Embracing Intentional Living as a Millennial Father in 2024 — The Steward’s Journal .055

Hello and welcome back to the real world!

Today, I dive into a topic that's incredibly close to my heart: being a millennial father and family man. As most of my audience falls between the ages of 25 and 45, predominantly male, I assume many of you are also navigating fatherhood. So, let's talk about my plan for 2024, focusing on intentional living, time management, and technology use.

Starting the Day with Purpose

2024 began with a commitment to intentional living. My mornings now start at 5 AM with a routine I've coined the "15-15-15-15." The first 15 minutes involve a brisk walk with my dog, embracing the early sunlight (at some point), and setting my internal clock. Next, I spend 15 minutes in bible reading and another 15 with passage meditation and memorization, aligning my day with my faith. The final 15 minutes are dedicated to preparing for the day, ensuring I'm fully present for my family.

Technology and Self-Control

A crucial part of intentional living is managing technology use. I've adopted a policy of "scripture before scrolling," avoiding my phone and social media until essential time in the Word is completed. This helps maintain a focused mindset, vital in our short attention span culture. It's challenging but key to staying present and undistracted.

Family First

Mornings are reserved for preparing my kids for their day. The drive to school is a precious time for conversations and sharing life lessons. Evenings are sacred family time, with a strict rule of no phones from 5 PM until the kids' bedtime. This has significantly improved our family interactions, making each moment count.

Work-Life Balance and Productivity

Working from home offers flexibility. I utilize lunch breaks for household chores or personal projects, maintaining a healthy balance between work and family life. This allows me to be available and present when my family returns in the evening.

Sunday Evening Check-Ins

One of the most impactful practices we've adopted is our Sunday evening check-ins. My wife and I review our upcoming week, discussing appointments, family needs, and spiritual focus. This simple act of communication sets a positive tone for the week ahead, ensuring we are on the same page as a couple and as parents.

The Importance of Being Present

Being present for my family is my top priority. I am working on practicing self-control in technology use and am trying to engage in activities that enhance my presence, like reading physical books instead of screen time before bed. This helps in winding down and ensuring quality time with my wife after the kids are asleep.

Looking Ahead

As we navigate the intricacies of modern life, I'm committed to embracing intentional living, especially as a parent. Balancing work, family, and personal growth is a journey I'm excited to share. Join me as we explore how to make 2024 a year of purposeful, intentional living.

Thanks for reading 🌱