Be intentional, even when you’re tired and the kids are being loud
1. Ask Yourself: “Why am I doing this?”
Before you buy, plan, or commit — pause and ask, “Is this adding value or stress?”
If the answer is stress (or worse, guilt), it’s probably a no. If you weren’t thinking about it before you got to the store, then you probably don’t need it when you leave the store. Take your time before taking your space or your money.
2. Define What Matters Most (and Write It Down)
Whether it’s peace, family dinners, or not yelling before 8am — clarity makes decision-making easier. Write down your top 3 values and keep them visible (bathroom mirror, phone wallpaper, sticky note of sanity). Mine are Love, communication, and responsibility. Runners up are forgiveness, perseverance, and family time. I feel though that many of the values fall under love. Love is patient, love is kind….
3. Declutter the Noise (and the closet)
Mental space starts with physical space. Living intentionally means letting go of what’s not serving you — whether it’s a toxic friendship, a pile of mismatched Tupperware, or that shirt that still has tags from 2012. Clear your mind, your space, and find yourself or maybe even find the remote.
4. Create Micro-Rituals
You don’t need a five-hour morning routine. Try 2 minutes of silence with coffee. A gratitude list in your Notes app, I am grateful for my coffee. A daily “What can I accomplish today?” review. Small steps = big shifts. Make a habit out of you. Make a habit out of doing things just for you.
5. Say “No” Without a TED Talk
Intentional living requires boundaries. You don’t owe anyone an explanation longer than:
“No, thanks — I’m keeping things simple right now.” This took me a while to learn. It’s ok to say no. Even if it’s to your one and only, lonely child.
6. Stop Waiting for the ‘Perfect’ Time
Perfection is a scam. There will possibly never be a perfect time. Something always comes up, even when it’s nothing. Just do it. Start now, with the mess, the chaos, and the unfolded laundry. Living intentionally doesn’t mean perfect living — it means purposeful, honest living. A purpose driven life.
Simply Sanely
Living intentionally isn’t about having every aspect of your life perfectly organized or under control. Instead, it’s about consciously choosing what you allow into your life — whether that’s the items in your home, the commitments in your schedule, the thoughts in your mind, or the feelings you carry in your heart. Everything else? Release it with intention, ideally by placing it in a donation bin to create space for what truly matters.