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Today’s intention is:
To try.
Curiosity wrings anxiety from your system and fills it with trust. But it is the effort, not the thought, that counts most.
“What a year, buddy.”
“Yea man. What a year.”
Sitting at Cest Si Bon bakery, John and I sip coffee while Newport’s morning sun peeks over the shops along Pacific Coast Highway.
“I’m writing reflections for 2021 then goals for 2022. You in?” He says.
“In” I say.
I start with a gratitude list, scribbling names like John, Ryan, Adam, Kevin, Alex… people with which I’ve deepened relationships. I write Tracy’s name, too.
Then I jot creative projects like The 5 Buckets book, the podcast, and this newsletter.
I write Pressfield, Holiday, Cameron, Clear… authors who’ve shared their wisdom with me.
I note changes in my health: diet, meditation, running.
I’ve covered over 800 miles on foot this year. Halfway through yesterday’s seven-mile beach run, I spot dolphins jumping near the sun’s reflection on the water.
What are the chances I look up at that exact moment? It felt like a little gift showed up just for me.
Reviewing my list, I see all the people, ideas, and moments of the past year as gifts.
John and I crossed paths at a local fundraising event. We agreed to lunch after discovering we both grew up in Ohio.
I can’t remember stumbling across Ryan Holiday. But four books in, he’s my second favorite author (Pressfield remains king).
Even The 5 Buckets, an idea that eventually led to writing my first book and this newsletter, came by way of a friend’s invitation to a retreat. That idea doesn’t find me without it.
Like the dolphins, everything just showed up when I was looking.
“How’s the reflection coming? Ready for 2022 goals?” John asks.
“There’s plenty 2021 left. Let’s see what happens.” I say.
Life seems to reward effort and punish expectation.
Go. Try. Be curious.
But allow these final days to unfold. One by one. Moment to moment.
Keep your eyes and smile wide.
As time slips through your fingers, let meaning fall into your hands.
Until next week,
Don’t wait. Start small. Learn as you go.
🙏🧡🤘
Feeling extra intentional? Listen to the Student of Intention Podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
How to really squeeze the most out of 2021’s final days