Intentionally Now (Kim)
It's a new year.
To many people, a new year signifies new beginnings. It brings the possibility of endless opportunities. The days stretch before us, each one yet undesigned.
Designed? Yes. Designed. Because we have the power to shape our own destinies. We have the power to say yes or no to what comes our way. We alone have the power to open or close the doors presented to us.
And all that starts now. It starts when we decide on what we really want in life. It starts when we set boundaries around how we want to live our lives. It starts when we intentionally design how we spend our time.
The old adage "You can do Anything, but you can't do Everything" remains more true than ever. With more options to take up our time, it's necessary to weed through the distractions and pare down our choices to what we consider truly important to us.
Intentionally choosing what activities to focus our time and energy on can seem daunting. To many, it seems insurmountable. Therefore, they never start. There are so many parameters to consider. However, without being intentional, people will forever just stay drifting along, only having to be intentional when forced to make a decision.
Some people call these "resolutions", "goals", or even "hopes and dreams." Others simply call it decluttering and prioritizing. What they all have in common is that you can't start them unless you start them NOW.
That being said, don't let anyone make you feel bad about how you spend your time once you decide what is important to you. If you enjoy binge watching tv, reading whole libraries, creating music, staring at walls, being with friends, cleaning, hobbies, or otherwise engaging in an activity for longer than other people think necessary, ignore them. They don't know you and what makes you happy or why you are spending time the way you are. As long as you are being intentional in your time spending, live your life the way you decide.
The proverb "The first step is the longest journey" is also true. When you start that journey is up to you. Only you can make that determination. Only you can take that first step. No one else is going to design your life for you, and they shouldn't.
So, today, whenever you read this, start focusing on what you really want. Start it now. Start weeding out distractions and unnecessary time killers. Stop wasting time with activities that bring you no joy. Don't let others drain your time and energy if you don't see them serving your highest end goals. Start now. Start where you are and build your life until it resembles the life you wanted to design.
You have the power. We believe in you. You are not alone.