When we decide we want to turn off the autopilot and take control of our lives, we might be really excited. It is fun to think about the goals and dreams we have, where we want to go with our lives. But the hard work of showing up for it every day isn't something people really talk about. 

Intentional living is a journey I started about six years ago and I thought it would be so much easier, and come naturally, and everything would 'click'. When it wasn't quite like that I realized that there is a really messy part of intentional living that we might gloss over. 

So, I want to share some of the things I experienced and learned and encourage you with them. So that as you go on this journey in your own life, you can feel motivated to see it through when it feels hard. Because hard doesn't always mean you are doing it wrong, it often simply means you are doing it. 

Full transcript is at the bottom of this post. 
Some things to remember WHEN INTENTIONAL LIVING IS HARD

* It doesn't come naturally. We started with ‘intentional parenting’ and made a list of what we hoped to teach our kids, and things to do with our kids. It included road trips - because that’s what I thought it *should* include. But I do not like road trips with my kids, and I hate that I hate them so much but they are not a preferable experience for me.  It doesn’t come naturally - and this can encourage you that your hard work is moving you down the road.
Read more about the road trip that made me cry right here.
* What we want changes over time. This is encouraging because it means we are allowed to change our minds, try new things, and keep refining it along the way. 
* It shines a light on your blind spots. For me, a big one was my victim mentality - of being the victim of my life, motherhood and marriage. Listen to the episode on being a mom martyr right here. 
* It is the daily practice. We should be motivated by this big vision we have and remember that intentional living is showing up for the daily work of moving in that direction
* It is empowering. This is the reason I still do it. It has grown me and shown me a lot I can let go of. It has brought me more in tune with myself and made me feel empowered that I can do hard things and take steps towards the life I want. 

 

To get started with intentional living, use the LIVE YOUR VISION, and LIVE YOUR VALUES worksheets, the LIFE ON PURPOSE WORKBOOK

The get some support in getting started schedule a 1-hour strategy session or apply for the Life on Purpose 1:1 Coaching Program with Shawna. 

Episode Transcript

Welcome to the Simple on Purpose podcast. This is a place where I want you to take some time to slow down.