Living With Intention
Rooted Values, Purposeful Actions
What does it mean to live well? For me, it starts with five guiding values: Simple, Sufficient, In(ter)dependent, Sustainable, and Joyful. These values are like roots, grounding me and giving my life clarity and purpose.
But values are only the beginning. They take on meaning through action. By focusing on four guiding rhythms — Create, Grow, Connect, and Live — I’ve found a way to align my daily life with what matters most. Together, these values and actions help me exist in a way that feels not only fulfilling but uniquely my own.
Simple: The Beauty of Less
Simplicity is the foundation of my philosophy. It’s about stripping away the unnecessary to make space for what truly matters. Whether it’s deciding what to own, who I spend time with, or chunking down a complex project, this value reminds me that less is often more.
When life is simple, creativity flourishes. There’s room to create — to write, build, or dream — without distractions or excess. Simplicity gives me the clarity to focus on what I love most.
Sufficient: Thriving, Not Overreaching
The idea of “enough” is powerful. Sufficiency means appreciating what you have and recognizing abundance isn’t always the goal. Instead of chasing more, I focus on growing in meaningful ways.
To grow doesn’t mean accumulating endlessly. It means nursing the right things — whether it’s learning a new skill, deepening relationships, or finding peace within yourself. Growth tied to sufficiency feels balanced: not too much, not too little, enough.
In(ter)dependent: Standing Strong
In(ter)dependence is about trusting myself to make decisions that align with my values, even when they go against the grain. It’s about carving out my own path and living authentically, while also recognizing the strength found in connection and mutual support.
This value ties closely to live — to live fully, freely, and in alignment with who I am. In(ter)dependence empowers me to live intentionally, staying true to what matters most while remaining open to collaboration, reciprocity, and shared growth.
Sustainable: Living in Harmony
Sustainability is about honoring the natural rhythms of life. It’s not just about caring for the environment but also about creating systems and habits that support long-term well-being. Sustainability encourages me to connect — to nature, to people, and to ideas that inspire me. When I prioritize sustainability, my connections become intentional, rooted in care and respect.
Joyful: Celebrating the Journey
At the heart of everything is joy. Without joy, even the most intentional life can feel hollow. Joy is about finding beauty in small moments, celebrating progress, and appreciating the journey as much as the destination. When I focus on living, joy naturally follows. It’s the culmination of aligning my values and actions — a life that feels vibrant, and purposeful.
The Four Rhythms: Putting Values Into Action
Values guide the why, but actions bring them to life. Here’s how I create, grow, connect, and live:
- Create: I approach every day with the intent to create — whether it’s a new idea, a meaningful connection, or something tangible like music or code. Creation is how I bring simplicity and joy to life.
- Grow: Growth is about progress, not perfection. I focus on growing in ways that matter — building knowledge, developing skills, and evolving in alignment with my values.
- Connect: Connection is the glue that holds it all together. Whether it’s connecting with nature, people, or ideas, I strive to build relationships that are genuine and sustainable.
- Live: To live intentionally means embracing each moment as an opportunity. It’s about connecting with your inner child and finding joy in the present, guided by simplicity, sufficiency, independence and stability.
When values and actions align, life feels purposeful and fulfilling. I focus on making my life simple, sufficient, independent, sustainable, and joyful. Only then can I truly create, grow, connect, and live, crafting a life that resonates deeply with who I am.
What about you? What values guide your journey, and how do you bring them to life?