Living intentionally

When I first heard the phrase “living intentionally,” it felt like just another buzzword, something for people with endless free time. But as a mom battling postpartum anxiety and ADHD, constantly feeling on edge, I realized intentional living wasn't a luxury—it was a necessity for taking control of my life. My home felt like a reflection of my chaotic mind, and that’s where my journey truly began. For me, living intentionally isn't about perfection; it's about being mindful and making deliberate choices that align with my values and well-being. It’s about creating a life that supports me, rather than constantly reacting to what life throws my way. And truthfully, a huge part of my personal mom glow up started by simply decluttering. How I Started Living Intentionally (Beyond Just Decluttering): Mindful Consumption: I began questioning every item that entered my home. Do I truly need this? Does it add value or joy? This goes for physical items, but also commitments and even digital clutter. It's amazing how much mental space opens up when you're not constantly dealing with 'stuff.' Setting Clear Intentions Daily: Each morning, I spend a few minutes thinking about what I want to achieve or how I want to feel that day. It could be as simple as "I want to be present with my kids" or "I want to tackle that one dreaded task." This helps me direct my energy and focus, rather than feeling scattered. Creating Routines, Not Rigid Schedules: As someone with ADHD, strict schedules often backfire. Instead, I built flexible routines. A morning routine that includes quiet time for myself, a clean-up routine after dinner, and a wind-down routine before bed. These habits create structure without feeling restrictive, and they’ve made a huge difference in managing my anxiety. Prioritizing Mental & Physical Health: Intentional living means intentionally carving out time for what nourishes me. For me, that’s movement, healthy meals (even simple ones), and quiet moments away from the constant demands of motherhood. It’s not selfish; it’s essential for showing up as my best self for my family. Letting Go of "Shoulds": The pressure to be a perfect mom, have a perfect home, or achieve perfect productivity was immense. Intentional living taught me to identify these external "shoulds" and consciously decide if they align with my intentions. If not, I let them go. This was incredibly freeing and central to my burnout recovery. Starting this journey of intentional living was tough, especially when you feel like you're constantly playing catch-up. But as the original post says, "the best time to get started was yesterday, so you got today to do it ✨👏🏼." Every small step towards a more intentional life is a step towards gaining control, finding peace, and truly experiencing that 'mom glow up' from the inside out.