After discussing the dangers of Diabetes in my last post and graphically emphasizing the point, I decided it was time to call everyone out from under the table (a place I would hide when I got scared) and help people find a method to achieve a better life. Since each of us are unique and view life from different perspectives, how is it possible to offer something that satisfies everyone’s needs? The answer is both simple and complicated and comes down to two words,
“LIVING INTENTIONALLY!”
Most of us don’t take the time to think about this concept. We try, instead, to think of “things” we would like that elicit the emotions of joy and happiness. We attach this belief to a material possession or possessions attempting to redirect our feelings about ourselves and those we love and care for. In many cases, it is not so much about redirection as it is about impeding our deeper feelings. This translates into searching for material things that make us feel less bad about ourselves, rather than feeling good.
Living intentionally means viewing life from a perspective that allows us to make important decisions everyday that direct our lives. It is about gaining control over our own actions and responses and intentionally creating a plan to achieve a desired outcome. The joy and happiness this lifestyle achieves is not based on any individual possession but rather an inner strength that helps navigate the simple and treacherous paths that life lays in front of each of us. The confidence, integrity, self worth and self awareness this lifestyle provides guides the individual into becoming well balanced and appreciative of life itself.
Living Intentionally is achieved by solving the questions to situations currently interfering with experiencing “CHRONIC” joy and happiness. Some of these questions include:
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What is my purpose in life?
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What ideas create overwhelming positive feelings that I want to experience everyday upon awakening?
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What steps am I taking to ensure my purpose in life is attained?
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What can I do to take my overwhelming positive feelings and turn them into passions?
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Which friends, family members or acquaintances do I want to experience this journey with?
These five simple questions provide a foundation to begin the process of Living Intentionally.
Some may argue that passion and purpose does not motivate their existence. Imposing this lifestyle creates further stress on the individual lost in life’s jungle. I disagree. This approach does NOT JUDGE the individual and does NOT IMPOSE any answers. You may CHOOSE to have no purpose or simply choose to be a small cog in the wheel of life. The beauty is designed in the concept of “freedom to choose.” Rather than potentially feeling helpless, unable to change direction because of varying responsibilities, the individual gains greater control over their choices and actions. Choosing to work 9-5 everyday rather than becoming a prisoner to this path as a result of debt and other obligations would be an example of this new paradigm. Today’s reality reduces the word CHOICE to NEED. This mentality enslaves the mind and the person. Living Intentionally overcomes these barriers by learning to gain control over one’s life. Any decision that results from this new approach becomes a purposeful “right” choice.
This concept requires time, patience and effort. Letting go of our current cognitive thought patterns can be frightening and challenging. Reinforcing the mantra, “LIVING INTENTIONALLY,” helps create a persistent visual image reinforcing a belief that “I AM IN CONTROL OF A BETTER TOMORROW; a tomorrow of MY choosing. Intentional Living is as unique as there are individuals on this planet.
What’s holding you back from LIVING INTENTIONALLY?
All About Healthy Choices 
I would have to say that it is me that is holding me back. Until I am ready, nothing is going to happen. I know that from experience. I also know that pushing me makes me even more stubborn. I understand where you are coming from though and it is a better way of handling it.
Right now, unfortunately, I am looking at a med change or maybe just a tweaking. I am seriously depressed right now. I am trying to keep writing and not stop because it is hard to keep going when depressed.
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I know what you mean Tess as I am for sure my own worst enemy in many areas of my life. Don’t be too hard on yourself though, as sometimes the body/mind need to heal before going in a new direction. It sounds like you may be at that place now but it doesn’t mean you will be forever.
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Thank you for the hope.
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You might want to use writing as a vehicle for stress relief. Focus on the type and style of writing that brings out the best in you. Become so ensconced in your message (for yourself or others) that it ultimately distracts you from any negative thought processes. This might become a tool you can use to empower yourself and combat some challenges you face. Wouldn’t it be nice to have this in your arsenal in addition to the medications. Feel better my friend.
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Thank you Jonathan. Writing is definitely in my arsenal to distract myself. Still have articles to write. Slightly harder as they have guidelines. Happy Holidays my friend.
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your posts has really been of great help..well technicaly it may have not really healed me on a medical aspect but it’s been helping me alot..
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I’m glad your finding these articles helpful. Healing takes place on a daily basis with and without medications. Providing for the “doctor” within will create some of the most powerful healing you will ever experience. This means giving your body what it needs will provide improved function and quality.
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You’re absolutely correct..
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Chronic joy and happiness. Love the term. wonderful post. Thanks for sharing this. Things changed in my life when I learned to adjust my own attitudes. Your post helps me stay on my course. Thanks
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It’s a great comfort knowing my eyes aren’t the only pair reading my posts! 🙂 Seriously, thank you for all your support and feedback. I’m glad they offer benefit to you. Conversely, I appreciate your writing and your clever wit. Health deals a lot with attitude. Writers probably are not aware of the impact they can have on many lives. We doctors may change the physiology, but writers can reach the depths of their emotions. We probably make a good team. To a healthy and happy upcoming Thanksgiving!
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Never thought of the impact of entertaining. You made me feel better about myself. Thanks. Happy Thanksgiving.
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Great post and full of good direction on how to live more freely and in control of your destiny. One of the biggest influencers in my life was Ekhart Tolle’s, “Power of Now” book which introduced me to present moment awareness and opened the door to ways of thinking aligned with your post.
It’s wonderful you share stuff like this, many people will benefit.
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Thank you so much, Tricia. People, in general, are good and MATTER. Many are looking to improve their lives and simply lack direction and focus. If we can help provide some guidance, just imagine how many lives can potentially be affected. I have dedicated a large part of my professional life helping people understand what it takes to become healthy. I am hoping this blog site provides the opportunity to help spread this information to the rest of the world? In my heart, there is no better way of RECEIVING than GIVING. Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy upcoming Thanksgiving.
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I think your blog is a great way to reach and help people, keep it up. And wishing you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving as well! 🙂
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Which friends, family members or acquaintances do I want to experience this journey with?
This is so true.
I started writing tomorrows post prior to reading this post and am touching on this very subject. Amazing how as we change we start to question others and if they are actually good for me and or should feature in my future plans. The most amazing thing is I am having doubts as to whether people are actually being truthful to me and now after wanting them in my life so much, I been to wonder if I want them there at all.
Very strange how we react to situations that make us question what we thought. Sometimes we will carry it on and others we will need to cut ties and unload that burden.
I have some thinking to do because I do not want it to affect my positivity.
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Many times we maintain “friendships” out of need for companionship rather than bonds that strengthen and support eachother’s lives. As we begin transitioning our lives toward greater understanding and fulfillment we begin to realize these (so called) “friends” are actually burdens. They impede our progress and function more like parasites as they “live” off our energy. In many cases this is not their intention. They have just deviated so far from happiness, they are willing to cling on to anything that makes them “FEEL” anything at all. If these people are unresponsive to the idea of “change for the better,” sometimes we must cut ties to have the freedom to move forward with our own lives. This can be a very difficult decision to make.
Wishing you all the best in choices for today, tomorrow and all future days to come.
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Well put and thank you.
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I think living intentionally is an important factor in achieving real and continuing balance in our lives, both physically and emotionally, but unlearning reactive approaches to life is not an easy thing. It takes tons of practice and a good bit of encouragement to get “there”. To the extent that we encourage others to keep setting balanced goals, keep practicing intention living, and keep believing they can change and that the power for change is within us, we do the world a valuable service. Thanks for adding to the blessings of intentional living today through this post!
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I agree with you. The task to UNlearn patterns of behavior and thinking can be a very challenging task. So one must ask themself whether the benefits of LIVING INTENTIONALLY outweigh the efforts required to free oneself from their current (potentially destructive) patterns. I believe those willing to see life from this new perspective have greater opportunities for inner peace, balance and a life filled with passion and purpose.
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This post came at a great time for me. I am currently at a fork in the road and I am struggling to make a decision that will make me happy versus provide me with the most money. I think what’s stopping me from doing what I want to do is the fact that I feel stuck. I’m not old per say but I’m at an age where I want to have kids soon, I have a few mortgages, and I just feel bogged down in responsibility and obligations that are preventing me from being true to what I really want.
I am definitely struggling through this and your post has given me some food for thought!
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You are a smart lady. Decisions don’t have to create massive swings of the pendulum. You can create incremental changes that lead in the direction you ultimately seek. As you gain greater confidence with your choices, the decisions for change becomes easier. There are ALWAYS answers to concerns; they are seen most clearly during periods of calmness in our lives. I have great confidence in you. You will find your answers!
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Living intentionally. Very thought provoking phrase and post. I enjoy the questions you pose to the readers, as well. I always come away from your blog feeling challenged and often reminded to think positively. Love your messages, Jonathan! Have a Happy Thanksgiving ❤
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It’s not easy writing about Health = BORING
By a doctor = BORING
Conveying a message for change = “I don’t want to.”
By an audience that would prefer not to =”Leave me alone”
And wake up the next day and do it again= MY PASSION
Thank you for reading and hearing the message. I don’t expect everyone to follow my recommendations. I just want to make certain that people truly understand the possible ramifications, possible solutions and possible outcomes available. Many are seeking solutions and feel they have nowhere to turn. I hope my messages reaches out far enough to find them.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving ❤ (I just learned how to make the heart)
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You’re unique in how you convey your vital info and how you present yourself. Your humor and amazing sense of awareness are what attract people to you. I suspect that charisma you ooze here on WP is even more impressive in person. You know how to use your gifts to try and persuade others to live a healthy and balanced life. AND you’re not all talk — you workout, eat healthy and have been married to the same lady for years.
I’m surprised you’re not a professional motivational speaker. I can see you reaching a far wider audience in that arena.
Thank you for all that you do! Reading from the comments of others, I can see you’re already making a big difference in people’s lives.
Happy Thanksgiving! xo
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Rose,
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your comment. It is difficult for me to create words on a computer monitor that convey my deepest feelings about health, but more importantly, about people. I have worked very hard at becoming the person I am today. I am still a work in progress and will continue to learn to grow and develop in the future. I was fortunate to have an amazing family teach me the values and morals I live by. They provided a strong foundation and then stepped back. I couldn’t understand why they “abandoned me.” It must have been hard on them to say nothing as they saw the hurt in my eyes. It took years for me to realize their silence was their message. In their silence they said, “We have provided you with all the necessary components to develop the traits necessary to become a GOOD person.” “It is now time for us to step back and see what you develop in to.” They never judged me and always supported my decisions. I know that few people have this type of love and support in their lives. I do not have any children. Since I can’t pass this message on to the next generation within my own family, I have decided to reach out to the world and let it be known that I am willing to offer my love and support to those in need. So I have chosen to thank and honor my family by following in their footprints. I will continue to work on laying a foundation for those seeking direction. As I see the light in their eyes and feel the warmth in their hearts, I too will step back and be silent. I hope this process helps people find their purpose in life and creates a passion to provide foundations for future generations.
Thank you for letting me share this message with you. I will always hold a special place for you in my heart. You are a good friend!
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Nice post… I’m glad to have found your blog.
Have a great day!
Arcane Owl
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I appreciate you willing to take your time to read this article. After sampling your work, I look forward to seeing future writings. Stay healthy and happy.
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It’s so important for us to “live intentionally”! Again, with many of the posts I’ve read on your blog, this one conveys the simple truth that life should ” mean” something and for each an every one of us, I feel this takes on a different meaning. Great post as usual!
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I absolutely agree. Each person is unique and values different things in life. Finding worthwhile pursuits in life adds greater meaning to our lives. The beautiful part is deciding for ourselves what we deem a worthwhile pursuit. There are no right or wrong pursuits because judgement is not part of the equation, FULFILLMENT is.
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I love this! Thank you. I do this sort of work with my patients all the time.
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You and I are definitely on the same page. I look forward to reading more of articles.
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Living Intentionally is similar to Mindfulness Living. Living in the present moment with a purpose and an awareness of self and others. Most people ‘sleep walk’ through life. Thank you for your post, it echoes similar thoughts I have
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I appreciate your commitment to helping people realize greater potentials by coaching them to recognize the need for purposeful active participation. Thank you for contributing to this article.
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Wow thank you for your kind words. Needed a pick me up tonight so grateful for your comment. Your blog is inspiring and look forward to reading more posts
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We share similar values and goals to help people find purpose and meaning in life. I focus more on their health and share perspectives many people have never been exposed to.
Finding people that truly care about this world who are willing to put their hearts and souls into sharing their individual talents is a challenging task. You sound like this type of person and I look forward to reading your future posts.
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Same to you. Happy Father’s Day 🙂
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