Hey friend,
The other week, I realized something kind of wild:
as long as I focus on what I need, what I want comes to me.
Let me paint you a picture of how this unfolded in my own life.
To Eat or Not to Eat
It's a serene Monday afternoon, and I'm basking in the glow of having recently reunited with my sweet cat, Sage, after he'd been missing for over a month. However, amidst the joy, I found myself struggling with financial hurdles. My budget was tight, and I hadn't factored in Sage's needs. The refrigerator was bare, and I had a mere $100 to my name.
In that moment of uncertainty, I had to make a choice. What was truly important? What did I actually need right now? As I thought about this, I realized that Sage's well-being was most important. After all, who knew what he went through during his time away??
So, I made the decision to prioritize Sage's needs over my own immediate comfort. I knew I could manage for a few days – I had some creative meal options at home, a sister I could reach out to if needed, and plans to eat out with an aunt the following day. But more than that, I had an unwavering faith that somehow, I would be provided for.
After taking care of Sage and putting some gas in my car, I felt a gentle nudge to visit my parents. Little did I know that this simple act of following my intuition would lead to an outpouring of love and support. Without even mentioning my struggles, my parents began filling my bag with food and supplies. As I watched them, tears welled up in my eyes, and I finally opened up about my recent challenges.
This experience beautifully portrayed the power of focusing on our true needs and trusting in the abundance of God. It reminded me that when we align our actions with our genuine necessities, unexpected blessings often follow.
Intention Menu
One of the cutest ideas I’ve seen recently is creating an intention menu. From what I know it can be physical or digital, but it’s a list that you make of things you want to focus on, work on, or be more mindful of. For example: Imagine starting each day by selecting your intentions as if you were choosing from a menu at your favorite restaurant. Here's a taste of what your Intention Menu might look like:
Appetizers (Morning Intentions):
• Begin with a 10-minute meditation to center yourself
• Stretch your body to awaken your muscles and mind
• Recite a positive affirmation or inspiring quote
• Enjoy a mindful breakfast, savoring each bite
Main Courses (Daytime Intentions):
• Engage in focused work sessions, giving your full attention to tasks
• Practice active listening in all your conversations
• Use technology mindfully, being present in each moment
• Take purposeful breaks to recharge and reset
• Speak to yourself with love and compassion
Desserts (Evening Intentions):
• Reflect on your day, celebrating wins and learning from challenges
• Recall and appreciate acts of kindness you've experienced or given
• Indulge in a relaxing bedtime ritual
• Set gentle intentions for tomorrow
• Express gratitude for three specific things before sleep
Special of the Week (Rotating Intentions):
Mindful Monday: Bring awareness to all your activities
Thankful Tuesday: Express heartfelt gratitude to others
Wellness Wednesday: Prioritize your physical and mental health
Thoughtful Thursday: Dive deep into learning or creative projects
Friendly Friday: Nurture your relationships with intention
Self-Care Saturday: Pamper yourself guilt-free
Spiritual Sunday: Connect with your inner self or higher power
An Example! vvvvvvv
To make the most of your Intention Menu, start each day by selecting a few items that resonate with you. Keep these intentions in mind as you move through your day, and in the evening, take a moment to reflect on how well you maintained them. Just like a real menu, you can mix and match these intentions to create a custom daily experience that nourishes your mind, body, and spirit.
Act How You Want to Feel
Lastly, I want to share a beautiful insight I gleaned from a podcast on happiness. The host mentioned how they make it a point to kiss their spouse and children every morning and night. This simple act serves as a powerful reminder to consistently engage in behaviors that make us feel loved and cherished.
This concept extends beyond just physical affection. It's about embodying the energy you wish to attract. If you desire more love in your life, be more loving. If you crave a sense of community, serve others. By aligning our actions with our desires, we create a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving that enriches our lives and the lives of those around us.
Remember, dear friend, that you have the power to shape your reality through your intentions and actions. By focusing on what truly matters, trusting in the abundance of life, and acting in alignment with your deepest desires, you open yourself up to a world of unexpected blessings and profound fulfillment.
I'd love to hear about your experiences with intentional living. How do you stay focused on what truly matters? What unexpected blessings have you encountered when you've aligned with your genuine needs? Drop me a line and let's continue this beautiful conversation!
Wishing the rest of your day is filled with purpose, joy, and fun surprises :)
Laurena Finéus: Routed and Routed, 2024
xoxo,
Daleicia
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