Each month I create an #intentionplan, because I strongly believe that the key to creating a life you love is to show up every day and make a deliberate, intentional choice about how you want to live.
Aloha! Hello from Hawaii – the last stop on my seven month round the world journey. It has been an amazing trip (seriously, there are no words) and I think I’m ready to be back in Australia. It hasn’t fully sunk in yet though! I’m mostly excited, but also a little bit freaked out (but more on that in a moment.)
First, let’s do a quick recap of May and the month that was.
As you may recall, my May Intention Plan was to apply for freelance jobs everyday.
Well … that didn’t happen. I started the month well but while I was in Mexico I had major internet issues so I wasn’t able to get online everyday – and you know how it goes with starting new habits! Once I took a few days off from applying for jobs my momentum disappeared and it was hard to get back.
Also, about halfway through the month, I started getting record high traffic here on the blog, and this reminded me where my priorities really lie. Yes – I do want to do freelance work – but this blog is my real baby and I realised that growing this site (and eventually making it profitable) is where I want to spend most of my time and energy right now.
Having said all that, I still ended up applying for 12 jobs and I got two of them (and one is recurring!) Not a huge start but I’m really happy – especially considering I have no ‘official’ experience – and I’m finding the work really satisfying.
Looking forward to June
My Intention Play for June is a little different from past months, so I need to give you some background first for it to make sense.
This trip is not the first time I’ve travelled long term; I’ve actually quit my job for extended travel three times before and each time I’ve noticed a pattern.
While I’m travelling I have a lot of time to think about myself, my values, my contributions to society and the environment – basically what type of person I want to be and what kind of life I want to live.
On each trip a sort of momentum builds and I start making big plans for things I want to do or change when I get home. (I’m going to volunteer, I’m going eat better, I’m going to work less, I’m going to start a garden, etc, etc – the list goes on and on!)
But, without fail, when I get home most of these intentions fall to the wayside. I get into a 9 to 5 routine (which is never really 9 to 5??) and I end up in survival mode: work – eat – sleep – repeat … basically I stop caring about the ‘big picture’ and I just try to get through each day. (Tell me I’m not the only one who does this?)
So, with that in mind, my June intention plan is simply to be mindful of this.
By that I don’t mean that I’m going to get home and make a million changes to my life overnight. I know I’ll have to spend some time getting my life organised and I’ll be going to work (although I don’t know to what extent at this stage.) Technically speaking, I will need to go back into ‘survival mode’ for a bit.
And that’s not a bad thing … as long as I maintain balance and I don’t get so caught up in the little things that I forget about the big things that really matter to me.
Perhaps this quote sums things up the best:
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” – Maya Angelou
What do you think? Do you have seasons in your life when you know you need to be extra mindful? How do you deal with it? Let me know in the comments! xoxo
photo credit : me!
I just stumbled upon your blog and I’m so happy I did! You have some pretty great things going on over here- I’m sitting here wrapped in awe and inspiration. Keep up the good work!
Wow, thank you so much Megan! What a sweet comment 🙂 I really appreciate it! xo
You are definitely not the only one. Adopting new habits is always difficult at first and I’ve come to enjoy that now. Not seeing it as failure but just a learning process and a challenge to myself. I’ve set in my planner and journal to do the same and that is to be mindful of the traps and routines I tend to fall back into because of comfort. I totally get your struggle but the journey and experience is so worth it.
I love you mindset! It’s so wonderful how you embrace the challenge. Not that long ago I’m not sure I would have agreed with you, but lately I am really enjoying the process. Maybe this means I’m growing! ? Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and good luck with your new habits! xo
Thanks Sydney! Surviving vs thriving is definitely a challenge, but being mindful is a great start 🙂
How I feel during school vs. on holidays/summer vacation! Surviving vs thriving. Being mindful of just that is a greatly important baby step- awesome thinking!!
Congrats on getting a couple of freelance jobs, Jen! And I can TOTALLY relate to what you are saying about having all of these grand plans during your travels and just feeling so inspired and confident and then getting stuck in the routine when you get back home. I wish it was easier to keep the momentum going! I have a difficult time dealing with this as well. Any tips would be much appreciated!
Thanks Brit! ? I’m glad I’m not the only one – the momentum is definitely tough to maintain once the ‘real world’ creeps back in! I’m only a few days in now, but if I come up with any tips I’ll definitely share them! xo
I think the biggest lesson for me recently is to be mindful of my health. Moving to Cambo has been hella stressful mainly because of my job, so I’m hoping to continue to be aware of how I take care of myself so I have the energy to do the things that matter in all areas of my life. Good luck with the transition back, sounds like you’re a pro though. 😉
I totally agree. I noticed my biggest struggle is usually energy (which of course is related to my health.) It’s something that I struggle with but I’m hoping to improve on!
Looks like June will be a big transition for you so I’m sending good vibes your way!
Yep, I do have times when I need to be extra-mindful (usually when I’ve skimped on sleep or overbooked myself!). I deal with it by sitting back and thinking intentionally about it. Not a formal intention plan like yours, but just scribbling on a clean spot on my journal. It helps. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Jen!
Thanks Daisy, this month is definitely going to be huge so I appreciate the good vibes!! ?
Journalling definitely helps me too as well – writing makes me that tad bit more self aware! Glad to hear it works for you too. x