The Intentional Life
Crafting Your Legacy, One Day at a Time
1st Edition
Published on 17. October 2025
458 pages
978-1-040-42268-7 (ISBN)
Description
What legacy do you want to leave?
The Intentional Life: Crafting Your Legacy, One Day at a Time blends theories of positive psychology with individual testimonials from a diverse selection of contributors to help readers discover their personal answers to this important question. Consisting of 365 letters organized around seven "Life Health Principles" - Optimism, Values, Self-Care, Relationships, Community, Nature, and Service - this book shares the wisdom and experiences of a wide range of individuals alongside reflection questions and vision worksheets. The Intentional Life helps you develop a broader and deeper perspective about your course in life. Chapters will enable you to solidify what gives you meaning and joy as you learn from the experiences and insights of over 300 authors at varying stages of their life.
Whether you are finishing high school, attending college, starting a career, or engaged in other pursuits, this book will serve as an essential foundation for moving forward with a rich and fulfilling life. And doing so, one day at a time.
The Intentional Life: Crafting Your Legacy, One Day at a Time blends theories of positive psychology with individual testimonials from a diverse selection of contributors to help readers discover their personal answers to this important question. Consisting of 365 letters organized around seven "Life Health Principles" - Optimism, Values, Self-Care, Relationships, Community, Nature, and Service - this book shares the wisdom and experiences of a wide range of individuals alongside reflection questions and vision worksheets. The Intentional Life helps you develop a broader and deeper perspective about your course in life. Chapters will enable you to solidify what gives you meaning and joy as you learn from the experiences and insights of over 300 authors at varying stages of their life.
Whether you are finishing high school, attending college, starting a career, or engaged in other pursuits, this book will serve as an essential foundation for moving forward with a rich and fulfilling life. And doing so, one day at a time.
Reviews / Votes
"Daily doses of wisdom! The Intentional Life provides 365 unique perspectives on living with purpose and intention. A truly inspiring and transformative read!"-Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Former Assistant Secretary of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, USA
"At a time when our country is grappling with ongoing concerns about anxiety and stress, social isolation, and overall well-being of our youngest generation, this book The Intentional Life - rich with the first-hand narratives of those sharing generously of their lived experiences - will help young adults grapple with the issues key to their spiritual, emotional and social wellness. As a higher education profession, waiting until students get to college to explore these questions of pathway and purpose often seems too late - this book will help engage students in a more timely manner."
-Luoluo Hong, PhD, MPH, Vice President for Student Engagement & Well-Being, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
More details
Edition
1. Auflage
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Illustrations
12 Tables, black and white; 58 Halftones, black and white; 58 Illustrations, black and white
File size
24,44 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-040-42268-7 (9781040422687)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
10/2025
1st Edition
Routledge
€39.60
Shipment within 10-20 days
Person
David S. Anderson, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Education and Human Development at George Mason University. He is a lifelong educator who has dedicated his life to the positive development of young adults, including health promotion and wellness, drug and alcohol misuse prevention, and engaged strategic planning and accountability. He remains active with research, writing, and consulting and has served in community leadership roles in Celebration, Florida.
Content
Preface ix Chapter 1 Introduction 1Background 4 The Framework 7 Contributors 9 Using This Book 10 In Summary 12 Chapter 2 Optimism: Setting the Stage 13The Context of Optimism 14 The Role of Optimism 14 Optimism and Planned Change 15 Linkage With Other Thematic Areas 15 Conclusion 16 Chapter 3 Values: Anchoring Your Life 73Understanding Values 74 The Role of Values 75 Linkage With Other Thematic Areas 77 Conclusion 78 Chapter 4 Self-Care: Skills and Tools 145Self-Care Within a Wellness Construct 146 Self-Care as a Lifelong Feature 146 Linkage With Other Thematic Areas 147 Conclusion 148 Chapter 5 Relationships: Bonding 203What Is a Relationship? 204 Enhancing the Quality of a Relationship 204 Linkage With Other Thematic Areas 206 Conclusion 207 Chapter 6 Community: Connections 280What Is a Community? 280 What Is a Healthy Community? 282 Linkage With Other Thematic Areas 284 Conclusion 284 Chapter 7 Nature: Nurturing Yourself 338Why Attention to the Natural World? 338 Nature's Applications to Individuals 339 Linkage With Other Thematic Areas 340 Conclusion 341 Chapter 8 Service: Giving Back 372Understanding Service Activities and Efforts 372 Service Benefits for the Individual 373 Linkage With Other Thematic Areas 374 Conclusion 375 Chapter 9 Conclusion: Reflection, Review and Action 418 Appendix 429 About the Author 433 About the Cover Art Illustrator 434 Index 435
