5 Steps to Living with Intention
The past year has been difficult for everyone and it has tested us in many ways.
It might have even tested your dedication to living with intention and enjoying your journey.
Supporting you has always been one of my commitments and with each conversation I’ve had with my guests, I always strive to motivate you to move forward with passion and joy.
My most recent conversation with Alea reminded me that to continue with our path, we have to live with intention. Of course, it’s not something you master overnight. It’s a journey that will take work and help us be in the present so we can recognize the love that pours out of us when we are creating smething that truly fulfills us.
Ahead, I’m sharing 5 important steps to help you live with intention.
Step #1 Prioritize Your Happiness
You deserve to flourish!
It’s time to start prioritizing your happiness and investing your time to live the life that fulfills you.
That means not allowing yourself to sacrifice your joy, health or mental wellbeing. It also means not basing your future happiness on finishing every single item on your list.
Which brings me to the second step.
Step #2 Choose Activities that Fulfill You
Start investing in activities that fill your soul and create happiness. A few days ago I shared a couple of activities that make me happy.
One hobby that I love is working on my art journal. I bought this beautiful recycled notebook in Tepotzotlán, Mexico (one of my favorite pueblos mágicos) and the cover has one of my favorite paintings of Remedios Varo, a painter that I admire so much! The notebook alone represents so much love. Every time I create a collage and glue it inside my notebook I'm reminded of the many times I’ve been to Tepotzotlán. I also get to be creative which helps me feel calm and truly enjoy those moments that I have to myself.
If art journaling isn’t your thing, no need to worry, our community also shared what happiness means to them!
It all comes down to embracing activities that connect with your values and represent you.
To help you get going here are some questions that Alea shared with me:
“What do you back up?”
“Would you put your name in what you’re doing now?”
“What represents you?”
“What makes you feel proud?”
“What would make you place your hands in the fire without a second thought?”
Step #3 Focus on Your Personal Growth
As I said before, living with intention is a journey and that’s also true when it comes to our personal growth.
When we’re not focusing our time on our personal growth, our professional growth, friendships, and relationships are also affected.
To be able to grow in these areas, we must be able to give our all to the most important relationship we have.
And that’s the relationship we have with ourselves.
For me it means to take therapy so my mental health can be at it’s best and for you it may mean something completely different!
But know this, personal growth requires love, attention, and work.
It will have some ugly moments however with each day that goes by, you’ll also feel the fulfillment when you take control of your personal growth.
Step #4 Live en el Ahora
Remember, living with intention is to be present in the here and now. Not obsessing over the future.
I know, it’s easier said than done!
Embracing el aquí y el ahora is to be mindful and that can entail setting some time aside to breathe and meditate.
Perhaps it’s giving more love to your mind and thoughts by speaking kindly to yourself.
One thing that has helped me to live en el ahora was a suggestion from my amiga. She encouraged me to step outside, feel the grass with my bare feet, and think of all the things I am grateful for.
It might seem odd, but I truly enjoyed feeling the grass and the wind while I stretched my arms. I felt like a little kid again and I was smiling from all the gratitude I was feeling. My body was buzzing from the excitement of all the good things I would receive that day. I encourage you to try it!
Step #5 Create a Difference
What are you doing today that is making a difference in your community?
When you help and uplift others in their journey, it also improves our overall happiness.
It can be mentoring younger Latinas so they can continue paving their way, donating to an organization that shares your values or supporting a small business!
What step will you be doing first to help you live in the moment? Let me know in the comments below!