Living Intentionally

Lions, tigers and bears – they’re pretty well known as incredible, powerful and majestic animals. All around the world people marvel at their physical strength, beauty and their never-give-up nature. But when you really look at into it, their lives are extraordinarily ordinary; they eat, drink and sleep. They aren’t concerned with being bigger and better than simply living. They just survive each day and they’re magnificent. So why do we – the human species – feel like we need to push ourselves above and beyond every day? Since when is ‘just’ surviving not enough? ‘Just’ surviving is huge. So, if you only have the ability to eat, drink and sleep today… that’s okay. In fact, it’s magnificent.

‘Just’ surviving has looked different throughout human history. Years ago people had to hunt and gather, build shelters for their families and ward off predators and enemies. Survival was strictly physical. Food and shelter are still paramount today and without them, survival would be impossible. But, surviving is a much bigger mental battle now than it ever has been before. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost in the world. It’s easy to feel like things are happening around you and to you without any action from you. It’s easy to feel directionless and inadequate.

It’s okay if you have all the classic ‘essentials’ like food, water and shelter and still find yourself feeling down. It can be so easy to tell yourself that you have everything you need so feeling low is ridiculous and precious. It’s not precious. And it’s not ridiculous. Life is beautiful but it is also mentally exhausting. Sometimes it’s big life events that make it hard to cope, but it’s also often the little everyday things that can niggle away at your mental state and get you down. This is where living intentionally can come in handy.

To live intentionally means that you live in alignment with your core values. It means that from the littlest choices to the biggest, you allow your values to guide you. This is because your values provide a clear path for you even in the darkest of times. When you live intentionally, you can feel fulfilment, direction and purpose in even the littlest moments of life. When you consciously stop and ask yourself, “how do practice my values in this situation” you’ll find decisions become easier, you feel more confident in your choices and your wellbeing will flourish.

Your core values are things that you crave, appreciate and project. You only need a few core values – any more diminish their ability to guide you. Think about it – your core values are your priorities, so if you have a bucketload, then how can they be your priorities? Some of the most common core values are honesty, respect, integrity and family. For example, if a core value of yours is honesty, prioritise it in all situations. It’s not always easy. In some situations, being dishonest can be very tempting – especially if it may help you avoid consequences or pain – but, long term, living intentionally will bring you comfort and fulfilment. So, how can you find your core values?

1.       Look to those you admire. What draws you to this person? What about them inspires you?

2.       What do you admire about yourself? Are you honest? Are you respectful? Do you make time for those you love?

3.       Research – look up some core values lists on your phone and get reading. What speaks to you?

Living intentionally takes commitment, effort and perseverance. It’s okay if you struggle or make mistakes. Things out of your control will likely pop up and throw you off course as well. When either of these things happen, just re-centre yourself and pick up where you left off.

Remember, surviving is okay. In fact, it’s magnificent.