Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about intention—how I move through my day, interact with others, and take care of myself. Life gets so busy that it’s easy to slip into autopilot, letting days blur into weeks without truly appreciating the moments in between. So, I’ve been trying to slow down and be more deliberate with how I live. These are some of the ways I’m practicing intentionality, both for myself and for the people around me.
Being More Direct with People
One of my biggest goals is to communicate more clearly and directly. I’ve always been someone who cares deeply about how my words affect others, which can sometimes make me hesitant to say exactly what I mean. But I’m learning that being direct isn’t the same as being harsh. In fact, it’s often the kindest thing you can do. Whether it’s sharing how I feel, asking for what I need, or setting boundaries, I’m trying to approach conversations with honesty and clarity.
It’s not always easy, but I’ve noticed that being direct often leads to stronger relationships and fewer misunderstandings. Plus, it feels good to know I’m honoring my own needs while respecting the people I care about.
Creating Intentional Memories
I’ve always loved the idea of curating memorable experiences. This year, I want to lean into that by planning more intentional moments with friends and family. For me, that looks like hosting dinner parties, exploring new places together, or even just setting aside time for a deep conversation.
It’s easy to assume that good memories happen spontaneously, but I’ve found that some of the best moments come from a little planning and effort. Whether it’s picking out a theme for a party, putting together a playlist, or trying a new recipe, I love the creativity that goes into making an event feel special. These experiences aren’t just fun—they’re a way to deepen connections and celebrate the people in my life.
Finding Gratitude and Fun in Everything
I’ve been working on seeing the fun and the good in whatever I’m doing. It’s not about forcing a smile through hard times—it’s more about finding small moments of joy and practicing gratitude.
When I’m stuck in traffic, instead of getting frustrated, I try to turn up a favorite playlist and make it a mini dance party. If I’m tackling a boring task, I’ll think about why it’s important or how it’s helping me in the long run. These little mindset shifts don’t fix everything, but they’ve made my days feel lighter and more fulfilling.
Being Kinder to Myself
This one’s a work in progress, but I’m trying to be as kind to myself as I am to others. It’s easy to get caught up in negative self-talk, especially when I feel like I’m not doing enough or I’ve made a mistake. But I’m learning to pause, take a breath, and remind myself that I’m doing my best.
Part of this has been about celebrating small wins instead of focusing on what I didn’t accomplish. Another part has been letting myself rest without feeling guilty. Life’s hard enough without beating myself up, and I deserve the same kindness I’d give a friend.
Complimenting Others
One simple but impactful change I’ve been making is giving more compliments. It’s such an easy way to brighten someone’s day, and it’s something I want to do more often. Whether it’s telling a friend they did a great job, complimenting a stranger’s outfit, or just pointing out a quality I admire, it feels good to spread positivity.
I’ve noticed that giving compliments not only makes other people feel good—it lifts my mood, too. It’s a small way to focus on the good in the world and share a little joy.
Dedicating Time to Creative Activities
Finally, I’ve been making an effort to spend at least 30 minutes a day on something creative or fun. Whether it’s writing, making music, journaling, or even trying a new recipe, carving out this time feels like a gift to myself.
It’s not always about the finished product—it’s about the process. Taking time to create helps me recharge and reminds me why I love the things I do.
Moving Forward
These aren’t big, sweeping changes, but they’re meaningful ones. By being more intentional about how I spend my time and treat myself and others, I’m hoping to make each day a little more fulfilling. It’s a journey, but one I’m excited to keep growing with.
