I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking. And a lot of time zoning out. One feels extremely productive. The other feels rather unfulfilling. I’m fairly new to Instagram (shh…don’t tell people at work. They all think I’m the social media guru!) I kept putting it off for so long because I know I am no good with boundaries on listening to what other people have to say. I’m not one to get caught up in binging Netflix or watching much TV in general. But give me a platform where I can scroll through other people’s opinions, made up jokes and memes on parenting and perceived deep thoughts on life and I’m stuck in there for DAYS!
So we can blame thank social media for this beautiful quote from Mary Oliver, the 83 year old poet who passed away last year and, according to the thoughtful source of Wikipedia, had a “lifelong passion for solitary walks in the wild.” This is from one of her days in nature, taken from the poem The Summer Day: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
I don’t know about you, but that stirs something inside me. Something that is aching for more than getting lost on Instagram for the last hour. So how do we keep ourselves moving towards the stirring? We become more intentional.
Some people set their intention by choosing a “word of the year” – something they pray about and search for months before the year even turns. This word becomes their guidepost for the year and keeps them tuned into the ONE important thing on their hearts.
Others put their intentions for the year on a physical vision board. Vision boarding has always seemed a bit hokey to me, but I’m thinking this may be the year I set my pre-judgey self aside and try it. There is actual science with our brain’s Reticular Activating System, which serves as a filter to allow you to see opportunities in front of you more clearly when you’ve already envisioned them happening in your life. (If I do create a vision board, I’ll make sure to post it on Instagram!)
If both of those are still sounding a little too “positive vibey” and “speak to the universe” for you, then maybe just start with reframing your goals.
Our culture is great at setting goals and resolutions. But those become very task-based very quickly. In corporate America it’s: “hit this budget number” and “gain this many more customers.” Our own New Year’s resolutions quickly lose steam when we don’t have a “why” attached to them. Take “losing 20 pounds.” What if we re-framed this goal to be more intention based? It could look like: “I want to have more energy and feel good in my clothes. I can accomplish this by cooking healthier meals and walking 30-minutes every weekday.” Now you not only have a plan, but you’ve set your intention. So when the alarm goes off 45-minutes earlier, you know if you put your shoes on and go for a walk, you will feel more energized.
So what does this mean for our one wild and precious life? It means we get to be purposeful. We get to choose to be fully here for it. It doesn’t mean that we must plan every last detail, nor is it about setting an agenda. But it’s about finding joy, purpose and meaning because we’re looking for it. And we don’t have to let our time slip away accidentally.
Here’s one simple practice to begin incorporating intentionality into your own wild and precious life. When you find yourself with a little extra time – be it on your own, with friends, with your family or your spouse – ask yourself: what do I hope to get out of this time? More often than not, your amazing brain will be on the lookout for what you set your sights on.
My New Years resolution is to be more intentional. Be present. Be purposeful. And keep moving toward the stirring.
