A Mindful and Intentional Life
These are my 10 personal beliefs about living with intention, which I call my Ten Seeds of Hope. Writing them down helps me stay focused on living with love, peace, openness, and authenticity. The list can change over time, since my Ten Seeds of Hope keep evolving.
1. Start with love
Hug your rescue dog or cat. Saving a life brings a special kind of love.
Beginning your day with compassion can make a big difference.
2. Stay curious
Explore something new, like a trail, a book, or a different perspective. Keep your curiosity alive.
You move forward when you keep both your eyes and your heart open.
3. Go barefoot
Take time to feel the grass, slow down, and walk barefoot with intention.
Noticing beauty is the first step to living in a more sustainable way.
4. Practice il dolce far niente
“The sweetness of doing nothing.”
Step away from screens. Enjoy sweet tea on the porch swing and take in the quiet. My kids remind me how to practice il dolce far niente.
5. Cherish your people
Friendship nourishes the soul with shared laughter, old stories, and quiet understanding.
Stay close to the people who have supported you over the years, and cherish them.
6. Live your truth
Whether you are spiritual, secular, or simply living in the moment, try to be mindful.
Respect others and honor your own path by living your truth.
7. Lead with heart
Give your time, help a neighbor, or get involved in activism.
Change often starts when someone leads by example and acts with heart.
8. “In diversity, there is beauty and strength.”
Maya Angelou
9. Move your spirit
Dance in your kitchen. Paint. Bake. Let yourself be wildly creative.
Art helps you let go. Joy can feel like a revolution..
10. Speak up. Listen fully.
Use your voice and listen with care.
You do not need anyone’s permission to grow, change direction, or start over. Speak up and listen fully.
“Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.”
Stay close to those who’ve walked beside you through the years. Shelly and I have been friends since high school, a very long time.
# 5. Friendship is soul fuel
