Embracing Intentionality – Growth Doesn’t Happen by Accident
Hi Friends,
Have you ever looked at someone you admire and wondered, “How did they get to be that way?”
Maybe it’s their calm presence. Or their ability to roll with the moment. Or how grounded they seem in who they are.
It can be easy to assume, “They were just born that way,” or “It must come with age.”
But the truth is—given all the conditioning we receive as children, and how hard it can be to release those narratives—it’s rarely that simple.
More often than not, the qualities we admire are the result of intentional practice. These people have likely chosen, again and again, to reflect, to heal, and to grow. They’ve made deliberate decisions about who they want to be—and how they want to show up in the world.
I was having a conversation recently about how people supposedly get more mindful with age. But I’ve found that age doesn’t automatically bring wisdom. We probably all know someone older who still clings to outdated patterns of thinking, reacting, or coping.
Wisdom isn’t something we stumble into with time. It’s something we earn—by paying attention. By reflecting on our experiences instead of repeating them. By seeing challenges not just as threats to our well-being, but as opportunities to learn more about ourselves.
And that takes intentionality.
Being intentional means acknowledging the role we play in our lives—not to blame ourselves, but to understand ourselves. When we take responsibility for how we show up (not just in outcomes, but in energy, tone, and boundaries), we open the door to aligned, empowered choice.
Of course we evolve. That’s inevitable. But how we evolve?
That part is up to us.
In any given moment, we can either lean further into our old patterns—or we can choose something new.
And while those individual choices may seem small, they’re cumulative. They shape our relationships, our energy, our well-being, and our future.
If we want a healthier lifestyle, deeper connection, more emotional freedom, or a greater sense of balance—it’s not just about waiting for it to happen. It’s about making intentional decisions from alignment rather than fear.
That doesn’t mean it’s easy. And we don’t all start from the same place.
Our access, opportunities, and conditioning vary based on who we are, where we were born, the communities we belong to, and the social systems we exist within. So, intentional living isn’t about keeping pace with someone else’s journey—it’s about honouring our own. And while others may inspire us, our choices will be shaped by our own lived experiences. Your version of intentionality will be your own.
It’s about showing up with awareness and care, and choosing to grow from where we are.
And when we can really tune into the power we hold—in our bodies, our beliefs, and our behaviour—something shifts.
We stop consuming what drains us.
We stop tolerating what disconnects us.
We begin to choose with intention—what we eat, how we speak, who we spend time with, and how we show up for ourselves.
Living with intention doesn’t mean never slipping into old habits. It means choosing to show up—again and again—with awareness. To slow down or pause when you can. To get curious about your emotional experience, and to lean into your values instead of autopilot.
Here are a few gentle practices to support that:
Anchor into your values: What matters most in the long run may not always feel easiest in the moment. Use your core values as a compass—not just your current mood.
Ask: “What kind of person am I becoming through this choice?”: Small actions add up. Every choice is a chance to move closer to who you want to be—or further away.
Notice the patterns you’re repeating: Is this familiar? Is it serving you? Awareness is the first step toward change.
Surround yourself with intentional people: Whether it’s a friend, a coach, or a mentor—being in the company of those who live with care and purpose can help keep you connected to your own.
Make space for reflection: Intentionality grows in the pauses. Whether through journaling, movement, or quiet moments, give yourself time to check in.
Becoming the person you want to be isn’t about striving for perfection. It’s about remembering when you have a choice, and stepping into the power of exercising that choice.
You don’t have to follow the script you were handed.
You can write something new—one aligned decision at a time.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Christina
