Intentional living isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s a lifestyle that includes conscious decisions. Sober In 60 Seconds is about conscious living!
For example, you made a decision to find support. Congratulations! Some of you may be happy about this. Others might resent that same decision right now. If that’s the case, I get it. In all honesty, true life-changing greatness doesn’t often start out with people that are thrilled about taking on the responsibility of changing their lives! Regardless of where you are right now in this moment, please, give these 7 steps a try and do exactly as your read here. And don’t bother judging if you’re doing it right or giving yourself a case of the “shoulds” and end up “shoulding” all over yourself! We are moving away from self-judgment and a critical mind because a sober mind is intentionally non-judgmental while we are in the process of change. And just to be clear, this is just one avenue to practice Intentional Living and develop a sober mind:
Goal: Slooooow dooowwwnnn…Take a deep breath for 4 seconds…
- Fill up your diaphragm, meaning fill your belly up with air. Hold that breath for 4 seconds.
- Exhale for 6 seconds…Repeat.
- As your breathe, listen to your body and if you need to, stretch and release any tension in your jaw, neck, shoulders, or back…
- If you prefer to keep stretching, do so. If you prefer to focus on breaths, do that. If you have a fidget (check out our store if interested), then you can use that. Keep breathing. Set your mind and intention on the following statement: “I have the power to intentionally change my life moment by moment.”
When you’re ready, prioritize what truly matters in this moment because life isn’t happening to you right now. In this moment, you are making an unhurried, thoughtful, and calm decision about what your needs are. You aren’t running solely on impulse or reaction in this moment. You are choosing to thoughtfully respond. - You are going to ask yourself a question and you are going to get a response. Hint: The answer is not self-destructive, drinking/drugging, or harmful to others. In this moment, what is going to help? That is what you need right now. The true answer within will most likely involve connecting with an important, personal value that represents you and (a) who you are through a lense of self-compassion and self-grace or (b) a healthy action or activity you enjoy or (c) the big picture goal you are striving for.
- However big or small the answer seems, pivot away from the urge and impulse to make comparisons. Follow through on the action and give yourself credit(!) for taking a step to make your life more fulfilled in these moments we have shared together. Remember: When you live with intention, you take control of your actions, your environment, and ultimately your well-being. “I have the power to intentionally change my life moment by moment.” This practice can be a game-changer for anyone!
The powerful foundation of intentional living is awareness—being present with your thoughts, emotions, and needs. Often, recovery and other life changes focus on long-term goals: staying sober for the next year, maintaining a streak, or reaching new milestones. While these goals are valid and essential, you can’t achieve them if you don’t live in the “right now”—choosing the needs that serve you in this very moment. This approach allows you to stay grounded, preventing you from feeling overwhelmed by the big picture. No big picture is made without connecting to the present need of the moment. Nothing ever works that way.
Goal: Reduce dwelling on the past or skipping ahead to the future. Learn to connect with the joy of living right now. This moment is such a beautiful gift if we open ourselves to connecting and receiving the helpful, positive possibilities presented to us. No more automatic living. “I have the power to intentionally change my life moment by moment. It’s not too late, even when it feels like it.”
