 Ok, I need to say this out loud: I thrive on intentional conversations. For me, they’re not just a nice addition to my day—they’re essential. They ground me, energize me, and bring depth to my daily life. When I go too long without them, I feel like I’m slipping into a space of disconnection, where routine takes over and meaning fades. That’s why I don’t just wait for intentional conversations to happen—I seek them out, provoke them, and create them. Whether with my students, clients, or the people I meet, I make a conscious effort to be fully present in the moment. Intentional conversations anchor us in the here and now, keeping us engaged, connected, and aware. One of the biggest drivers of intentional conversations is curiosity. I genuinely want to know what people think, feel, and experience—not out of politeness, but out of real interest. I ask questions that go beyond the surface. I run away from transactional and filler conversations—of course, I still need to have them, as our social life is largely built on them—but if there’s an opportunity for an intentional conversation, I always take it. No doubt. These conversations build me in one way or another. When I listen, I don’t just hear words—I take in what’s being shared, let it settle, and sometimes even find connections to my own life. These moments of reflection turn simple exchanges into something that resonates and lingers—not just for me, but hopefully for the other person as well. As much as I love these conversations, I also know they take energy. They require presence, thoughtfulness, and a willingness to go deeper. And let’s be honest—we don’t always have the capacity for that. It’s unrealistic—and exhausting—to expect every conversation to be deeply intentional. Some days, we’re just getting through, exchanging quick words as part of life’s routine. And that’s okay. The goal isn’t to pressure ourselves into constant depth—it’s to find moments of intention where they naturally fit. Instead of overwhelming yourself with the idea of always having deep talks, start small. Maybe just one intentional conversation a day—or if that feels like too much, one per week. And here’s the key: it doesn’t have to be life-changing or emotionally intense. You don’t have to unpack your biggest struggles or share your rawest emotions. It could be:
I don’t even know if I want to challenge you here. Think about the conversations you remember—which ones were meaningful? Which changed something for you? Maybe they shifted your perspective, gave you confidence, encouraged you to try something new, or helped you reconnect with something you hadn’t done in a long time.
Think about the conversations that made you laugh, feel valued, appreciated. The ones that became anecdotes you now share with an even wider circle. I hope you crave these talks and feel motivated enough to seek opportunities to have more of them. If you do, I wish you a lot of energy and stamina in pursuing this. |
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