Isn't it amazing how two words so closely related mean completely different things? We've all probably said something like "I had good intentions with that, but I ran out of time/money/space/motivation/energy..." etc. Gah! It is soooo frustrating when good intentions don't become reality. How does that happen? It all comes down to a simple truth. What we intend is never realized unless we are purposeful in our actions to that end. In other words, being intentional.
Being intentional starts with a strategy, design, approach, blueprint... whatever you want to call it, but it doesn't end there. You have to put your ideas into actionable steps that will lead to the place you want to be. You might be thinking "This is simple- everyone knows that!" I got you. But is that how you and I really live?
See if you can relate to this example- I intend to enjoy a peaceful and meaningful holiday season. I intend that every year, don't you? But how many times in the past did I let my schedule be dictated by ALL OF THE GOOD THINGS without being purposeful in what that would look like and how I would achieve it? Too many. And what happened to my good intentions? Not so much peace, more stress, little patience, and (this is so sad), breathing a sigh of relief when it was over. That is NOT what it was supposed to be. Something had to change!
My first step was to begin with a game plan. (Because when you live in a majority male household, the fantasy football talk and sports lingo become a second language.) I want my family to experience a meaningful and joyful holiday. I owe a big thank you to Kendra at TheLazyGeniusCollective.com for her encouragement in choosing three words that describe my hopes for the holidays. They are the things that make me come alive. Lest that sounds selfish, consider this: coming alive personally is what allows me to share life with others...my dear family, my wonderful friends, my precious students, the harried retail workers, the tired grocery store clerks, frantic fellow shoppers, the less fortunate that need compassion...you get my point. If I have no joy, how can I share it with those around me?
My game plan this year is to create an atmosphere of joy, welcome, and peace for those in my circle of influence. That's the what. Now for the how. That's where the playbook comes in. (Long live sports metaphors!) My playbook is simply identifying opportunities to intentionally put joy, welcome, and peace into action. My joy play is listening to music that lifts my heart and decorating where I live and work for the season. It is amazing how something as simple as decking the halls lights me up inside. I have a new house to decorate this year and it is taking extra time and I. Am. Having. It. 😁
My welcome play is inviting people to share in the spirit of celebration at my home and sharing gifts with those that I sense may need extra love and blessing this time of year. Welcome extends to my students by showing ways we can all be more kind and thoughtful to others.
The peace play takes the most time and thought, but is so worth it! I plan the family calendar for November and December taking into account holiday events plus the normal winter activities and schedule margins (little breaks for rest and reflection) and set boundaries so that background hustle and bustle does not encroach on what is precious to me and the most important. *Setting boundaries allows you to take care of your family and yourself. So set those boundaries without apology!* If I am saying YES to joy, welcome, and peace, then that means I am saying NO to comparison, fear of rejection, and stressful business (read: busy-ness). And that, my friends, is the ultimate WIN! (My last football analogy- you're welcome.)
The results of being intentional versus just having good intentions have been life-changing for me. And not just at Christmas time. There is a purpose and depth of meaning in daily living that was lacking before. It is like leveraging an advantage to make the most of the moments I have been given and I am so glad to have realized what a difference being intentional makes before any more time passed by. You create the joy that makes your life better. I hope all of my friends reading this enjoy the fresh outlook and fulfillment of an intentional journey. For some reason, I now feel the urge to go bake some chocolate chip cookies. 😉
