Being More Intentional

intentional [ɪnˈtɛnʃən^əl]   (freedictionary.com)

adj

1. performed by or expressing intention; deliberate

2. of or relating to intention or purpose

3. (Philosophy) Philosophy

a.  of or relating to the capacity of the mind to refer to different kinds of objects

b.  (of an object) existing only as the object of some mental attitude rather than in reality, as a unicorn in she hopes to meet a unicorn See also intensional

intentionality  n

intentionally  adv

There is a quote on my coworkers computer that says, "Always Be Intentional."  

To me this means something different every time I look at it.  I am intentionally ignoring this kid.  I am intentionally choosing to not make a choice (well, how often do we actually INTENTIONALLY choose to not make a choice...).  I am intentionally listening to a certain song to make my day feel better.   I am intentionally increasing the weights I am lifting in order to not just cruise through my workout but to actually get somewhere.  You get the picture.

I have decided to make little, intentional changes in my life for the better. For example, I have realized how easy it is to fall into the trap of listening to certain music because it is fun and has a good beat, and you just ignore all the negative lyrics.  Well, maybe that isn't the best thing to do, because sometimes we don't realize how much those lyrics are actually affecting us, as fun as the song IS....or maybe its other things, like choosing to eat fruits and veggies when you get home instead of grabbing the Oreo cookies that are so easily sitting on your desk (or at least eating a piece of fruit FIRST, come on people. haha..GUILTY!) ....or purposefully drinking more water throughout the day.  It's amazing how easy it is to just forget to do little things....like intentionally reading your scriptures with a purpose, or intentionally praying with full intent and sincerity of heart.  We can be intentional with our words both to the Lord, to ourselves, and to others. We can make intentional choices to better our own lives and the lives of those around us.  It takes work!  yes, work.  Most good things take work, and I daresay that we will not get anywhere without thinking intentionally about our thoughts, actions, words, etc.  You won't just happen to float into grad school, or end up in the Celestial Kingdom just by thinking about how cool it would be to be there.  You won't get a job if you don't apply yourself towards it.  

So, what is it you want from your life?  Where do you see yourself in five years? What do you WANT to see? What about in twenty years?  Are you on track with your ultimate goal? 

"And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth....which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them--Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are firm and steadfast in the faith, and in the thing wherewith they have been made free." 

(Helaman 15:7-8)(That comes from the Book of Mormon, if you haven't read it click here to get a copy for yourself.)

Go on, be intentional, have faith in what is ahead and in the Lord's plan for you, whatever that may be, take the steps and act, and experience what it feels like to be free.