Over the past several years, I’ve learned the hard way that it’s important to be intentional about the things I choose to do. It’s important to me to spend time with my family and my amazing friends, but oftentimes I don’t feel good and I’m not able to do as much as I would like to. I spend a lot of time at home alone while my husband is working and my daughter is in school. During the day I am usually in bed or on the couch resting, online doing some research about my illnesses so I can be a better advocate or spending time writing blog posts such as this. It usually takes a while to finish a post due to my illness. I have to take my time because my thoughts don’t come as easy nor as quickly as they used to so I write a little bit at a time until the blog post is complete.

WHAT DOES BEING INTENTIONAL LOOK LIKE?

Well I’m glad you asked! Lol! These are some of the things I put in place that helps me be intentional:

• Resting: If I have advanced notice that I need to go somewhere like a doctor appointment, I will rest at home for at least 2 days leading up to the appointment do I have enough energy to make the car ride and the waiting in the lobby. Each of these things take a lot to time and energy so I have to be planful.
• Communication: It is important that I communicate with my family why I am resting. I also ask for help when I need it which is sometimes hard for me. Communicate my needs during this time of rest. Be open and transparent and everything will be ok.
• Keep It Simple: I try not to overcomplicate things. Communicate my intentions, share the why and move on.
• Be Realistic: When attempting to be intentional, it’s important that I am realistic in what I want to accomplish.
• Pray: Ahead of leaving the house for any reason I pray and ask the Lord for strength to do what it is I need/want to do.
• Say No: It is important to me when being intentional about the things I want or need to do that I say to things that may pull on my energy. If I continue to say “Yes” to things I don’t need to do or own I won’t have anything left for myself. This might be hard for others to understand, but it’s ok. Think self-care!

DISAPPOINTMENT

I have to be honest and say intention setting is not easy for me always…there is some disappointment at times. Staying home getting rest can be isolating and saying “No” can lead to disappointment of others as well as myself. There have been times when I’ve had to say “No” to things that I really want to do but it was best that I didn’t try to push myself because I knew I had something else on my calendar coming up that I needed to conserve my energy for.

I also feel like I am letting others down when I say “No”. It can be emotional for me because I begin to think about all the things I can longer do, at least I can’t do them spontaneously like I used to. It can also be emotional for family members and friends who care about me. Everyone wants to make sure I’m ok physically, spiritually and emotionally. As hard as it can be, intention setting allows me to be the best version of myself so I can show up well. I read recently something that Sara Weand wrote that I love: “Intentions provide you with the opportunity to actively participate in your life the way you want to live it.” I could not agree more!

In conclusion, as I make an effort become great at intention setting, I’d love to hear from you if you have some things that have helped you in this area. Please feel free to drop me a line in the comments below or send an email to info@windysjourney.com, I’d love to hear from you!

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XO- Windy

And if not, He is still good!  Daniel 3:18

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