The concept of “intentionality” has become incredibly popular, as my colleague Marie Solis recently highlighted. She observed the term being used by influencers and those who might be overly focused on self-help, applying it to almost every aspect of life, from exercise to dating. To live intentionally, she notes, implies a deep sense of presence and self-awareness, where one’s words and actions are perfectly aligned, perhaps even after some recent meditation.
This pervasive use of “intentional” for everything—from skincare routines to tattoo parlors—has significantly watered down its original meaning. Reflecting on Solis’s observations, I recognized my own unwitting participation in this trend. I’ve often aimed to be intentional with my time, energy, eating habits, and even my words. This realization prompts a desire to refine my own language, seeking more precise and original ways to express myself, rather than relying on an overused term.
Yet, this surge in intentionality, while sometimes excessive when applied to leisure activities, might actually be a logical response to our modern world. True intentionality means actively making choices and aligning our actions with them. This seemingly simple process becomes challenging when, as Solis points out, even our daily decisions are often influenced more by external political forces and unseen algorithms than by our own free will. We strive for more intentional living precisely because we feel a diminishing sense of control.
So, how can we truly be intentional with our intentions? I believe its greatest value lies in addressing areas where we feel a lack of awareness, where our actions have become unconscious. For me, this applies directly to time management. For most of my life, I’ve considered myself someone adept at organizing my schedule, instinctively dedicating the right amount of time and effort to any given task.
However, I’ve recently come to question this self-perception. I’ve perfected a rather intricate procrastination system, essentially wasting as much time as possible before finally tackling a task. This meticulous delay ensures just enough time for completion, but with no margin for error, leading to significant stress. I used to think this stress was simply a natural side effect of being productive. Yet, by approaching my time allocation with greater intentionality – carefully observing my habits and kindly exploring new approaches – I’ve found more breathing room and a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort. Despite the term’s widespread and sometimes superficial use, I’m genuinely thankful for the personal insight it has offered.
THE LATEST NEWS
War in Gaza
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated Israel would work with President Trump to conclude the conflict, after Hamas stated its readiness to free all Israeli hostages.
Hamas agreed to return all of its Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, accepting a key component of President Trump’s plan to end the conflict in Gaza.
Hamas’s statement generated optimism but did not address several aspects of the peace plan it had previously deemed unacceptable. Here’s what you need to know.
Politics
The U.S. military eliminated four individuals on a boat near Venezuela, which the Trump administration claimed was engaged in drug smuggling. This marks the fourth such operation.
Sanae Takaichi was elected to lead Japan’s ruling party, setting the stage for her to become the nation’s first female prime minister.
The Trump administration intends to significantly reduce refugee admissions to 7,500 in the upcoming year, a sharp contrast to the 125,000 cap established by the Biden administration.
The government shutdown continues: For the fourth time, the Senate failed to advance either party’s proposal to reopen federal operations.
A coalition of unions, higher education professionals, religious organizations, and others filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration concerning its decision to impose a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas.
A statue depicting Trump and Jeffery Epstein holding hands has reappeared on the National Mall, one week after the National Park Service removed it.
Other Big Stories
Sean Combs, the disgraced hip-hop mogul, received a sentence of over four years in prison for prostitution-related offenses. Before his sentencing, Combs sought leniency from the court, describing his actions as “disgusting, shameful and sick.”
A would-be assassin who intended to kill Justice Brett Kavanaugh, but experienced a last-minute change of heart, was sentenced to just over eight years in prison.
THE WEEK IN CULTURE
Film and TV
Channing Tatum spent years grappling with impostor syndrome. Now, with his role in “Roofman,” he believes he can stand his ground against any actor.
The star of “Good Boy” was unaware he was in a horror film. (That’s because he’s a dog.)
Jane Fonda and hundreds of entertainment industry professionals have revived a free speech organization from the McCarthy era.
Music
Taylor Swift’s fans dedicated yesterday to deciphering her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” and identifying which songs refer to other celebrities.
Evan Dando, the frontman of The Lemonheads, experienced a significant fall from grace. Now, he’s sharing his story.
At the Met Opera House, an intricate array of elements—including bells, whistles, and a meticulous backstage crew—brings “Kavalier & Clay” to vibrant life.
Georg Friedrich Haas has composed a piece of extraordinary scale and complexity. With 50 pianos rumbling simultaneously, the resulting sound is truly awe-inspiring.
More Culture
“Saturday Night Live” is set to return this weekend for its 51st season, with Bad Bunny hosting and Doja Cat as the musical guest.
A novelist was alarmed to discover her books had been used to train AI chatbots. She subsequently sued and secured the largest copyright settlement in history.
COMEDY IN THE KINGDOM
Dave Chappelle. Pete Davidson. Kevin Hart. Bill Burr. Some of the biggest names in American comedy are performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, an event organized by the Saudi government.
For an industry deeply committed to free speech, this collaboration seemed unusual. Saudi Arabia imposes strict limitations on expression—festival contracts, reportedly posted online, prohibited performers from telling jokes that “degrade, defame, or bring into public disrepute, contempt, scandal, embarrassment, or ridicule” the kingdom.
However, following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, comedians saw an opportunity to turn the tables on the U.S.: “It’s easier to talk here than it is in America,” Chappelle quipped. Political humor was well-received; sex jokes, not so much. Read the full story here.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
For a light, quick, and impressive weekend meal, David Tanis’s soy-steamed fish with scallions and pistachios offers a deeply flavorful pescatarian experience. He employs a traditional Chinese steaming method, easily achievable with or without a dedicated steamer (a large, deep skillet works too). While pistachios might seem unconventional, they add both complexity and a delightful crunch. Alternatively, omitting them results in a more delicate texture, with bold, aromatic notes from the combination of fermented black bean paste, fresh ginger, and scallions.
REAL ESTATE
The Hunt: A long-term renter with a $300,000 budget considered how far from his Queens family he was willing to live. Which home did he ultimately select? Play our game.
What you get for $1.4 million in Copenhagen: a three-bedroom apartment in a historic villa; a two-story townhouse; or a charmingly renovated thatched cottage.
Big ticket: The filmmaker David Lynch’s Hollywood Hills residence is currently on the market for $15 million.
Counting commodes: Are nine bathrooms truly excessive?
LIVING
Diagnosis therapy: Researchers propose that the very act of identifying a medical condition can, in itself, provide a sense of relief.
Healthy aging: Jane Goodall, who passed away this week at 91, adhered to principles doctors recommend for a long life, including a clear sense of purpose and unwavering optimism.
Look of the Week: An Oasis fan sporting stylish soccer shoes.
Senior dream: Margaritas, celebrity sightings, and classic cars are all available at these upscale retirement communities. (Take our quiz to discover the perfect senior living community for you.)
ADVICE FROM WIRECUTTER
The beauty of a versatile blouse
In the pursuit of building a versatile wardrobe, it’s easy to accumulate a closet full of tasteful but unremarkable staples, or trendy items that quickly lose their appeal. Tops and blouses are particularly susceptible to this challenge. However, our style experts discovered that there truly is a “just right” when it comes to shirts, and these perfect pieces can form the foundation of a timeless wardrobe. For instance, a button-up with a flowing silhouette looks equally chic with jeans or layered under a blazer with dressy trousers. Or consider a short-sleeve silk T-shirt that transitions seamlessly from being paired with wool trousers and a cardigan now to a maxi skirt in warmer months. — Nicola Fumo
GAME OF THE WEEK
Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces, W.N.B.A. finals: Game 1 went to the Aces last night, thanks in part to an outstanding performance by Dana Evans, who had 21 points off the bench. Now Las Vegas has the edge, to go along with its perennial advantage: A’ja Wilson, the world’s best player, whom The Athletic dubbed a “galactic force of silk and swagger.” But don’t expect the Mercury to roll over. They’re deep, which could help in a long series. And their star, Alyssa Thomas, is a triple-double machine — she had eight this season alone, far more than any other player has logged in a career.
Game 2 is Sunday at 3 p.m. Eastern on ABC
NOW TIME TO PLAY
Here is today’s Spelling Bee. Yesterday’s pangram was condominium.
Take the news quiz to see how well you followed this week’s headlines.
And here are today’s Mini Crossword, Wordle, Sudoku, Connections and Strands.
Thanks for spending part of your weekend with The Times. — Melissa
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