We love a great story.
Stories inspire us, connect us, and give life to our reason for being. They give us permission to act. They fire up our emotions and paint a picture of who we aspire to be.
And here’s the truth: we are a culmination of our stories.
Every conversation, every gesture, every act of kindness becomes a sentence in the bigger story of our lives. Deep down, we want our lives to matter. Many of us long for our story to be one of significance.
But here’s the danger – we sometimes take a single snapshot of our current life and assume that’s the whole story. We see ourselves stuck in routine, buried in the everyday, and wonder: Does my life even matter? Would anyone notice if I were gone?
I’m reminded of the movie It’s a Wonderful Life. George Bailey, in a moment of despair, believes his life has no meaning. But with a little help from Clarence the angel, he sees just how many lives he’s touched – many without even realizing it.
The same is true for us. Every single one of us touches more lives than we know.
Who Have You Touched? Who Has Touched You?
Think for a moment:
- Whose life have you impacted, even in a small way?
- Who has influenced your life’s direction?
- Have you ever told them?
Recently, I had the chance to reconnect with someone from high school who made a simple but life-changing gesture – they invited me to a group that shaped my path in ways they couldn’t have imagined. I told them how much that moment meant to me, and they were moved.
I also think of a mentor whose kindness, challenge, and example shaped me more than she’ll ever know. Though we speak less often now, her steady influence still echoes in my life.
The Ripple Effect
Years ago, my husband and I raised service dogs. On the surface, it might look like a sweet side project – but the ripple effect was profound.
- While raising the puppies, we shared the journey with countless people who became inspired to serve in their own ways.
- Those dogs went on to give their handlers freedom, confidence, and independence.
- That independence allowed those individuals to touch even more lives in their own unique ways.
A single intentional act often sets off a chain of events we may never see.
Stop Waiting. Start Living Intentionally.
So here’s the question: What are you waiting to start?
We’ve all said, “I should do that someday.” But “someday” isn’t a date on the calendar.
When we start doing things intentionally – on purpose, with purpose – life starts to feel more meaningful.
I’ll admit, I’ve had seasons where my intentional living slipped. Twists, turns, and disappointments can leave us bitter, resentful, or caught in the comparison trap. And when we’re in that headspace, it’s hard to live intentionally.
Recalibrating Back to an Intentional Life
Intentional living isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about making choices today that shape the kind of story you want your life to tell. And here’s the good news – it’s never too late to recalibrate.
You don’t have to start with grand gestures. Sometimes the most powerful intentional acts are the smallest:
- Looking someone in the eyes
- Offering a kind smile
- Giving a hug (please ask first!)
- Speaking a sincere word of encouragement
- Recognizing someone’s effort or a job well done
- Making a quick phone call to check in
- Holding the door for someone
- Sending a handwritten note
- Offering a listening ear
These everyday actions may seem small, but they can shift someone’s entire day – and sometimes, their entire outlook.
Look up from your phone. See the world and the human beings around you. How can you be more intentional this week?
So I ask you:
- What does intentional living mean to you?
- How would you like to live with more intention?
- What story do you want to tell with your life?
This fall, I’m choosing to lean back into a life of intention – to make decisions, take actions, and create moments that matter. I’d love for you to journey with me.
If you’re ready to live with more intention, drop the word TODAY in the comments, and let’s write a story of significance together.
Nicole Ensmenger, COTA/L, MLCT
Strategic Growth Partner & Creativity Instigator
Schedule a call
Nicole@TinkerN.org
Small Shifts. Big Transformation.
