Living with intentionality

Carlos Arraya

It’s no secret that social media platforms are the New Age scrapbooks. They provide our friends and families immediate access to the most memorable moments of our life journey. The pictures and videos allow the opportunity to travel back in time to relive, reflect, laugh and cry. It is a precious gift that we get an opportunity to see how we’ve developed as people and how our life journeys evolve over time.

It is not by coincidence that all our friends and families who like, retweet or repost our social media content serve bigger roles in our life. They knowingly or unknowingly serve multiple purposes in our lives that are unique for each of us. Mine serve as a support group and as mentors. Without them, my life journey is simply absent of accountability, and my development falls short of its true potential.

Most of you who have those friends in some form or fashion can relate.

I would like to share a story that taught me the power of mentorship and friendship. I was preparing for an important moment in my life, and the intensity of the preparation was getting the best of my emotions. The friend (my mentor) who was assisting me in preparations looked at me calmly and asked me the question that changed my approach to life. “What,” my mentor asked, “is your intent?” At that time, I did not realize the power of those four words in question form. Everything I have done since that moment I’ve done with a sense of intentionality and purpose.

When asked to be a columnist for Golfdom, I jumped quickly at the opportunity. As the days went on and the excitement wore off, the nerves kicked in. I started to doubt that I had anything to contribute that was worth reading. As the doubt took over my mind, I asked myself the question, “What is your intent?” I pondered for a few days, then it became clear to me: Write with the intention of positively connecting with those readers in need. If one reader benefits from my words, it was well worth becoming a columnist.

Now, what happens when our life plans fall short despite having intentionality? What if you mishandle a situation, and it makes you appear unfit? What if you are spending more time at work and less time with your family? What if you lost a big sales account or have lost several greens? What if your health is failing because it’s not been your priority? What if you privately struggle with your mental health? Are you divorced because you’ve neglected the relationship?

Simply put, you are going through life’s tough times. It’s OK, don’t be afraid or feel alone, because you are not.

We all will fail or have failed during our lives. We shall experience turf loss, neglect something or someone we love and will fall short of life goals. If we are going to struggle, why not live a life full of intentionality? Live with the intent to share your story, to appreciate each day, even those moments that fall short of your desired expectation, and to experience the joy of living.

As time has passed in my life, I have come to the stark realization that life is simply an opportunity to live with great intent. In the coming months as a turfgrass columnist, I will write columns with the intent to provide Golfdom readers a perspective from my eyes. Though I may doubt my ability to write, I have no doubt that my intent will connect to at least one individual. I look forward to connecting, encouraging, sharing stories and challenging the norm with you. Our life journey is a one-ticket ride, no refunds, no rain checks. Live with intent.