Hugging you in gratitude today

I’m gearing up for the long holiday weekend here in the U.S., so I’ll keep today’s note short and sweet.

This time last year, Time Intentional was an idea (without even a name, mind you) that I couldn’t stop thinking about. The thought of writing a newsletter like this one popped up as I let my mind wander during long bike rides and nagged at me while I showered (the place I do my best creative brainstorming). I began telling a few friends and trusted sources that I “might start a newsletter soon in honor of my grandparents,” and with bright smiles, words of encouragement, and beehiiv (of course), here we are.

And I am deeply, wholeheartedly grateful that, as of right now, 233 people care enough about me, my grandparents, this project, and/or the desire to live intentionally, with the ever-present reminder that time is finite and the only resource we use without ever truly knowing how much we have left.

233! I’ll never be able to put into words how soul-filling it is and has been to take some of the most challenging moments of my life and turn them into a project, especially one with written words you read, respond to, engage with, and share week after week.

So, thank you for being here. For reading, caring, and being a part of my mission to turn loss into something beautiful. Thank you for sharing your favorite issues online and with people in your circles. I appreciate your replying to my emails and sharing parts of your lives with me. Thank you for supporting me on Buy Me a Coffee, through affiliate links, and with the occasional ad so that I can earn a little from this project, too.

I’m grateful to you.

Time well spent: weekly roundup

A few pieces I recently read and loved:

• “Truckers are like the heartbeat of America”: Grand Valley family brings Thanksgiving to truckers on the road - A heartwarming, Colorado-based story that made my heart sing, especially because my Papa spent many years as a truck driver. And a powerful reminder that it doesn’t take much to make a big difference.

• No big deal: why your cosmic insignificance is a wonderful thing by Oliver Burkeman - Bookmark this one for the days when you need a reminder that nothing in life is really that serious, so you might as well focus on what actually matters to you 😆

• Living everywhere except the now by Justin Welsh - An honest essay about escaping the present when it feels tough.

Your next intentional move

• Who in your world does meaningful work that often goes unnoticed, and how might you intentionally show appreciation for them?

• What worries or pressures could you release if you remembered that most things aren’t as serious as they feel in the moment?

• How can you be more intentional about staying grounded in the ‘now,’ even when it feels uncomfortable?

Check out the full list of intentional prompts and share it with someone you love!

With gratitude

Your love and support go a long way around here! Shout out to last week’s Buy Me a Coffee supporters!

Until next time

Don’t forget to visit The Most Thoughtful Gift Guide (last week’s issue) for unique and meaningful gift ideas if you missed it!

I’m Alyssa Towns, and this is Time Intentional, a newsletter exploring what it means to spend our limited (and precious) time intentionally. Extend your love and support by sharing this newsletter with someone you know or buying me a coffee! ☕

Are you thinking about starting a newsletter? Remember that done is better than perfect, so start today! beehiiv* makes it incredibly easy to take the first step.

This newsletter may include affiliate and referral links marked with an asterisk. If you click on or choose to purchase through one or more of the links below, I may receive a small commission or referral bonus.