My Top 10 Ideas for Living a Mindful and Intentional Life.

Following is my list of 10 personal beliefs about living with intention that I call my Ten Seeds of Hope. Writing them down helps me clarify my goal: living a life of peace, love, understanding, nonviolence, openness, and tolerance. This list is in no order and may not be complete; the Ten Seeds of Hope evolve.

1. Start with love
Hug your rescue pup or kitten. Save a life, feel the love.
Compassion is a powerful way to begin the day.

2. Stay curious
Explore somewhere new — a trail, a book, a perspective.
Forward motion begins with open eyes and an open heart.

3. Go barefoot
Feel the grass. Let nature’s rhythm slow your steps.
Sustainability starts with awareness of beauty.

4. Practice il dolce far niente
“The sweetness of doing nothing.”
Unplug. Sip sweet tea on the porch swing. Savor the quiet. My kids are showing me exactly how it’s done in the photo.

My sons and friends at Fawn Lake.

5. Cherish your people
Friendship is soul fuel — shared laughter, old stories, unspoken understanding.
Stay close to those who’ve walked beside you through the years.

6. Live your truth
Spiritual, secular, or simply present — live mindfully.
Respect others. Honor your own path.

7. Lead with heart
Be an activist. Volunteer. Help a neighbor.
Change starts with one person living by example.

8. “In diversity, there is beauty and strength.”
— Maya Angelou

9. Move your spirit
Dance in your kitchen. Paint. Bake. Be wildly creative.
Art is a release. Joy is a revolution.

10. Speak up. Listen fully.
Use your voice — and your ears.
You don’t need permission to grow, shift, or make a You-turn.

"Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction."

-John F. Kennedy

🐥~ The Hippie Chick Behind the Words • I’m happy you’re here, share a thought below.