequently. Four words that can change our life. Live an Intentional Life.
My life goes better when I live with intention. Did you notice you never accidentally get in shape, have good relationships, or have money in the bank? It takes intention.
We are wrapping up an 8-week transformation challenge at Orangetheory this weekend. Many of our members were intentional about their health over the challenge. Focusing on working out 3 times a week, putting healthy foods in their bodies, and limiting unhealthy things. A good formula for health! If you were one of the challenge participants – congratulations. Regardless what the scale shows, I know you are healthier and learned valuable lessons over the past 8 weeks.
I believe health is the foundational pillar in life. “If you have your health, you can focus on a million things. If you don’t, you focus on one.” We have to be intentional about our health.
We all pay for health. Sometimes we pay upfront for a membership, taking time to work out, and eating healthy.
Other times we pay on the back end.
Here are a few challenges I give myself (I am great at copying what others do, so I always try to give examples):
Plan 3 workouts this week
Right now I am doing upper body lift because of a torn hamstring. They aren’t the workouts I want to do, yet they are what my body can do. What are the right workouts for you in this season? Strength or Tread 50 can be a great way to make a change.
Meal prep
Plan your meals. It is one of the biggest keys to success. Eat as much as you can from home. It saves money and you control the ingredients. I get it takes time, but the ROI is high!
Do non-exercise movement:
Can you make sure you get 8,000-10,000 steps a day? Be intentional about moving when possible. Especially if you have a desk job – take calls walking around the office or block if possible. Set a timer every hour and do 10 push-ups and 10 squats.
Other Pillars for Intentional Living
Family
Scheduling date night, time with the kids, family dinners, vacations. Intentionally trying to connect because my teenagers don’t typically want to just hang out with their mom…unless they need me to pay for something!
Friends and Community
I divide this up into 3 areas. My inner circle – my close friends. I try to connect as often as possible. Next is my “Corner” – 8-10 people that aren’t my closest friends but may be people I work with or friendships that are developing. Last is community. This is the group of people I know and like. We share interests and these people can become part of my corner. Taking time for all 3 categories is helpful for me!
Faith
I know I operate better with quiet time in the morning. That is either a bible study, prayer, or meditation. I have a mind that goes all over, and grounding it in faith has become something that is a non-negotiable for me. I used to get up and workout or work and my days significantly changed when I started with quiet time.
Finances
Because I own businesses and payroll happens every 2 weeks, this is one I pay attention to. Knowing your numbers and living within your means can be one of the best ways to reduce stress. I try to intentionally know our numbers, expenses, what we can save, and what we can give. Without being intentional, saving and giving don’t often happen.
Do you want to live an intentional life?
You can!
Pick one area today and start! If you need to focus on health – start there!! If you are doing well in the health category, pick another area!!
Remember it is our daily decisions that change our life.
Remember the person you want to be at the end of 2024!