Living a REAL Life in a 24/7 World

In today’s fast-paced world, living a truly real life can feel like a challenge. We’re constantly on the go, with no time to regroup, reset, or simply process the chaos around us. Do you ever feel like a hamster running on a wheel—endlessly spinning, yet getting nowhere? Or maybe you scroll through the highlight reels of other people’s lives online and wonder why yours doesn’t seem as perfect, organized, or exciting. All you see in your own life is… ordinary.

But here’s the thing: while we’re surrounded by perfectly crafted images of success, beauty, and perfection on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, there’s been a rise in a movement that celebrates a simpler, more intentional life. Think homesteading, handmade crafts, home cooking, and slowing down to truly savor life. It’s a reminder that not everyone is content living for the next “like” or “share.” In fact, over 50% of Americans have admitted that social media has had a negative impact on their well-being.

So, I want to invite you to join me on a journey toward living a more real life—one where I intentionally disconnect from the noise, even just for an hour a day, to experience life firsthand. This might be the key to feeling more grounded and content.

Planning an Intentional Life

Time is our most valuable asset, yet it’s so easy to let it slip away. Once it’s gone, we can’t get it back. That’s why I believe it’s crucial to take control of our time—and our lives—by making a conscious effort to cut through the distractions and live more intentionally.

Effective time management—what I like to call “life control”—is 95% about your mindset. Your attitude can be the difference between feeling overwhelmed by the chaos and taking charge of your day-to-day. It’s about prioritizing what truly matters and making room for the things that bring you real joy and fulfillment.

Review Your Life

Take a moment to evaluate where your time is going and how it’s being spent. Start with your relationships: Who is in your circle? How much of your time do they need, and are you giving them the best version of yourself? Your family should always get the best of you, so be mindful of where your energy and attention are going. What about your relationship with God and His Son Jesus? Do you order your life so that your spiritual journey is founded on your relationship with Your Father?

Are you wasting time scrolling endlessly on your phone or having long conversations with friends out of boredom—either texting or calling? It’s easy to fall into these habits, but focusing on talking less and engaging with more people in meaningful ways can have a big impact. Start to view every encounter—whether brief or deep—as a purposeful moment. Consider the idea that each person you meet is part of a bigger plan, and that God has orchestrated those encounters for a reason: either for you to bless them, or for them to bless you.

Next, think about your work or career. If you work outside the home, do you have systems in place to ensure you leave work at a reasonable time, with enough energy to fully transition into family life? Time is limited, but energy is even more so—especially as we move through different stages of life. If you’re an entrepreneur or work from home, it’s easy to get caught up in your work. Creative types, in particular, often find it hard to shut off their minds and create boundaries between work and personal time. So, take a step back and evaluate whether you’re giving your work more time and energy than it should be taking.

Do a time inventory: Track where your time is going and with whom. Are the people and activities you’re spending the most time on adding value to your life, or are they just filling space?

Finally, think about your routine. Establishing consistent morning and evening routines creates a framework for your day, helping you stay on track and be more productive. Constraints, when used thoughtfully, can free you to focus on what really matters—whether that’s family, self-care, or deepening your personal goals. Routine doesn’t mean rigidity; it means building a structure that supports the life you want to live.

Engage Your Brain by Planning Your Ideal Week

One of the best ways to create intentionality in your life is by planning ahead. Your brain thrives on structure and purpose, so take some time to really envision what your ideal week looks like. Sunday is the perfect day to map this out. It’s a day to pause, reflect, and organize your upcoming week—setting yourself up for success and ensuring you don’t get swept up by the chaos that often follows us during the workweek.

Start by making a list of everything you’d like to accomplish in the week ahead. This can include personal goals, work projects, or household chores. Break things down into manageable tasks and prioritize them based on what’s most important to you.

Next, make a list of all your commitments to others. Whether it’s work meetings, family obligations, or social plans, get a clear picture of what you’re already committed to so you don’t over-schedule yourself. This helps you avoid feeling stretched too thin.

Also, be sure to include any appointments or activities you or your children have. If you’re responsible for driving your kids to and from their activities, make note of those as well. It’s easy to forget or underestimate the time these things take, so having them clearly listed ensures you’re not caught off guard.

By planning with intention, you’re actively engaging your brain and setting yourself up for a week where everything has a place and a purpose. This helps you feel more in control, more focused, and ready to live each day with greater contentment.

Ask and Answer

Each day, ask yourself: What are the three most important things I need to accomplish today that will move me toward my goals? Oh, My! Circle back! What are your goals? Create your own mission statement and post it in an important place. It will be the framework for all planning! At least one of the important things should be income-producing—whether it’s a work project, client meeting, or something related to your career or business. One should be family-related! And the 3rd should be something that promotes personal growth or happiness! When you break down your day into these three priorities, you’ll be able to focus your energy on what really matters.

Prioritize these top three tasks each day. Remember, it’s better to do a few things very well than to try to accomplish too many things sloppily. Quality over quantity is key to feeling accomplished and truly moving forward.

You also need to ask yourself: What do I need to say “no” to today? Stop allowing the shiny, new object syndrome to steal your focus! Do you start out strong with anything new at work or at home, but have your interest and your energy wane when the “newness” wears off? If something isn’t worth fully committing to by scheduling it on your calendar, it’s not important enough to occupy mental space. Saying “no” doesn’t make you less productive—it makes you more intentional.

Next, reflect on what interests you most at the moment. What hobby is at the forefront of your mind? That’s likely the hobby you should be diving into. Some people are content to focus on one hobby, mastering it over time, and finding joy in the skill they’ve developed. For example, I have a niece who taught herself how to crochet. She’s now quite accomplished at it and uses it as a stress reliever. But she doesn’t stop there—once she masters a new stitch or pattern, she challenges herself with more difficult projects.

On the other hand, there are creative individuals who love to explore multiple creative outlets. They might get lost on Pinterest, following every crafter they can find, diving into a range of different creative arts. Whether you focus on one craft or explore many, the important thing is that you enjoy the process and make time for it!

Living and Loving Your Intentional Life

Living intentionally is about making conscious choices that align with your values and goals. It’s not about waiting for the perfect moment or having everything figured out; it’s about taking small, deliberate steps toward the life you truly want to live. By planning ahead, reviewing your priorities, and eliminating distractions, establishing routines and systems, you can carve out more space for what matters most.

Start by being mindful of how you’re spending your time each day. Are your actions moving you closer to your goals, or are they just filling space? Being intentional means saying yes to the things that matter and no to the things that drain you. It’s about focusing on what brings you joy and fulfillment, and letting go of the noise and chaos.

I found this poem, written by my mother when I was going through her things after her death. She was a woman of words and wrote in journals almost daily. In this heartfelt poem, my mother’s words remind us of the simple yet profound beauty that exists in every moment. From the whisper of the breeze to the roar of the ocean, she teaches us to cherish life’s fleeting wonders—the sweetness of an ice-cream cone, the thrill of snowflakes on our face, and the warmth of reaching out to others in need. Above all, she calls us to live with purpose, compassion, and gratitude for today, not tomorrow. Her wisdom and love have deeply shaped my heart and perspective on the world. It’s a powerful gift to pass along, both through her words and through the actions I take in my own life.