The Intentional Walk: A Simplicity Series

Oh, January

The longest month of the year.

Or maybe that’s just me.

You’re cold. You’re dark. And you just keep going.

But this year, January, I’m choosing to embrace you. To love your slow, long days. Because it’s time for me to slow down, get intentional, and lean in to simplicity.

Why I Don’t Do Resolutions

I’ve never loved New Year goals or resolutions. They’ve always felt forced, like trying to sprint, you hate running. Honestly, my birthday feels more like the start of my year anyway.

Instead of resolutions, I choose a word. One word to carry, sit with, wrestle through.

This year, it’s a word I’ve already been living with for a while now:

Intentional.

The Question That Stopped Me

Back on July 6, I found myself asking a hard question:

What do I need to do to get out of this exhaustion?

The people-pleasing. The spiritually drained version of myself. The feeling of always climbing but never arriving.

The Vision I Didn’t Understand Then

Ten years ago, during my Paperclutch days, I spent a small fortune to attend a weekend-long business retreat. At one point, we were asked to envision ourselves ten years into the future.

Big dreams. Big success. Big goals.

When it was my turn, all I could see was myself on a hiking trail.

No million-dollar business. No stages. Just me. Alone. Forest bathing. (Yes, you wear clothes.)

At the time, it felt almost laughable.

More Was Never the Goal

Now, ten years later, I understand.

My soul wasn’t craving more. It was craving less.

Progress toward that life has been painfully slow. Much like January itself. But I’m coming out the other side with a different view. One that feels quieter. And maybe, just maybe, helpful to someone else.

What God Knew Before I Did

God knew what I needed long before I could name it.

Simplicity. Intention.

Yes, I believe I’m made for more. Just not louder success. I crave the slow, even though I thrive in rooms full of people.

What Living Intentional Looks Like for Me

For me, living intentionally looks like this:

• Taking it all in

• Seeing the people right in front of me

• Pausing

• Practicing gratitude and contentment

It’s not flashy. It’s not fast. But it’s honest.

The Next Six Months

I’ve been praying through how to approach the remaining six months of my year, because I’ve definitely stumbled through the first part.

This is where I’m heading.

I’m calling it The Intentional Walk

A slower pace. A return to what matters.

And I’m taking you with me.

The Intentional Walk Focus

Over the next six months, I’ll be slowing down and exploring:

• Contentment – learning to want what I already have

• Time – what I give away and what I protect

• Simplify – what I can release

• Focus – what competes for my attention

• Nourishment – what restores me

I’m letting God do the navigation on this one, so detours are allowed. But any good teacher starts with a syllabus.

So here it is.

Follow along here and on the blog as we slow down together.