The Art of Living Intentionally

We live in a period that's unique to history because for the first time each of us has been offered a platform to speak with the potential to reach a global audience. It is for this reason becoming intentional is more important than ever. Everything we say has reach and every choice we make has influence. Even beyond initial impact, because everything we post holds the potential to become part of recorded history.

If I haven't impressed upon you how important our everyday lives are to human history, consider King Taejong of the Joseon dynasty, who in 1404 fell off his horse and requested (demanded?) the royal recorder not make note of it. (Obviously he did and we're still cracking jokes about it over 600 years later.) Historians love moments like that because it reminds us that even larger-than-life, imposing figures like the kings of ancient Korea were susceptible to everyday embarrassing moments. Giving us a glimpse beyond the grander to how people behaved in everyday life.

Now imagine the implications of having historical documents of that level of detail about millions of people across all different social and economical backgrounds from all around the world. That's what we're living in right now. Knowing that anything we say or do on the internet could be referenced in the history books hundreds or even a thousand years from now; is there anything you would like to do (or stop doing) with greater intention?

When I was in high school I had a ballet teacher who would tell us she wanted everyone to show up to class with intention. she would go on to explain that whether we were training to become the next prima ballerina, just wanting to get a good workout between school hours, or simply using ballet class as a social outlet, we should all be aware and intentional with our attitudes and goals. At sixteen this had a profound impact on me and her words come back to me each time I begin a new hobby or endeavor.

As an adult the act of living with intention can become more convoluted than simply showing up to ballet class ready to learn. With so much of what we say and do immortalized online, it's become imperative we give consideration to our words and actions. Today even the digital footprints of mere middle schoolers can affect their entire lives. The idea of being judged by the way we presented ourselves at twelve years old is enough to cause most of us to cringe. Yet few of us hold back our own judgement of twelve-year-olds online. We're not only quick to judge, but quick to talk, quick to buy, quick to give up and label our own and other's pursuits as meaningless. Once again our problem seems to be linked to our culture's obsession with instant gratification.

Now that we've covered why it's important, how does one begin to live intentionally? The most simplified way to describe it would be to live kindly. If all of our words and actions hold the potential to be seen globally, the impact could be immeasurable. We want that impact to be positive. Making the choice to be intentional in our everyday lives isn't always easy. It's dictated by self-discipline and requires us to slow down and question our own responses and motivations. Giving thought to how you will be perceived, not to become self-conscious, but to recognize how your image will effect you're goals is an excellent start. I'm not asking you to pick yourself apart, quite the opposite I'm actually encouraging you to take notice of the things you like about yourself and your surroundings and finding ways to incorporate that into more areas of your life. So much can change when we actively look for good things to take notice of, and actively pursue the lives we want to lead.

I hope you enjoyed the read, as I will likely be revisiting this subject later. If you've made it this far consider leaving your thoughts in the comments!

-Coco Elouise Marie