My 2025 intentions

Resolutions set me up for failure. Intentions lead to my success.

I have decided to live more intentionally in 2025. Stay with me as I explain my thought process.

I started a Daily Intentions Journal.

I list five people I need to pray for that day. Later, I can go back and see how God answered those prayers. Writing down a name and what prayer I am praying over them feels intentional. I let them know I am praying for them. Knowing you are being prayed for warms the soul and calms the mind and heart.

I pray for them for five minutes while I stretch or practice yoga. Five minutes may not make a huge difference, but I feel better after stretching. Stretching eases tension and stress in my body. My 5’3” body has plenty of both – enough for an offensive tackle on the Notre Dame football team. Yes, I’m in a football state of mind, as we have watched a lot of football the past week.

Next, I write a note of encouragement to one person – a text, email, or written note. This takes about five minutes. Words hug the heart. Who doesn’t need their heart hugged? Words are a gift that keeps on giving. I do not send a text before 8 a.m.

I write down five things I want to accomplish that day. Here’s the caveat: they can only take five minutes each. Have you ever thought, “Oh, I need to organize my kitchen drawers and cabinets?” You are immediately overwhelmed. What if you organized one drawer? That’s doable. And with that done … you are a success!

Then you know I have to include five minutes of intentional Bible reading. I’m a believer that if you don’t know where to start, go to the Psalms. I use YouVersion on my phone. However, I love to write in my Bible and underline what verses speak to me. I also write the date near the verse. Looking back at what I’ve written over the years is fascinating. It’s like having a diary of God moments.

Five intentions that take five minutes. Tiny bits of time lead to feeling like I’ve accomplished something every day. My mind is applauding.

The drawers are getting organized, and people are being prayed for and encouraged. My mind is doing mental cartwheels, and my body is less stressed. Scripture reassures me that I am known by God, and His word sustains me. I am always amazed at how what I read is what I need to know that day.

Five minutes with Five intentions = 25 minutes daily x Seven times a week = 175 minutes weekly. I know you then need to add more minutes with the organizing stuff. I’m terrible at math, but the sum of all this is SUCCESS! I might even squeeze in five minutes of dancing to celebrate!

Living intentionally is about recognizing the value of five minutes. Would you read that again?

Will I have days when I don’t do this? Of course. My definition of an intention is simply the desire to act a certain way to get things done. I can do that.

So, no, I didn’t make any New Year’s resolutions, but give me five minutes, and I’ll share more of my intentions for 2025. Just let me organize my dishcloth drawer, and I’ll be right with you.

Happy 2025, and here’s to all you intend it to be!

Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.