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Today’s intention is:
To share.
Share a meal and find conversation.
Share an idea and find collaboration.
Share a plan and find contribution.
The kids are alright
“Why aren’t there any raisins?” Jordan asks.
“You don’t like raisins so we didn’t get any.” Christian responds.
“Oh, I thought they came with raisins.”
“No. You don’t like them, remember?”
John’s nephews munch on cinnamon croissants (without raisins) as he attempts to interrupt their banter. They’re visiting on vacation for eleven days and John invited them to our weekly meetup outside C’est Si Bon Bakery.
“Ok guys, my friend Bobby is going to share some stuff about intention. He and I like to meet here to discuss things we’re working on and how we might help each other.”
Jordan is sixteen and Christian nine. There’s something humbling about explaining things to them. I want them to appreciate this stuff. I want them to think it’s as helpful and as cool as I do. All of which feels impossible. They’re taking time away from TikTok… I better make it worth it.
“Have you ever had a vacation fly by and not even remember what you did?” I ask.
Jordan and Christian nod in unison.
“Well, we are going to do something about that today. We are going to write down some intentions.”
I share a bit about my story and describe The 5 Buckets framework.
“An intention is a planned moment you want to experience. This is your opportunity to identify moments you want to experience during your vacation.”
The boys grab paper and pens from their Uncle John. I open my journal as does he. The Pacific wind blows the scent of fresh bread across my face. I wonder if the boys catch it as well.
All I see is smiles and focus.
“Well, let’s get to it.”
Sharing creates connection
The exercise takes thirty minutes then we reveal our intentions to the group.
Jordan intends to bake a cake, learn to tie fishing knots, and set the table for his aunt before dinner. Christian will take a surf lesson, find a book on Indian culture, and eat the healthiest carrot he can find.
I plan to run 8 miles with my friend, Ryan, fix the back patio light, and buy flowers for Tracy on my way home from intentions and coffee.
John will night fish with Jordan, tour Hollywood with Christian, and organize an “Appreciation Day” for his wife with both of the boys. I think Christian thought of that last one.
Packing up to leave for a meeting, I wish my new friends well with their intentions.
I don’t meet a ton of young people. Most of my nieces and nephews live out of state. The first few minutes speaking to Jordan and Christian, I felt two decades apart.
But once we settled into our intentions, we might as well have been the same age.
Fishing knots, surf lessons, taking care of family… all sound good to me.
I’m just a kid figuring out how to spend my time.
And so are you.
What moments do you want to experience this week?
How might you treat life like a vacation?
Grab a pen, paper, and let’s get to it.
Remember,
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.
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