The 100 day project – a fun intention

Why don’t we shake things up and set a fun intention.  The 100 day project is a free global art project that takes place on-line.  This is the 9th year.  Starting February 13th, 2022 for 100 days is do something.

The do something is wide open.  It could be painting, knitting, dancing, photography, meditation or whatever. We get to decide. There is no limit on what our 100 day project can be.  It should be something you enjoy, maybe a new habit you want to engage in. Besides that anything goes. 

There is also not a time limit. You don’t have to set aside twenty minutes a day for 100 days.  Yes you can if you want, but it is not mandatory. My idea is to set a realistic project that can be done in 5-10 minutes tops. If I want to spend longer on it great. 

Remember we want this to be fun. Don’t pick a project that requires a lot of work that you might come to regret. Fun, easy and not a big time commitment. I’m still mulling over a few ideas so I will keep you posted.

Check out the site for all the details. I’ll report back when I nail down my project. If you’re interested drop a line and let me know. Also let me know any ideas you think might be work undertaking.

Becoming more playful – can that be an intention?

Helllllooooo Yes!

Somewhere along the way we have lost our sense of play as adults. Exploring new worlds, seeing new things or seeing things differently. We are so caught up in rushing here and there. Living in the future and constantly thinking what needs to be done to get to there. Worse we are putting things off until later. When I get free time. When I have vacation. When I retire. When I…… You get the picture. The only time we have is now.

Play falls to the bottom on the list. We’re adults we don’t play! Okay why not? What makes play not an adult activity? Adults play sports, have hobbies those are often play. Maybe we have to expand our idea of play.

Play doesn’t have to be heading out to play hopscotch (but it could!!!)  It could be scheduling time in for a yoga class. Or wine tasting with friends. What about on-line paint night? Juicy book anyone?

If your intention is more play let’s brainstorm!  Write down any and all things you enjoy doing. Don’t look at whether it is “play” but things that make you smile, bring you joy.  Also consider activities you would like to try – say a dance class? Pottery?  Don’t take anything off the list.  Remember this is a brain dump – let is all spill out.

Drop in the comments what you come up with and we’ll report back. Yes play can be an intention and I think a great one. When we play we are positive and happy. That spills into other areas. Play!!!

 

It is hard to create boundaries

Living intentionally can mean setting boundaries to secure your time and often mental health. I work full-time and recently set an intention or boundary of not answering my phone in the evening. People could leave a message or contact me through text.

I let people know my new boundary. One friend asked me if I was going to see anyone to discuss my phone phobia. What?? I answer the phone ALL DAY at work. I was totally taken back. I thought I had set a boundary. I had to process this and talk to another friend to realize this wasn’t about me. I was taking care of me. People could contact me or leave a message.

It was such a clear message of when we set boundaries other people won’t necessary support us. Especially if it affects them – changes the dynamics and maybe their needs are no longer met. At that point I knew I had to be strong. That I didn’t have a phobia and need therapy for setting a boundary for me. To have my evenings free to do my thing.

We have to stay firm. I know from being a people pleaser in the the past it is hard. That we might not keep our boundaries as people don’t like change. The thing is this isn’t about us but about them. I did nothing wrong putting myself first and didn’t deserve to be told I had a phone phobia.

If people don’t like the changes we are making and can’t support us that is on them. Don’t apology for taking care of yourself. You can’t meet everyone needs. Putting yourself first should not need explanations or justifications. I’ll work on me and let other people work on them. Support should work both ways. But don’t wait for support to put yourself first. If they don’t get it so be it.

An update on intentional living

WOW we have rolled into March which means my quarterly intention of being intentional is half way through. So I thought an update was in order. Intentionally.

I have been trying to do things intentionally. To concentrate on projects that move me forwards. I completed an edit and note-taking on a novel. Now I have a record of what everyone is doing in each chapter and what needs to be added or deleted to move the story forward. 

Listening to a NaNoWri (National Novel Writing) podcast I came across the manuscript wish list . It has a list of editors and agents in different genres.  February was spent going through the list and selecting agents in my genre and then submitting queries. Scary but living intentionally for me is living with no (or at least less) regrets. That means not waiting for perfection, which will never happen, and taking the leap. So submitted three chapters and queries. Now just waiting to see what happens. I’m calling it collecting rejections as I consider that also a win as it shows I have tried!

I’m not saying I haven’t wasted time scrolling through social media and watching Netflix. Overall I feel good about the last two months and living intentionally. Where do I want to go and heading in that direction. Oh yes to unexpected detours some are so worth checking out, but don’t head too far down a rabbit hole that is taking you away from what you should be doing.

So half way through my four months of intentionally living. I’m interested if anyone else picked a word, project or feeling they have been working on for the last four months. See this post if you want to know more about setting an intention.

Drop a comment if you are half way through your intention for this quarter. If you need a boost let me know. I would love to brain-storm how to move forward or regroup.

 

 

Being Intentional on my own path

I finished Cait Flanders’ book Adventures in opting out. While reading it I realized I have opted out a lot already.  My biggest one was backpacking in Australia for a year after graduation instead of looking for a job. That was major for me as up until that time I had followed the course set out for me. Or at least the course society deemed appropriate.

It wasn’t until I realized I didn’t have to follow that course. That as long as I’m not hurting anyone I don’t have a course I should have to follow. Which is what Cait Flanders said also.

I read the book as I was interested in her idea of opting out.  Also the tag line is “a field guide to leading an intentional life” that caught my eye more than opting out did.  She states everyones idea of what and how to opt out is individual – so true. It was interesting as her idea of opting out has basically been what I have been thinking about for a while.  Which is slow travel and long-term.

Slow travel for Cait was staying in one place long enough to soak up the area. She stayed somewhere for six weeks. Slow travel is not to be on the go constantly.  Trying to see six country in seven days. It is to become comfortable and familiar with a place. That appeals to me. To do day trips and leave a smaller environmental footprint.

As I was reading the book I was thinking about my intention for the next four months. Which was to live intentional. I’m not sure what the future of travel will look like but I’m still interested in living somewhere else and soaking it up. To have a local coffee shop and grocery store. To be familiar with my neighbourhood.

What reading the book made clearer for me is preparing for my opting out. It had me looking around my home (which I love) and thinking if I left for X period of time what am I suppose to do with this stuff? I’m not a minimalist or a hoarder, but there is stuff I don’t use and keep because “what if”. There are dishes in high cabinets I open and never touch in years.

So I am going to start intentionally looking at my stuff. All my stuff and decide what stays and what goes. I am looking at this project as the start of my opting out adventure. With the world right now it might be a year or more before travel is back to close to normal (if every).  That is okay I’m intentionally setting myself on the right course. To free up cabinets, drawers, well space period for new things to come in. I don’t mean new stuff. I mean ideas, opportunities and possibilities. Stuff can weigh you down. If I can clear out material stuff and mental blocks I will feel lighter.

I’m thinking if I do leave home for X period of time I might have someone stay at my place. They would need space for their things. I want to easily pack things away clearing space for possibilities.

So thank you Cait and Adventures of opting out for helping me realize I have been (mostly!!) on the right path. That all my opting out in the past has led me to where I am today. Someone that is more than okay not following what society dictates is the correct path.

Is there anything you would consider opting out of? The field is wide open. It doesn’t have to be earth shattering it could be social engagement you no longer find enjoyable. Or maybe it is saying yes when you want to say no. Opting out of events that don’t speak to your soul to attend ones that do. Even if no one around you is interested.

I’m starting to intentional look at my surrounding and decide what deserves a place here. What space physically and mentally can I start freeing up. This starts today with a goodwill bag.

If you want to know more about setting an intention check out this post. .

Starting a new year and quarter

We have two days before the start of a new year. I won’t go into 2020 as no one could have predicted this year. What I do know is I want to make the most out of the coming year. I don’t expect any major changes i.e. restrictions lifted or life back to normal for at least the first half of the year.

The past few weeks I have been thinking of what my intention for the first four months of the year would be. I had a word pop into my head and I dismissed it. Seriously no that won’t work was my take. Check this post on how to set an intention. 

I looked around at projects started and my to do list. Also how did I want to feel heading into a new year? Did I want to feel more playful? Joyful? Of course I did, but those intentions didn’t resonate with me. Or to be more clear they weren’t what I felt I wanted to focus on. I kept coming back to that word I started with.

Intentional. Something done with a plan or deliberate. On purpose. It seemed to broad to me. It wasn’t a project, feeling or something I could get my head around initially. I dismissed it until I realized it was staying with me for a reason. It was pushing out everything else I tried to focus on. Intentional.

So decision is I’m not going to fight it. It is appearing for a reason. So my intention for the next four months is “intentional”. I’m going to consider every project, invitation, experience, whatever intentionally. I am not going to say yes or start a project that I have not carefully or intentionally thought about. Is this moving me forward? Will this take time away from something else that I should be working on? Am I procrastinating? What is the plan for this project – write it down.

Intentional is staying with me for a reason. I want to explore it for the next four months. If I consider everything intentionally what am I  moving towards or moving away from? Now that I’ve decided to work with intentional I’m excited. Next is to make a card with the word on it so I can see it every day.

Do you have an intention for the next four months? Check out the above post on how to go about setting one. Also there are other posts on meditation and journaling intentions that might spark some ideas.

Deep breath as we head into a new chapter intentionally for me!

 

Intentional Christmas

This year has been about making do and being flexible. The entire world has been turned on its head. So many things have been taken out of our control. Some countries are now in their second wave and back in shutdown for this pandemic. We have no control over going to work, staying home, visiting or life in general in many cases.

The rest of the year and upcoming holidays are going to happen pandemic or not. I want to at least make the most of what I can. I also want to take back some control and for me that is focusing on what I can do.  2020 will go down in history as the year we pulled together or not.

I thought I’d gain some control by focusing on what I can be doing for the holidays. I want to enjoy what I can and not be overwhelmed. That means creating a plan. Making a list and checking it twice (hmm….that sounds familiar)!  This will also give me a sense of accomplishment as I check items off my list. Again, focusing on what I can control and do during this unsettled, to say the least, time.

My list is not all encompassing. It is what I want to tackle and get done in a timely fashion. I’m including my list here in case you want a bit of focus and help to keep you on track.  The majority of items are small things we often forget until the last minute.

Drop a line in the comments if you think of anything we should be adding to the list. We can make this holiday season the best we can if we focus on what we can control and make the most of what we have around us.

We have this!

Holiday list!!

holiday-listDownload

 

Journaling as an intention

People overthink journaling. We want to start journaling but never seem to find the time. Part of that is we overthink it. We’re not writing our epic life story. At most we’re writing down a feeling we had that day or answering a journaling prompt.

Also we don’t have to journal every day. It is a journal not a diary. I do think it is helpful when starting to have some journaling prompts. Lots of us look at a blank page and that is the end of it. Nothing to say. Put the journal away.

So if establishing a journaling routine is our intention lets break it down. I’m going with a four month intention time frame. Remember this is not a resolution of firmly starting or ending an action. It is fluid. An intention.

Breakdown! Exciting part.

1. Remember we are breaking it down into smaller manageable steps. That gives us a sense of moving forward when we cross an item off – no matter how small.
2. Start with purchasing a pretty journal. Something that makes you smile when you look at it. Also a nice pen. I like to write by hand.  I find my thoughts are different when using a pen and paper compared to typing on a device. If you are using a device that is fine. First item crossed off your list! Remember to set a deadline to purchase your journal. Say within the first two weeks.
3. Head to PInterest or wherever and find some journaling prompts. Again set a deadline and have fun here. Yes, I know it is easy to go down other rabbit holes on Pinterest especially with crafts and holidays coming up. That is okay but remember the prompts first and than the rabbit holes.
4. Write them in your journal – maybe the back pages to refer to later. We want to have prompts for when we feel we have nothing to write about.
5. I don’t recommend setting specific dates for your journaling like Monday, Wednesday and Friday. What works for me is X many times a week. That way if Monday is shot Tuesday is okay or even Thursday. As along as you do the set amount of times you committed to. You might have to journal two or three days in a row. That is okay.
6. Be gentle and give yourself grace. Life happens. Remember you don’t have to write an epic entry. It can be a sentence or two. I felt like……when this happened. Or a funny thing someone said that day. Not all journaling has to be serious. Also remember you have your prompts at the back to refer to if stuck not nothing what to write.
7. During the four months look for more prompts. You don’t want to run out. Jot down questions you want to explore through journaling.
8. Just a suggestion, but what about taking your journal and writing at lunch time?  Head to a cafe, grab your favoriate beverage, relax and write.  This is also about finding time for our intention (yourself).
9. Remember this is only for four months. You get to set another intention in four month. Assess how you felt about this one.  Was it worth it? Will you be continuing? 

Here are a few journaling prompts to start you off:

What did you love to do as a child?

What would you tell your younger self?

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

What does blue or red or yellow represent to you?

Favorite book and why?

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Ocean or lake? Beach or mountain vacation?

What would you like to collect if you had time and money?

Secret fantasy job?

If you came across interesting journaling prompts let us know.  Always good to have a few tucked away!

 

 

Setting an intention

Figuring out our intention is half the fun.  Do we want a feeling or to focus in on a project for the next four month?  

If you want a feeling say joyful or playful write that in the middle of a page.  Around it (or a list) write down everything that gives you that feeling.  Make sure you use all your senses.  Is there a certain smell?  A food?  Activity? This is a brain dump of ideas.  Write down everything – even if you think it can’t be done. No judging or eliminating. It all goes down.

Sit with it for a bit.  You might add more items to your page or not. All okay. We have set our intention to bring more X into our lives. We have four months to focus on this. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and start on your list. What can you start to schedule into your day? If reading brings you joy could you schedule in time at lunch to read? Making a reading hour at home with family (set a timer).  I think it is a good idea to give yourself a bit of a deadline say finish one book a month. Remember be flexible. Life happens.

If you have projects half finished or want to start something new pick one.  Remember to pick the one that excites you the most. Again we have to break this down.  We have four months so schedule time into your day or week to work on your project.  Break it down into pieces you can easily do.

If you want to write a novel break it down into an outline, scenes and character profiles.  Small writing jobs that are important. Also smaller pieces allow us to finish something. To check that box of two scenes written.  Scheduling and breaking down your project are crucial.  

You want to start journaling.  Break it down into 1) purchasing a pretty journal 2) looking for journaling prompts on the internet  3) picking a few out to do.  We gather momentum when we complete tasks. So purchasing a journal is a completed task. Check.

I think the biggest thing is to not set unreal expectations for ourselves. Four months might not be enough time to write a novel.  To go through every closet in the house and organize.  To learn a language. I hope you get the idea.  I’m not saying you can’t get this stuff done but we don’t want to feel overwhelmed.

So we are going to decide if it is a feeling we want to experience or a project we want to finish or start in the next four months.  Next brainstorm ideas of how to go about it.  Creating a schedule, being flexible and giving our self grace if we fall behind.  Re-examine what is happening. Maybe your project is too large – could it be broken down further? 

Remember intentions are determining an action or result. Intentions are organic and we can adjust them as we gather more information.  They are to help focus us on what we want to accomplish in four months (or your time frame).

Here is a download I hope lets you stay on tract.  Let the intentions begin!

my-intentionDownload