Life is a wild ride, isn’t it? One minute you’re sipping coffee, daydreaming about your next big adventure, and the next, you’re knee-deep in laundry or stuck in traffic, wondering where the time went. But here’s the thing: life doesn’t have to just happen to you. You can grab it by the horns, steer it with purpose, and live in a way that screams, “This is me, world!” Living with intention is about making choices that align with who you are and what you want, not just drifting along like a leaf in a stream. So, let’s dive into what it means to live bold, live you, and live with intention—sprinkled with a bit of humor to keep it real.

What Does It Mean to Live with Intention?

Living with intention sounds fancy, like something you’d read in a self-help book next to a picture of a guru meditating on a mountaintop. But it’s simpler than that. It’s about making deliberate choices instead of letting life’s current sweep you away. It’s waking up and asking, “What do I want today to mean?” rather than stumbling through the day on autopilot.

Think about it: how many times have you scrolled through your phone for an hour, only to realize you didn’t mean to waste that time? Or said “yes” to something you didn’t want to do because you felt obligated? Living with intention is about flipping that script. It’s choosing to spend your time, energy, and heart on things that matter to you. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present and purposeful.

Why Boldness Matters

To live with intention, you’ve got to be bold. Not the “jump out of a plane” kind of bold (unless that’s your thing, in which case, go for it!). I’m talking about the courage to be yourself, unapologetically. Boldness is owning your quirks, your dreams, and even your mistakes. It’s saying, “I’m going to wear this bright orange sweater because it makes me happy, even if it looks like I got lost in a traffic cone.”

Being bold means taking risks, even small ones. Maybe it’s signing up for that pottery class you’ve been eyeing, even though you’re pretty sure your creations will look like lumpy pancakes. Or maybe it’s having that tough conversation with a friend instead of sweeping things under the rug. Boldness is about stepping out of your comfort zone and trusting that you’ll figure it out, even if you trip a little along the way.

Finding You in the Chaos

Let’s be real: figuring out who you are can feel like trying to find your keys in a messy purse. There’s a lot of junk to sift through—expectations, doubts, that one random receipt from 2017. But living with intention starts with knowing yourself. What makes your heart sing? What values do you hold dear? What would you do if you weren’t afraid of failing spectacularly?

Take a moment to reflect. Grab a notebook (or the back of that receipt) and jot down what matters to you. Maybe it’s spending time with family, creating art, or fighting for a cause you believe in. These are your guideposts. They’re the things that make you, you. And when you live with intention, you align your actions with those guideposts, even when life throws curveballs.

Here’s a funny thought: I once tried to “find myself” by signing up for a yoga retreat, only to discover I’m about as flexible as a rusty hinge. But that experience taught me something—I love movement, but yoga isn’t my jam. Instead, I found joy in hiking with my dog, who, by the way, is a much better life coach than any guru. The point is, exploring who you are is a process, and it’s okay to laugh at the missteps.

The Power of Small, Intentional Choices

Living with intention doesn’t mean you need to overhaul your life overnight. You don’t have to quit your job, move to Bali, or start a llama farm (though, again, if that’s your dream, I’m cheering for you). It’s about the small choices you make every day. Small actions add up, like pennies in a jar, and over time, they create a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.

For example, let’s say you want to live healthier. Instead of diving into a crazy diet that bans everything except kale, start small. Choose to drink water instead of soda one day a week. Or take a 10-minute walk after dinner. These tiny, intentional choices build momentum. Before you know it, you’re feeling better, and you didn’t have to choke down a kale smoothie to get there.

Another example? If you want to nurture your relationships, set an intention to connect meaningfully. Call your mom instead of texting. Plan a coffee date with a friend. Or, if you’re feeling extra bold, write a heartfelt note to someone you care about. (Pro tip: don’t start with “Dear Sir/Madam,” unless you’re trying to make your grandma laugh.)

Overcoming Obstacles to Intentional Living

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: life is messy. You can have all the intentions in the world, but then your car breaks down, your boss piles on more work, or your kid decides to “redecorate” the living room with permanent marker. How do you stay intentional when everything feels like chaos?

First, give yourself grace. You’re not going to nail this intentional living thing every day. Some days, just getting out of bed is a victory. And that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. When life gets overwhelming, focus on one small thing you can control. Maybe it’s taking five deep breaths before responding to that annoying email. Or choosing to laugh instead of cry when your toddler turns your couch into a modern art masterpiece.

Second, set boundaries. This is where boldness comes in again. Say “no” to things that don’t align with your values or drain your energy. It’s not selfish—it’s self-preservation. If you’re constantly saying “yes” to everyone else, you’re saying “no” to yourself. Protect your time like it’s your favorite pair of jeans (you know, the ones that make your butt look amazing).

Finally, stay curious. Obstacles are often opportunities in disguise. If something’s not working, ask why. Maybe your intention to work out every morning isn’t sticking because you’re not a morning person. Switch it up and try evening walks instead. Curiosity keeps you flexible and open to growth.

The Role of Gratitude

Gratitude is like the secret sauce of intentional living. It’s not about pretending everything’s perfect—it’s about noticing the good stuff, even when life feels like a sitcom gone wrong. Practicing gratitude shifts your perspective. It helps you focus on what’s working instead of what’s not.

Try this: at the end of each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big. Maybe it’s the way your coffee tasted just right, or how your coworker made you laugh. Over time, this habit rewires your brain to seek out the positive, making it easier to live with intention.

There’s even science to back this up. According to a study from the Greater Good Science Center, practicing gratitude can improve mental health, boost relationships, and increase overall well-being. So, next time you’re feeling grumpy, try thanking the universe for pizza. It’s hard to stay mad when pizza exists.

Living Boldly in Community

Living with intention isn’t a solo act. Your community matters. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, challenge you to grow, and don’t mind when you show up in that questionable orange sweater. These are the folks who’ll remind you of your intentions when you forget them.

Being part of a community also means giving back. Share your boldness and authenticity with others. Maybe it’s mentoring a colleague, volunteering for a cause, or just being the friend who listens without judgment. When you live boldly, you inspire others to do the same. It’s like a ripple effect, but with less splashing and more awesomeness.

Putting It All Together

So, how do you tie this all together? Start by setting clear intentions. What do you want your life to feel like? More joyful? More connected? More adventurous? Write it down, say it out loud, or stick it on a Post-it note where you’ll see it every day.

Next, take action. Boldness doesn’t mean reckless—it means moving toward what matters, even if it’s scary. Sign up for that class. Have that conversation. Wear that sweater. Each step builds confidence and clarity.

Finally, check in with yourself. Life changes, and so do you. Revisit your intentions regularly. Are they still serving you? If not, tweak them. Living with intention is a journey, not a destination. And if you get lost along the way, just remember: even GPS systems need to recalculate sometimes.

A Final Word (and a Laugh)

Living bold, living you, and living with intention isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about showing up as your messy, wonderful self and making choices that light you up. Some days, you’ll feel like a superhero. Other days, you’ll feel like you accidentally joined the circus. Both are part of the adventure.

So, go out there and live with intention. Be bold. Be you. And if all else fails, just remember: life’s too short to fold fitted sheets. Keep it real, keep it intentional, and keep shining.