What Intentional Living Looks Like for Me Right Now
If you’ve read my first two posts, you already know I’ve been in a season of slowing down and shifting — moving away from hustle and into something more sustainable, rooted, and true to who I am.
But if you’re anything like me, you may be wondering:
What does “intentional living” actually look like in real life?
Because let’s be honest — it’s easy to romanticize the idea of slow mornings and peace-filled schedules when the reality is… life is still full. Kids still need snacks. Laundry still piles up. Deadlines still exist. Intentional living doesn’t mean life is perfect — it means I’m choosing to approach it with more clarity and care.
So today, I want to share a peek into what intentional living looks like for me right now, in this real, imperfect, but beautiful season.
1. Honoring the Season I’m In
For me, this has been the biggest shift. I used to push through every season with the same pace — go, go, go. But now, I’m learning to recognize what this season needs from me — and what I need from it.
Right now, we’re soaking up the first week of summer. My husband’s travel schedule is still full, and our kids are at three very different stages. Instead of cramming more into our days, I’m building space around the things that matter: easy mornings, time outside, family dinners, and margin for quiet.
That means I’m not launching everything at once with my business. I’m building slowly and steadily, with peace as the priority — not pressure.
2. Creating Boundaries (and Keeping Them)
Saying “no” used to feel like a failure. Now, it feels like a boundary I set to protect my peace — and the peace of my family.
I’ve learned that every “yes” I give affects everything else around me. So now, I ask:
Does this align with the life I’m trying to build?
Will this take away from what matters most?
I don’t take every call, sign up for every event, or agree to things just because I “could.” Honestly? That’s been life-changing.
You don’t have to be a yes-person to be kind or successful. You just have to be clear — and brave enough to protect what matters most.
3. Routines That Work (Not Overwhelm)
I’m not a strict routine girl — but I do need rhythm.
Here are a few intentional rhythms that ground me right now:
Morning quiet time before the kids wake up (even just 15 minutes of stillness)
Prepping simple meals for the week on Sundays
One “no work” evening during the week for a family walk, a show, or absolutely nothing
Digital cleanouts: one day a week where I close the laptop early and log off
A short list of daily goals (3 max!) — no more never-ending to-do lists.
These aren’t about being productive. They’re about being present.
4. Prioritizing Nourishment
This season of life has taught me that I function better — emotionally and physically — when I’m fueling myself well. That includes:
Meals at home with simple, whole ingredients
Drinking water (sounds basic, but life-changing.Add fresh lemon!)
Sitting down to eat lunch (not standing at the counter while multitasking!)
Enjoying food as connection — not just fuel.( Teaching our children)
We’ve been spending more time in the kitchen together as a family, and it’s reminded me how healing it is to slow down and savor.
I’ll be sharing some of our favorite recipes here on the blog soon!
5. Choosing Presence Over Productivity
Intentional living, for me, is choosing presence on purpose.
That means looking my kids in the eyes instead of at my phone. It means closing the laptop when my workday is over — even if the to-do list isn’t. It means making time to rest, even when the laundry’s not done. It means taking walks, lighting candles, playing music in the kitchen, and paying attention to the small things.
The truth is: the life I want isn’t in the next milestone — it’s in the everyday moments I choose to show up for now.
6. Letting Go of Guilt
This might be the most honest part of all.
I’ve had to let go of the guilt that comes with slowing down. Guilt for not doing more. Guilt for stepping away from the pace I once lived in. Guilt for turning down opportunities, even if they’re “good.”
But I’m learning that when I honor what matters — I don’t owe anyone an explanation.
Slow, intentional living doesn’t mean I’m less driven. It means I’m driven by something different now.
Final Thoughts: It’s a Daily Practice
If intentional living sounds peaceful — it is. But it’s also a practice. A daily one. Some days I do it well. Other days, I fall back into old habits. But the beauty is: I notice faster. I realign quicker. I’m not waiting for a perfect moment to choose peace — I’m building it one small decision at a time.
So if you’re in a season where everything feels fast and frantic — you’re not doing it wrong. Life is layered. But you can take small steps toward more intention.
Start by asking:
What’s working right now?
What’s not?
Where could I make one change to support peace?
That’s where it begins.
Thanks for being here and walking alongside me on this journey.
If this post resonated with you, I’d love to hear what intentional living looks like for you in this season. Drop a comment below or connect with me over on Instagram @inspiredbyriahjane.
Until next time —
Here’s to slower days, meaningful moments, and a life built on purpose.
xo,
Riah Jane