Intentional Living

“Let’s set our intentions while we are apart”. This is a glimpse of a discussion with loved ones’ last weekend as we talked about my upcoming trip to Israel. We talked about what we wanted during this time and wrote out the activities and practices we would feel good about completing."

I felt a shift in my mindset toward my trip. I have been so concentrated on preparation and work tasks and found myself stressed. After setting my intentions, I felt connected to my upcoming adventure and a new excitement settled in my heart. I was able to step back and see the whole picture and truly be thankful for this opportunity.

I often encourage my clients, children and myself to set intentions for living and growing. My challenge is to drop the word “should” and “have to” and use the words “intend”, “get to” and “want to”. This small change can usher in a refreshing mindset and new will power to move forward and accomplish our goals. It is treating ourselves with more compassion rather than “cracking the whip” and self-condemnation, which often results in unmet goalsand discouragement.

I am blessed to get to experience a lifelong dream to travel to Israel. I get to see the Holy Land. I want to live in the moment and receive all the beauty and revelation in store for me. I want to practice gratitude and savoring each day and celebrate the goodness of God.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26