Freedom Friday: Be Intentional
It’s been said that things happen in threes. This week, the words “Be Intentional” were said to me by 2 different people and I saw it on a meme while scrolling through one of my social media sites. During these 3 separate occasions, I had to be open and still in order to receive those 2 powerful words that I was meant to see and hear.
Here are my Top 10 Ways in Living an Intentional Life
1. Live on purpose and with purpose.
Are you living or merely existing? Live your life with no regrets and enjoy the journey. Each day your purpose is being unfolded slowly before your eyes through people, situations and opportunities. Slow down and pay attention.
2. Find gratefulness and joy in each day.
Begin each morning with a grateful heart and spirit of joy. You can find so many things in your day to be grateful for. They are both waiting to greet you once you wake up each day. It’s just a matter of you picking them up and carrying them with you wherever you go.
3. Be open and flexible.
I’m a planner and detailed oriented person by nature, but I also realize that things don’t go always as planned. Be open and flexible with change. Lose the attitude. It’s not worth it. Things usually will work out for the best. You might not see it now, but you have to trust the process. No need for the added stress.
4. Watch your words and your actions.
People’s perception is their reality. Point. Blank. Period. You are your own marketing billboard. Be strategic in your business moves and decisions. Sometimes, silent moves are the best moves.
You can’t control how people will respond to your words or actions even though you had a spirit of good intention. If a misunderstanding occurs, try to mend the relationship if you think it’s worth saving. Never burn a bridge unless it’s doing you mental and physical harm.
If they’re still not open to receiving your words after a misunderstanding, it’s OK to remain cordial without any ill will. Life is too short to carry grudges. Besides, it’s unhealthy. Let. It. Go.
5. Time is of the essence.
We all get the same 24 hours in a day, but choose to use our time in different ways. Deadlines, appointments, social gatherings, scheduled workouts, etc aren’t going anywhere nor are we getting any younger.
Be wise and intentional with your time. Don’t allow windows of opportunity and doors to your destiny close on you because you weren’t focused or didn’t make good use of your time. There’s a time and a season for everything. Time is one intangible you’ll never be able to get back.
6. Appreciate your now…look forward to your future
You can miss out on today’s blessings if you’re worrying about tomorrow issues. Plan for the future, but appreciate what’s in front of you today.
7. Relationships are important.
Personal and business relationships are important. Relationships are supposed to add and not subtract from your life. Each person serves a different purpose in your life. Make sure your inner circle is strong, positive and with like minded people who are forward thinking. Your circles don’t always need to cross paths either.
Your relationships are supposed to be filled with people who will tell you the truth in love, come to you if they have a personal issue with you and not create discomfort or discourse by sharing and gossiping to others, support and encourage you in your endeavors. We all can agree to disagree where there isn’t any love loss or there’s a misunderstanding because you value that relationship. Be intentional in who you share your personal space with.
8. Be willing to take risks.
Risks in business, personal relationships and life. Go back to school. Start a new business. Find a new hobby. Network more. Be intentional in doing the things that will bring you greater joy, becoming a well rounded person, and the ability to use your gifts. You’ll never know how great you are and can be without taking a risk. You only have this one life to live. No risk…no reward.
9. Create a healthy life balance
It’s important to build upon your mental, spiritual, emotional and physical foundation each day. Each area plays a huge part of who you are, how you feel, and how you interact with others. It’s hard being your best you and positively connecting with others if your life is out of balance. The scales will tip towards one side over the other at times, but it’s up to you to shift some things so you can get back on track.
10. Be unapologetically you.
No one can beat you at being you. Your gifts, and personality serves a greater purpose. The world can’t benefit from you if you’re trying to change for others. Love who you are now and the person who is to come. We need to see your light.
Fit and Finally Free 