On Intention
Choosing how we show up
I’ve been thinking a lot about intention lately. Intention in the middle of everyday life.
Like when I’m about to respond to someone and I pause—just for a second—and ask myself, what do I actually want to say? Or when I realize I’ve said something that was close to what I meant… but not quite, and that “not quite” lingers.
I think that’s where this is coming from.
I’m starting to see how easy it is to move through the day on autopilot—reacting, filling in the silence, choosing words that are convenient instead of accurate.
So lately, I’ve been trying to be more intentional.
Not perfect. Just…more aware.
Even with something as simple as words.
I’ve been reading more, expanding my vocabulary—not to sound more impressive, but because sometimes I can feel that there’s a better word for what I’m trying to say. One that fits more truthfully.
And when I find it, there’s a quiet sense of, yes… that’s it.
But here’s what I’m also learning.
Even when I feel clear—when I’ve said something exactly the way I meant it—it doesn’t always land that way.
And I’m beginning to understand why.
The person receiving it isn’t just hearing my words.
They’re hearing it through their own experiences, their own stories, their own past.
So what I mean… and what they hear…can be two different things.
There’s a part of me that used to want to fix that.
To explain more. Clarify more. Make sure I’m understood.
But I’m slowly realizing that there’s only so much I can hold.
I can be intentional with what I say.
I can be clear about what I mean.
But I can’t control how it’s received.
And maybe that’s the balance I’m learning.
To take responsibility for my intention—and to soften around everything else.
I want to explore this more.
The way these realizations are actually coming to me—in small moments, not big declarations.
Am starting another series, this time: On intention.
On words.
On reactions.
On the space between what we mean and what is understood.
Not as someone who has figured it all out.
Just as someone who is paying attention now…in a way I didn’t before.
Hope you join me!
And if my writing has resonated with you in any way, you can support my work by buying me a coffee.