Last year was a long and rocky road for me health-wise, and I’m scheduled for additional testing beginning in February when I have more vacation time available. So, I’m not completely out of the woods yet.
However, sometimes life’s hardest seasons have a way of teaching us the lessons we need most. This experience has forced me to think long and hard about living intentionally. It has reminded me that tomorrow isn’t promised, dreams shouldn’t always be put on hold, and the things that matter most deserve our attention today—not someday.
More than anything, it’s encouraged me to stop waiting for the “perfect” time and start taking steps toward the life I truly want to build.
Live Intentionally by LOVING FULLY
It’s so easy to say those three little words: I love you. But it’s hard to live out the actions of fully loving someone. It requires taking time out of our busy lives to show someone they matter to us. It requires being selfless with our actions.
In today’s society, there’s a constant need to hustle and push for every dime one can make. As a result, marriages and kids tend to take a back seat in our lives. I know my marriage went through a spell of distance between us. As a result, things happened that could have easily been prevented. So, I will NOT lose my marriage over not doing my part to show him how much he matters to me.
My kids have never been without my attention. If anything, they state I smoother them to death, but I know I only have so much time with them. So, I’ve made every effort to ensure they get as much time with me as possible.
This year, it’s a matter of finding that happy balance between making ends meet and still letting all of my family know that I love them dearly.
Live FULLY in an intentional way!
I’ve said it before, but I will say it again…
If you’re not living the life you want to be living, then do something to change it.
Part of living fully is knowing that you can have it all, but it requires being intentional about every choice and action you make in your life. I’ve learned this the hard way this past year.
I had huge plans, and I still have them. However, plans without actual actions are just that! A lack of action leads to a lack of progress.
But I want to have it all! I know it can be done! However, it will require me to make decisions based on how they will affect everything around me. I can’t just go where the wind takes me.
I will have to make a clear schedule of how I will use my time wisely. Some ways I’ve ensured that is happening:
- My husband and I have decided on date nights to keep our marriage thriving.
- My kids are aware that we will still have special outings.
- It will require me to create a content calendar to ensure that my blog doesn’t get put on the back burner.
- Of course, I’ll still make time for my own needs.
Make Time for Self-Care
We also need to make time for our own self-care. After all, we can’t give others what we don’t have. Also, if we don’t take time for self-care, our bodies will force us to do it, whether we want to.
Self-care is about making time for the simple pleasures in life. For me, that’s riding my ATV, reading books, or watching TV. Blogging is a form of self-care, too, but it’s become so much more than just a hobby over the years.
Conclusion:
It is my hope that you’ll do what it takes to live intentionally this year and beyond. We are only given one chance at this life. It’s up to us how we choose to live it. Sometimes, it requires leaps of faith, giving up on some simple pleasures in life, and learning how to live differently, but ultimately, it will be worth the effort.
Talk to me in the comments:
How do you plan to live intentionally this year?
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Hi Crystal! What an important subject, and a perfect one to start the New Year 2023. How do I plan to live intentionally this year? Definitely continue self-care – which for me is Aquafit 3 times a week, Yoga, Meditation, Walking… time in nature… All are so important. I love the idea of “living intentionally”. Diana
I’m impressed with the amount of exercise that is a part of your life. I do miss water arobics (spelling.) I do ensure I make time to walk.
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Great post! My word of the year 2022 was “intentional”. I so agree with all you’ve said. Even though I fail at times, I try to be more intentional in the activities I choose to participate in and this makes me happier. Being more present has made my relationships better. Looking forward to reading more…..
I’m glad that you’re trying to make everything good in your life. That’s a great word for the year. UNTIL I accomplish being CONSTANT, that has become my word of the year. I’m striving extremely hard to make that happen.
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Such a great post, Crystal for the start of a new year! Really, for the start of every day. Thank you for sharing! Happy New Year! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
I’m glad you liked it.
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I had and still have huge plans for me.But I a now conscious of my inner peace scale.Thats my way of living intentionally.
Nice! I like that “inner peace scale.” I hope that you gain that happy balance.
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I think there are many that seem to let self care pass by them, me included. I too am going through sight problems and right now that is my top priority to be hopeful it doesn’t get any worse. I need my eyes for so many things. Praying that your rocky health problems smooth out.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re dealing with sight issues. I hope you get that resolved QUICKLY. I need to set an eye appointment and probably get a stronger prescription this year myself.
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I like making time for self-care. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad to hear you’re doing that.
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Crystal, this is a fantastic message! My word of the year for 2022 was Intentional. Sending healing prayers coming your way.
Thank you bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.
Thank you for the prayers! I hope that are able to be fully intentional the rest of your life.
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I’m living my life so much more intentionally this year too. Putting money away for things we want to do! To have plans we must make plans. Last year after losing my Dad I had no desire to do anything and was mad that the world kept going when I didnt want to. But its made me realize, we are our kids joy, our families glue and good things will happen if we create it for ourselves. I’m ready this year to live again. Intentional time spent with family and friends. Intentional saving for what we want and spending only on what we need. Intentional and prioritized celebrations, trips and fun! We are so on the same level! My partner is planning date nights once a month too!
I’m sooooo glad to hear you’re back to living intentionally. I’m sorry to hear about your loss, but I’m impressed you took the time to heal from it.
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I’m sorry to hear you’ve had health issues. Living life intentionally for me is simply knowing we were put on earth for a purpose and to do God’s will. Visiting from “Calling Fellow Bloggers”.
That’s a great way to look at life! God definitely has a plan for us.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Calling Fellow Bloggers is a great linky party.
This is a beautiful, important post! I’m so glad you mentioned self-care here, too, because I find that when I don’t do it, I’m not able to put my best self out there for others, either. I was reminded of that a couple of weeks ago through some personal challenges, and stopping to focus on what I need to be happy and whole really changed things for me. Pinning this post to share and save. Thank you for sharing this post with us at the Will Blog for Comments (“Calling Fellow Bloggers”) #41 linkup! We hope to see you next time at #42, too. Happy weekend!
Thank for hosting a great linkup. I’m glad you liked this post. Yes, self-care is quite important for sure.
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You’re welcome! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it and participating with us!
Dropping in again with congratulations! 🙂 This blog post was one of the most popular at the Will Blog for Comments #41 linkup. It will be in the spotlight for the next 2 weeks, starting today! You’re welcome to save the “This Blog Post was a Featured Favorite” image from there to share with your readers here to celebrate. Have a great weekend, and I hope to see you next week at linkup #42. 🙂
Thank you for the feature.
Thank you letting me know.