Living a Mindful and Intentional Life.
The following is my list of 10 personal beliefs about living with intention, which I refer to as 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 particular order and may not be comprehensive; the Ten Seeds of Hope are evolving.
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.
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.
Stay close to those who’ve walked beside you through the years. Shelly and Stacy Jo, friends since high school.
# 5. Friendship is soul fuel
