What Are You Not Accepting? A Journey Toward Intentional Living

This introspection led to broader awareness of how various elements of daily life influence my mood and what they reveal about my inner world. Today, I want to share some of these reflections and explore how awareness can guide intentional change.

Noticing the Small Triggers

One area that has consistently unsettled me is my medical aid premiums. For months, I’ve been questioning whether we’re getting the best value for our money. Upon further investigation, I discovered that there are indeed better options available. This realisation brought up another question: Should I accept the first alternative that seems better, or should I dig deeper to find the best solution for our needs? As I started asking more detailed questions, one advisor stopped responding altogether. This reaction was telling, emphasising the importance of not settling for superficial answers and pushing for clarity and transparency. Another issue that surfaced was recurring payments for products we no longer need or services that are now bundled into other offerings. For instance, there are deductions on my bank statements for items I hadn’t reviewed in ages. These payments were slipping through the cracks, unexamined and unchallenged. Recognising this, I created a list of these unnecessary expenses and committed to addressing them over the coming weeks.

The Power of Awareness

These examples, though seemingly minor, highlight a powerful truth: when we bring awareness to what doesn’t feel right, we create the opportunity for change. Often, we ignore or tolerate minor irritations, convincing ourselves they are too insignificant to matter. However, these “small” things can compound over time, leading to feelings of frustration, overwhelm, or even resentment. By consciously choosing not to accept the status quo, I’ve taken the first step toward reclaiming control over areas of my life that felt disorganized or out of alignment. This doesn’t mean rushing to resolve everything immediately; instead, it’s about acknowledging what needs attention and committing to gradual, intentional action. 

Lessons Learned 

Through this process, I’ve learned several important lessons:

1. Awareness Precedes Change: Before we can improve any aspect of our lives, we must first notice it. This requires pausing to reflect on what feels off or out of sync.
2. Asking Questions is Key: Whether it’s about financial products, relationships, or personal habits, asking thoughtful questions opens the door to better solutions. It also helps us navigate situations where others might resist engagement or clarity.
3. Small Actions Build Momentum: Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Addressing one unnecessary expense or exploring one new medical aid option at a time can lead to significant improvements over time.

What Do You Need to Change?

I invite you to reflect on your own life. What have you been tolerating or ignoring that no longer serves you? Are there aspects of your finances, relationships, or daily routines that need your attention? Take a moment to list these areas, no matter how small they might seem. Then, consider what small actions you can take in the coming days or weeks to address them.

Perhaps it’s as simple as reviewing your monthly expenses or having a candid conversation with a service provider. Maybe it’s a deeper exploration of what you truly value and how your current choices align with those values. Whatever it is, remember that awareness is your starting point, and change happens one step at a time.

Moving Forward

For me, this journey is ongoing. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be addressing the items on my list, one by one, with a focus on creating a life that feels more intentional and aligned. It’s not just about saving money or simplifying processes; it’s about reclaiming my energy and mood by letting go of what no longer fits. What about you? What have you learned about acceptance and resistance in your own life? What do you want to change? Share your thoughts and take that first small step toward a more aligned and intentional life.