Being Intentional

I must admit to be intentional is not an easy thing. I have discovered through blogging daily, at least attempting to, that I have had to become more intentional. If I don't first think about it and then actually set aside time, it won't get done. Yesterday, I thought about my intentions all day. I wanted to intentionally do the right things, extend favor unexpectedly to ones I met throughout my day. But it seemed I didn't have much opportunity. I let a man go ahead of me in the grocery line, but then I was put first by the friendly checker in the next aisle over. I guess it was her intention to move the lines a little faster. I had every intention to fix my husband dinner before I headed off to yoga, but my afternoon chores of putting away groceries, cleaning, and washing consumed my time, plus I ended up fatigued. I had to call and tell him, "sorry, you're on your own tonite." I had good intentions, but maybe too many, as they ended up as only wishful thoughts. I guess I was so focused on being intentional, I didn't finish all I had intended . . .

I also have discovered that I can't really know the intention of others without asking them directly. Sometimes I find myself assuming their intention by how they express themselves, but I have discovered with that I can usually be wrong. I know that my initial response with differing views can be negative, and I have to be more intentional in listening positively to the other side. Being intentional takes work!

But being intentional does give me focus for my day. It helps me set priorities that are important to me, and it gives me freedom to say yes or no to activities that could crowd my day. It's like my yoga instructor reminding me before my attempt at a challenging pose, "visualize yourself doing it, and then you can do it." If I'm not intentional, then I remain a victim to my feelings and the circumstances of my day. . .

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Mary's Heartbeats

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