What is living intentionally? It is living mindfully, in rhythm with one’s purpose and core values. It is knowing your priorities and making choices with as little distraction as possible, opting for a lifestyle that is not dictated nor ruled by external pressures. It is knowing what truly matters in one’s life and doing away with stuff that obstructs the path towards a meaningful existence. Often enough we plod along thinking we are on the right direction, pursuing dreams that may not exactly work for us. The chase is endless, and we may never be aware of it. Like we may wrongly mistake quitting as a misguided decision. Like dropping the chase in the middle of what seems to be perfectly working, may be regarded as ill-advised and poor judgment.

Illusions. Don’t be fooled. What seems to work for you may actually be deterring you from the pursuit of what truly matters. At a certain point in our lives, we need that “lightbulb moment”. A point where we pause, stay still, and actually ask ourselves — do I need this? It can be a job, a hobby, a person, a self-image. Many things we regard and even assume as a default situation. Things may have grown to be so comfortable that we fail to absorb that we can derive a more positive energy by finding meaning in what we actually do. The choices are there. We need not be boxed in within what has become familiar, convenient and easy for us.

Pause. Think. Be still. How is your present? Not your past — you’d be surprised not too many people are interested in your past. Nor your future — as people are wont to guess or place their bets on what’s uncertain. I have asked many retirees this question. Well past and into their 70’s, many are still hung up on how they can stretch their nest eggs like they’d like to live up to a hundred. I mean, how much more do we really need? Or, that compelling need to attain a certain status, to leave some legacy if only to assert our sense of importance? Seriously? At this late stage, do we really still need that? I must admit — I am still surprised by how others start unraveling. And as more layers are peeled off, I can only remain grateful for the divine guidance to discern when it is time to stop, let go and detach.