Google defines intention as something Intended (note capital I), an Aim or Plan, a GOAL. Living life with Intention means making conscious, purposeful choices that align with your values; it’s about being mindful of your actions and ensuring they contribute to a life that feels meaningful to you.

Those living with Intention (capitalized) may not let life dictate their path; they are too busy living with shoulds, supposed tos, wishing, hoping, relenting to current trends, viewing life with an all-or-nothing, black-and-white lens, or as society dictates.

Let’s consider intention with a small “i.” This intention could simply be intending to show up and be present, embracing the moment, taking baby steps and having a one-day-at-a-time attitude. Intention with a small i is recognizing that there are miracles happening all around us; all we need to do is look with our third eye and listen, not just hear.

Intention with a small i can offer a more functional, adaptive and healthier life with subtleties that can show us the true definition of living with intention.

A state of “beingness” instead of “doingness” is intrinsic within the nuances of intention. In a state of simply being, we can release ourselves from being held emotionally hostage by our mind. We can attain freedom knowing that we are not our thoughts. A soulful connection can ensue while the critical sabotaging self, the wounded inner child, the all-or-nothing thinking can be gently quieted.

There is an understanding and acknowledgment that living in a state of small i intention can add more light to the world and dispel the darkness.

In his book Living Each Day, Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, MD posits, “Creating light is the prototype of an unselfish act, because even if you create light for yourself, the light shines for others as well. And if you create light altruistically, it illuminates your own world as well.”

Whether it’s performing daily random acts of kindness or giving charity, good deeds are not about the fulfillment of a plan or goal, they are the very essence of who we are.

Intention with a small i welcomes intimacy (into me see). An unwritten permission slip exists to honor self-care, set emotionally healthy boundaries, communicate more effectively without impulsiveness and reactivity and listen with curiosity and interest. It is a more thoughtful, mindful place not just to survive, but live; a place of accountability and heartfelt amends when warranted. We can let go of shame and enter the realm of humility. We can also connect with our spiritual selves and find solace there. With greater self-awareness we can become knowledgeable teachers and pay it forward.

In the stillness of the early morning, we are offered the opportunity to capitalize on living each moment fully without the need to capitalize our intention. The world and your own authenticity (your true light) await!

Dr. Amy Austin is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFC#41252) and doctor of clinical psychology in Rancho Mirage. She can be reached at (760) 774.0047.