Look out the window before time is up

Know what I’ve noticed?

I’ve underappreciated being a Colorado resident with easy (and relatively quick) access to the mountains for most of my life.

I’ve become acutely aware of the contemplative and rejuvenating benefits of spending time away from the hustle and bustle in a place surrounded by nature and less noise. (Yes, this is your reminder to get outside more!)

This week was no exception. I snuck away this week to spend a few days with family at a cozy mountain cabin for a snowboard trip.

As the only non-snowboarder in the group, I planned to hang back at the cabin while others headed to the nearby resort to play in the snow, and I’m so glad I did. More and more, I’m finding that I learn about the world and myself in moments of solitude.

I mean, check out these views!

I spent Tuesday reading Emily Henry's Funny Story* and reflecting while this lo-fi beats playlist kept me company. I keep using the word “delightful” to describe the day because I learned a lot about intentionality in those quiet moments. 

Here are 5 reflections related to intentionality I’m thinking about after a cozy day in solitude:

1. Sometimes, we must step back and look out the big ol’ window of our lives. Be honest: How often do you pause and stare out the window? The bay windows overlooking the mountains in the distance reminded me how important it is to take a step back (literally and figuratively) and see our lives from a broader perspective. We miss moments of clarity when we’re too busy to look outside.

2. Doing nothing is an intentional act. While everyone else laced up their boots and grabbed their boards to head to the resort, staying back with no plans other than cozying up with my Kindle allowed me to just be. While I’ve introduced more rest and slowness into my life, it reminded me that most (if not all) of us struggle to permit ourselves to do nothing guilt-free.

3. You don’t have to follow others because an intentional life starts with YOU. Despite being a Colorado native, I have never tried skiing or snowboarding. My risk tolerance isn’t all that high, and I’m not interested in picking it up as an ongoing hobby. Sometimes, we feel pressure to act or behave a certain way, but there’s power in choice and making intentional decisions rather than letting pressure lead us. Know (and accept) who you are and lean in wholeheartedly.

4. Adjusting your perspective makes all the difference. Staring at the vastness of the mountains always reminds me how small we all are in the grand scheme of things. And for a chronic overthinker (and occasional worrier), sometimes I need this reminder to let go of inconsequential things.

5. It’s essential to sit in silence with yourself. Many people find it uncomfortable, unnatural, and anxiety-inducing to sit in silence with their thoughts. But solitude offers many benefits (including letting my mind wander so I could reflect and share these ideas and lessons with you, my dear reader!)

Do you have a reflection about intentionality from a recent moment or adventure in your life? Reply and share it with me! I might share it in next week’s Time Intentional.

Time Well Spent: Weekly Roundup

1. Last Sunday, I caught up with my sister for an hour via an unplanned FaceTime call. We talked about many things, including the importance of setting healthy and effective boundaries with the people in our lives. It also reminded me that boundaries are necessary for living with intention.

2. While catching up with loved ones this week, we discussed our favorite reading genres and recommended books to one another. I never want to take for granted the energy and enthusiasm people have when they share something they love with me. Here are a few books that are now on my list: The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon*, Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb*, and The Measure by Nikki Erlick*.

3. My friend Kara Detwiller publishes a newsletter called Wishful Working (I highly recommend subscribing if you haven’t yet!). I loved this week’s issue, which discussed money and the trap of mindless accumulation. Unsurprisingly, I started this newsletter because, to me, an intentional life is about more than money and material items. Kara eloquently wrote about breaking free from the insidious cycle of earning for the sake of making more, and it was brilliant.

The Takeaways

• Is there an opportunity to establish and reset boundaries (with people, technology, etc.) to allow you to be more present and act with intention?

• Can you engage in an intentional and deep conversation with a group of loved ones? What are some topics you all might enjoy discussing?

• Where and how does money fit into your definition of an intentional life? What does “enough” money look like to you?

I’m Alyssa Towns, and this is Time Intentional, a newsletter exploring what it means to spend our limited (and precious) time intentionally. Only you can decide how to spend your time in a way that feels intentional!

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In addition to writing Time Intentional, I’m a freelance writer and content creator who enjoys partnering with brands to build better workplaces (because we spend a lot of time at work!). Learn more about my areas of specialization on my website!

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