Being Intentional

    I set a goal this past year to have a word that I focused on. That word is intentional.  I realized that as I lived my life there were many things that I did not take note of or notice that are important.  Do you feel that in our lives we are constantly bombarded with distraction?  I feel that I am.  Here are a few ways to increase our ability to be intentional in our lives.

     Take time to meditate and be still.  There are many different apps and resources on Youtube to accomplish this.  We can meditate for one minute to 100 minutes a day.  Choose a time that works for you and be “intentional” about following through with it. 

     Be present.  Notice your surroundings and where you are.  If you are at work, be at work.  If you are at home, be home.  Be “intentional” about staying present in your immediate setting.  This can be hard but with practice can become second nature. 

     Limit screen time.  Recognize how much time you are spending on your phone or other media devices.  Set a goal and be “intentional” about following through with the time limit that you set.  We miss out on real life sometimes because we are staring at a screen. 

     Enhance your relationships.  Spend time with loved ones or people you care about.  Try to be present and “intentional” with your communication and the activities that you engage in with them. 

     Being “intentional” helps us to follow through with goals that we set, being present in our life, and having purpose. 

April Moedl, LCSW