"Designing a life you love" might initially strike you as just another catchphrase, possibly echoing from the depths of the latest self-help trend. This was exactly the sentiment a dear friend expressed when I unveiled my vision for Destination Thrive's guiding principle. Even as my unwavering supporter, she couldn't shake the feeling that the concept might come across as clichéd or overly promotional, a sentiment not uncommon in our ad-saturated lives.
However, for me, no other phrase has ever vibrated with such depth. "Designing a Life You Love" isn't merely a slogan for Destination Thrive; it's the essence of my personal odyssey. It symbolizes the culmination of practical steps, invaluable mentors, profound experiences, and the insights I've gathered on my path to creating a life filled with joy and purpose.
What Does "Designing a Life You Love" Truly Mean?
To design implies intentionality—crafting, planning, and executing with purpose. It suggests not just stumbling through life but actively molding it into a shape that reflects our deepest truths and aspirations. This realization dawned on me gradually as I juggled the myriad roles of motherhood, profession, friendship, and more, each bringing its share of joys and challenges.
Within the daily rush, a crucial part of me started to fade—the part that was uniquely me. The realization hit hard; I was living by reaction rather than action, a spectator in my own life story. That's when the philosophy of 'designing' my life really took hold—an intentional, deliberate approach to embodying a life that resonates with my core.
Embracing the Four-Step Framework
1. Awareness:
It all begins with acknowledgment. Realizing a disconnect or imbalance is present is the first step. As mothers, guilt often muddies the water, whispering that desiring more for ourselves is selfish. But it's in recognizing where and why this guilt surfaces that we can start to dismantle it, replacing it with narratives that empower and uplift. This self-awareness is the
cornerstone of designing a life filled with love and purpose.
2. Exploration:
This phase thrives on curiosity and openness—delving into our passions, values, and dreams. It's about asking those deep, probing questions and daring to envision a life filled with fulfillment. But more than that, exploration demands action, stepping out of our comfort zones, embracing the new, the unfamiliar. My personal leap into the unknown came one summer in Maui, when I decided to conquer my fears and go zip-lining. Despite the anxiety and the palpable fear, it was one of those moments that jolted me back to life, making me feel more alive than I had in years. It was exhilarating, terrifying, and utterly transformative. Yes, it turned out to be a "never again" experience for me, but it underscored the essence of exploration: living fully, trying new things, and sometimes discovering our limits along the way.
3. Definition:
With a clearer understanding of our desires and values, the next step is to define what we truly want our lives to look like. This involves deep reflection and envisioning the different facets of our life—be it personal growth, career, health, relationships, or creativity. I once undertook an exercise suggested by my mentor, which involved writing my eulogy. As morbid as it sounds, this exercise forced me to contemplate the legacy I wished to leave and the life story I wanted to be told. It was a profound exercise that helped me gain clarity on the life I aspired to design.
4. Action:
The final leap is putting our plans into action. This stage is where dreams start to materialize through goal-setting, planning, and the consistent execution of small steps toward our larger vision. It's about moving from contemplation to action, from dreaming to doing.
"Designing a Life You Love" is far from a fleeting catchphrase; it's a commitment to an ongoing journey of self-discovery, intentionality, and personal growth. It's a testament to the belief that we possess the power to shape our lives, to steer our stories in directions that bring us joy, fulfillment, and a profound sense of purpose.
If the idea of actively designing your life resonates with you—if you feel that tug of curiosity or the spark of inspiration—I invite you to dive deeper into this journey with Destination Thrive. Subscribe to our newsletter, explore the resources we offer, and consider joining us for our workshop ‘Awaken,’ which can act as catalysts on your path to a life you truly love. Let this be the moment you choose to take the helm of your life, to navigate towards your dreams with confidence and joy.
Embracing the Journey
Reclaiming our identity beyond motherhood doesn't mean diminishing the value of our role as mothers. Instead, it signifies a commitment to becoming more whole, content, and engaged individuals, capable of embracing the challenges of motherhood with renewed vigor and perspective.
This expedition is not just about self-discovery; it's about modeling a life of balance, fulfillment, and resilience for our children. By nurturing our own identities, we teach our children the importance of self-care, personal growth, and the pursuit of individual passions.
Your Next Step
Ready to take the next step towards designing a life you love? Subscribe, follow, and join us
at Destination Thrive. Together, we're not just surviving motherhood; we're thriving In It.
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