Have you ever felt a little untethered from life? A little like you’re drifting without focus? If this sounds like you, then something that might help is using daily intentions.

The Essence of Daily Intentions

Daily intentions are more than just to-do lists or goals. They’re commitments we make to ourselves, guiding our actions, thoughts, and interactions throughout the day. These intentions act as compasses, steering us back to our true north whenever we stray.

I’ve found them particularly important when navigating times of stress or pain. Intentions can become mantras, something we repeat to ourselves throughout the day as a small reminder that the pain or stressful moment will pass.

The Benefits of Intentional Living

Research has shown that living with intention can significantly enhance our well-being. A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that individuals who live intentionally report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction. By setting daily intentions, we align our actions with our values, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

How Daily Intentions Can Transform Your Life

1. Clarity and Focus: Setting intentions helps clarify what truly matters to us, cutting through the noise of daily distractions. It allows us to focus on our goals, making our actions more productive and purposeful.
2. Stress Reduction: Intentional living encourages us to slow down and be present. This mindfulness reduces stress and anxiety, grounding us in the present and levelling out stress hormones.
3. Improved Relationships: When we set intentions around our interactions, we become more empathetic, patient, and open. This fosters deeper connections and enhances our relationships.

Integrating Daily Intentions into Your Day

1. Morning Ritual: Begin each day by setting aside a few moments to reflect on your intentions. Ask yourself, “What qualities do I want to bring into my day?” Whether it’s kindness, courage, or openness, let this question guide you. You can also use my list of intentions, drawing one out with your eyes closed, surrendering to the universe to guide you in your selection.
2. Intention Reminders: Keep your intentions in sight. Write them down in a journal, on sticky notes, or in a digital reminder. These visual cues serve as gentle nudges, aligning you with your purpose. (I know a few who have them tattooed on their bodies!)
3. Evening Reflection: End your day with gratitude and reflection. Consider how your intentions shaped your day, what you learned, and how you can carry these insights into tomorrow.
4. Mindful Pauses: Take brief mindful pauses throughout your day to reconnect with your intentions. This practice helps you maintain alignment with your values, even amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Living with intention is not about perfection; it’s about your journey. It’s about making conscious choices that reflect who we are and who we aspire to be. By embracing intentional living, we embark on a path of self-discovery, growth, and fulfilment.

As we journey through life, let us remember that each day is a new opportunity to live intentionally and to shape our experiences with purpose and heart. Let’s cherish these moments, for they are the steps on the path to a mindful and flourishing life.

Lisa is a teacher, entrepreneur, mindfulness instructor, creative and community builder. Her business, Flourish Mind & Body, is the result of her years of experience walking this planet.

Get Intentional here: a list of intentions to get you started. This piece has also been published on Lisa’s blog. (Leaving Medium)

Unlock the Power of Daily Intentions was originally published in For The Love on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Queenagers,

It’s true. We do. All of us. Especially the midlife Queenagers of the world. So here’s what to do…

1. Embrace Yourself. I mean it. For real. Hug yourself RIGHT NOW! There. Doesn’t that feel good? Flucking awesome I reckon! Or maybe it's a bit weird because you haven’t done that in a while.
2. Write a Flucking List. Get out the paper. I’ll wait while you do it…. Now, write a list of all the things you want to do before you die. Big, small, in between. Everything. A big brain dump.
3. Read the List. Read it again. Get a highlighter or a different colour pen and mark those that are realistic for the next month, six months, year, and five years.
4. Look at the things highlighted for the next month. Write them in a separate column. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Open them and look at the list. Which one resonates with you? Which one makes you say “Fluck yes!” There you have it. You’ve got your new and amazing thing that you can start or rekindle on your Flucking Flourishing journey.
5. Repeat the step above with all the different colours. You now have an action plan for the next month, six months, year and five years. Feel into each one of the new and exciting things. As if you’re there. As if you’ve done them for a while or are experiencing it right now. Hold that feeling.
6. Write each thing down on a post-it and stick it somewhere you can see it every day.

And that, my dear Queenager, is a fabulous start to your Flucking Flourishing life.

Now head over to Flucking Flourishing and check out what else is on offer.

See you there!

Lisa x

Who the fluck am I?

Lisa Bolin. Mentor, teacher, guide. Mindfully giving the middle finger to midlife as I glide and dance my way into my fifties. Want to work with me? Book a chat. No obligation, just a chance for you to start a Flucking Flourishing journey. There are limited spots available.

Don’t We All Want to Flucking Flourish? was originally published in For The Love on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.