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Being Intentional: The Power of Planning Ahead

Many years ago, right after moving here, I went to a dentist. Before leaving, they asked me to schedule my next routine appointment. Since I had never done that before, it felt a bit exaggerated to book something six months in advance. But then I remembered the saying: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” So, I did.

After years of scheduling routine appointments for doctors and dentists ahead of time, I’ve realized the system is brilliant. We all need those checkups, and the sooner we schedule them, the better. It’s not just about securing a convenient time—it’s about making sure we don’t forget altogether.

A couple of months ago, after dinner with friends, I suggested we set up our next meal right away—two months later. With our busy schedules, I wanted to maximize the chances that everyone could make it. To my surprise, everyone loved the idea, and it worked perfectly.

That experience made me think: how many other things could we plan intentionally—things that don’t have an ulterior agenda but simply enrich our lives? Self-care activities like getting a haircut, meeting friends, going to a concert, visiting someone who can’t leave home, or exploring a place we’ve always wanted to see. Some involve others, some don’t. Some cost money, others are free. Some take time, others barely any. But all of them add joy and meaning to our lives.

As 2025 comes to an end, we start hearing about big goals and resolutions for the new year. We make lists of changes to become better, healthier, smarter, richer, and happier. I love that people set goals and plan to put in the effort—like going to the gym or eating healthier. But, as we all know, many of these resolutions fade before February.

For 2026, I want to focus on being intentional with the little things—the ones that matter most to me: my relationship with God, myself, my loved ones, and my work. I want to cultivate joy through gratitude. One prayer, one walk, one conversation, one blog post, one cup of coffee, and one smile at a time.

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