How Being Intentional Led Us To A Life of Travel

What does it mean to be Intentional?

The word “Intentional” has been a part of our lives for some time now. This particular word has truly shaped our marriage and the trajectory of our life. To us, it means being conscientious and deliberately choosing the way you live your life.

So often we make life choices based on what’s “normal,” what we feel is expected of us, what we see others do, or what we’re in the habit of doing. We usually don’t think twice about these choices because we’re not in tune with the fact that another way is possible, perhaps even better.

The problem with doing things the normal, conventional, expected way is that it’s not always what’s best for you.

intention

The problem with unintentional living

The “American Dream” has become: work so that you can buy lots of stuff and eventually retire in self-indulgence. We think we’re pursuing happiness yet what we’re actually doing is consuming more and enjoying it less.

Though our society over the decades may have become more wealthy, accumulated more things, and blasted through advancements in technology and production, we’re not necessarily more joyful or satisfied. In fact, we’re less healthy, less connected to each other, and less happy. Something is not right.

In one of my favorite books, Simple Prosperity: Finding Real Wealth in a Sustainable Lifestyle, David Wann says:

Our economy is out of alignment with the values that make us feel grateful to be alive. Values such as health, relationships with people, connection with nature, satisfying work, a sense of purpose, abundance of personal time, and freedom of expression are the real wealth.

llullu llama - 4

How to live intentionally

Being intentional is about knowing what our true values are, then making deliberate choices to prioritize those values in our life.

It’s not enough to say- or even to believe- that something is a priority to you. A priority is whatever receives our time, effort, and money.

If we’re not intentional, we will end up wasting time, effort, and money on things that don’t actually matter or bring meaning and satisfaction to our life.

Taking time off to visit friends across the country

There is no ONE way to live intentionally. It looks different for everybody because each person’s values are different.

The important thing is aligning our daily decisions and life choices with the values we care most about.

Our intentional turning point

For us, just a few years ago, “defining our values” involved an emotionally-charged argument one week before we were going to close on the purchase of a house. The underlying question was: what was more important to us- settling down or freedom?

The beautiful resolution of that intense hour was that we both agreed that freedom (and adventure) was a greater priority than comfort.

That choice to prioritize freedom completely changed the trajectory of our lives. It eventually led to quitting our jobs, deciding to live abroad, serving with the Peace Corps for two years, and becoming Digital Nomads.

We haven’t turned back since.

By living simply, saving money, and finding ways to work from anywhere, we’ve been able to continue our travels post-Peace Corps.

We love having the flexibility to pick up and go whenever a new opportunity presents itself- from helping our Great Aunt move out of her home in Florida to visiting friends in foreign countries.

Who knows how long we’ll be nomads, living out of a suitcase. But for now, it suits us just right, and we are so blessed to partner on this crazy adventure together!

intentional living quote | Intentional Travelers

That’s our story. What’s yours? We would love to know how intentional living has played out in your life. Please share in the comments below or message us directly through the Contact tab above.

(This post was originally published on our sixth anniversary in 2014. It has since been updated and republished!)

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9 Comments

  1. Love, love this post: ” Being intentional is about knowing what our true values are, then making deliberate choices to prioritize those values in our life.” You guys are inspirational, keep up the great work. It inspires the hell out of us!

  2. Congratulations! What a wonderful journey you’re experiencing together.
    Everything you wrote resonates with me. I was on autopilot mode for a while, on a path of what was expected. But when I first went abroad and met people who chose to live an unconventional lifestyle, it clicked. OF COURSE. I never even thought living abroad was a possibility, that going to a foreign country was a luxury that some people can do maybe once in their lives. How wrong could I be!
    Adopting a minimalist lifestyle and then completing a Vipassana meditation course helped me become more intentional. Minimalism when it comes to materials and time. Now, I consider whether every material object brings enough joy for me to want it. If not, out it goes. Can’t get tied up with too many sentimental things. Minimalism isn’t just about owning less; it is about cutting things out to make room for what matters. I own less than I ever did and have more time and memories than ever before, too. Never been happier.

  3. Congratulations to you both–for your six years together AND especially for your commitment to intentional living. I so wish that my husband and I had gotten that message at your age. We didn’t get into the intentional lifestyle (I call it the right-sized life) until about 5 years ago. But it was truly the best thing we ever did. BTDT with all the rest and this is definitely a much happier and more fulling life. Good luck with your current blog and where ever your paths lead you! ~Kathy

  4. Congratulations on your sixth anniversary. I love your philosophy. You are on your way to real happiness.
    Leslie

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