In the rush of busy life, slowing down can feel like a rebellion. But for Jaclyn Fortier, intentional living is not just a practice; it’s a personal philosophy that reshapes how we experience life. Through her “Day Design” approach, the licensed counselor and founder of Carolina Counseling Wellness Associates encourages others to shift from being “ busy” to being intentional. Starting with how we begin our morning, then finding fragments of acceptance, contentment, and calm throughout the day.
Rethinking the Morning Routine
What if your day began with being with yourself instead of buzzing notifications?
According to Jaclyn Fortier, the way we greet the morning sets the emotional tone for everything that follows. Instead of jumping straight into social media or emails, she suggests beginning with something to connect with yourself first. That might look like sitting with your coffee before the day speaks back to you. Noticing the magic of nature, the music the birds make, or the sun beams through the morning fog. Maybe by taking a walk through the neighborhood, and waving hello to the tail-wagging puppies that have the wisdom of being in the moment so effortlessly.
“When we give ourselves these moments of noticing, we remind ourselves we have a presence within us that is there to help us,” Fortier says.
-Carrying a little calm in our pocket throughout the day is a magical power we all have within us.
“Designing Your Day from Intention”
Rather than filling your schedule to an overload level, Jaclyn Fortier believes there’s power in shaping down the “to-dos” to allow time for the magic. It’s a reframing: less hustle, less busy, and more connection with what matters, from a depth of living perspective, which, over time, leads to a sense of inner contentment, which is a more attainable goal to happiness. She encourages us to lean into fewer priorities and towards a deeper presence practice. A few undistracted minutes watching the sunset or a cup of something in hand, enjoying a rain shower from the window. “Designing your day from intention,” she says, “means letting go of the rushed perfection. To find just ‘two more minutes’ of snuggles with your person on a chilly fall morning, or noticing the crutches of fall leaves on the sidewalk, or the steam rising from your teacup. Dreaming big for the little things that add up over time.
Expect Less. Feel More.
Life rarely sticks to the script. Jaclyn Fortier doesn’t gloss over that reality; she leans into it. A big part of the Day Design mindset is learning how to adapt when things don’t unfold as planned. “High expectations are often the root of suffering when resentment rises from our expectations not being met,” she reflects. “But when you design your day (and life) with openness and fewer expectations, and room for acceptance of what is, you can begin to enjoy things for what they are, not what you thought they’d be.” A rainy day can be just as magical with the right perspective.
It’s a practice in emotional flexibility. And over time, those small reframes and pauses within stack up. When in doubt, watch the puppies; they know how to live in the dreaminess of the now.
Living in Rhythm with Yourself
Whether you’re navigating a chaotic week, adjusting to a new life chapter, or simply trying to be more present, the Day Design philosophy offers an anchor. It invites you to tune in to your own inner calm, reconnect with nature, and listen to what your mind, body, and spirit truly need.
For Fortier, this isn’t abstract theory. It’s a lived practice.
Quote Highlight
“Designing your day from intention.” — Jaclyn Fortier
Connect with Jaclyn Fortier
Stay in touch with Jaclyn’s work, philosophy, and personal reflections on intentional living: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
About Jaclyn Fortier
Jaclyn Fortier is a licensed counselor, founder, and advocate for self-empowerment, mental health, and wellness. After experiencing adversity as a young mother before attending graduate school, she rebuilt her life and went on to launch counseling centers in North Carolina. Today, she helps others heal through story, guiding people toward resilience through community, connection, and purpose. A former Navy service member and first-generation college graduate, Jaclyn now uses her voice to empower others to reclaim their own.