©Leslie Plaza Johnson
I think most of us grew up hearing that having goals was the key to success. And sure, goals can be useful sometimes --but they're not everything. In fact, chasing goals without being mindful about it can leave you feeling kind of empty. You hit the target, sure. But then what? There's this weird anti-climactic feeling, like you just crossed a finish line into . . . nothing.
That's where intentionality comes in. Being intentional is different from being goal-driven. It's not about reaching a finish line; it's about being fully aware that you are here, now, alive --and you get to decide how you show up in this moment. It's less about achieving something later and more about crafting how you live now.
Enter mindfulness and meditation. And no, meditation isn't about clearing your mind of thoughts. (If that's your goal, you might as well whack yourself on the head and take a nap-- same result.) Meditation is actually about changing the relationship you have with your thoughts. Instead of getting caught up in every single one, you practice watching them. You treat them like clouds drifting across the sky. You notice them, maybe even admire them a little, but you don't have to chase them. You just let them float by.
Sounds simple. It's not always easy. It takes time. It takes practice. It takes sitting with your breath, again and again, especially when your mind is racing with to-do lists, worries, or random flashbacks from middle school. You don't have to fight any of it. You just notice. Breathe. Let it pass.
The thing is, we need to think and feel. That's how we create-- how we craft --our lives. But doing it mindfully, with a kind of quiet awareness, adds this whole other layer of joy and peace that rushing toward goals can never give you.
At the end of the day, we're human beings, not human doings. Crafting a life with your mind isn't about doing more or faster or better. It's about being present enough to shape it with care, love, and maybe a little curiosity too.