Be Intentional!
You'll improve the quality of your life
If someone had a crystal ball and could tell you when your life would end, would you want to know?
You could ask a psychic.
But a genuine psychic rarely predicts in this way. And even if you received an answer, would you trust it?
But wait! You don’t need a psychic!
There’s the CDC. The data may not be exact, but it can definitely give you some clues.
Life expectancy at birth in the US:
Female: 79.3 years
Male: 73.5 years
Once you reach 65 however, your life expectancy increases:
An additional 19.7 for women
And additional 17 years for men
When I did the math, I realized I might have around 13 years to go, barring an unforeseen accident, premature terminal illness, or sudden death for another reason.
13 more summers, springs, autumns, and winters—not very long, really. Especially since the years seem to speed by now that I’m older.
It made me think (and I hope it will make you think too, whatever your age): “What do I really want to do in my remaining years?”
But I didn’t have to think too hard. My responses isn’t different than what I do at the moment:
Write articles—my small way of helping others.
Meditate, contemplate, and study—cut down on frivolous activities that distract me from this focus.
Connect with family and friends — make a few more friends.
Take care of my health so I’ll have a better chance of functioning decently in my remaining years—could use improvement in this area.
But the main point is that I’ve made a conscious decision.
There’s a part of me that hankers for an adventure now and then. I sometimes miss going to new and different places. I’ve only left the state of Hawaii once in 13 years.
But I know this world to be a transitory illusion—unpredictable, constantly changing, and empty of inherent existence. That doesn’t mean it’s not real. I love this Buddhist phase that touches on the middle ground: “Neither permanent nor non-existing.”
I don’t see the point in becoming a travel addict in my later years. My time is best spent traveling inwardly rather than outwardly given my personal priorities.
I don’t know what’s right for you in terms of priorities. But choosing intentionally? I think everyone could benefit from that.
Isn’t it better to choose consciously rather than to be led by habit, expectations, or illusory beliefs about this world?
My life might sound boring to you. But I love to learn, to share, and to explore this great mystery called “life.” I feel satisfied enough. And when I get the urge for an adventure, I just watch a van life video of a man and his dog touring the sparkling blue beaches and lush jungle forests of Australia.
Statistics aside, we never know if we’ll even be here tomorrow, do we?
So there’s value in living each day as consciously as possible.
Instead of functioning on automatic, in the morning ask, “What does my soul want today?” Or, “How can I make this day meaningful?”
Your choices don’t have to to be epic, complex, or draining. Take a tip from the beat philosopher Alan Watts:
“The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.” — Alan Watts
Our time on this planet is limited. Be intentional! It will make a difference in the quality of your life.
I would love to hear your thoughts. Please share them in the comments. Just click this button »»
[Photo by Los Muertos Crew]
My Articles
Following you’ll find “friend” links to my articles on Medium.
A “friend” link means you can read the articles for free without becoming a Medium member. If you’d like to become a Medium member and have full access to all articles on the platform, please use my membership referral link. I’ll earn a small but sweet bonus. Thank you and enjoy!
Recent
Most Popular
Until Next Time
Hurricane season has just begun! Fingers-crossed. Although it rained for a good part of the night, it’s blue-sky sunny today. A blessing as this year we’ve had more rainy days than sunny ones.
Thank you for being here. Writing for you makes my life meaningful.
Much love to you. Wishing you well, always.
xo Sandra
This issue of Wild Arisings is free for everyone. I send a new message every other week, usually on Friday. If you’d like to receive it, join the 2,907 other beautiful souls who can’t wait for the next one. There’s no need to make a pledge. Just choose the free option.
I love the idea of intentionality. I do get distracted very easily but I really can write some of my desires down and review them often and write about them which is how I figure things out. I am with you, I travel inside much more than outside. I am reclusive and introverted although I have learned to be extroverted to be able to teach and to be in a public studio. Intresting post, Sandra! <3
Inner travel is powerful! What perfect intentions for your life!