Say “Yes!” to What You LOVE!

How to design the life you’ve always wanted.

I had been a nurse for over twenty years. I was burned out and exhausted but I was also a single mom with two boys to care for, so quitting my job was not an option. I loved taking care of people, I was just tired of being in the trenches. I needed a change. What motivated me? I wanted a calmer life where I wasn’t just living paycheck to paycheck. A life where I could do something besides buy groceries and do laundry on my days off.

It took me a long time to find my path and today, I am going to help you find yours.

1. Identify Your Passions:

The first step in designing a life you love is to pinpoint your passions. What makes your heart race? What activities fill you with unbridled enthusiasm? Take some time for introspection, journaling, or deep conversations with trusted friends to unearth those passions buried beneath the surface.

2. Prioritize Self-Discovery:

Saying “yes!” to what you love often begins with self-discovery. It’s about understanding who you are, what you stand for, and what truly brings you joy. Make a list of all the things that make you happy. Ask yourself why you are not doing more of these activities. What are the barriers? Is there anything that you can do to change it? If not, how can you adapt what you are doing?

Engage in activities that nourish your soul, whether it’s reading, hiking, painting, or meditation. These moments of introspection can lead you closer to your life’s purpose.

3. Set Clear Intentions:

Once you’ve identified your passions, set clear intentions for how you want to integrate them into your life. Whether it’s a career change, a side hustle, or just having more time with the family, define your goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. A well-defined plan will help you stay focused and motivated. I would encourage you to create a vision board with your goals at the top. Below your goals, place the steps that you need to achieve the goal. Do one thing every day to accomplish that step and then when you accomplish it, celebrate your success!

4. Embrace Fear and Uncertainty:

Saying “yes!” to what you love often means stepping into the unknown. You don’t live in your comfort zone, you rest there. Fear and uncertainty are signs that you’re pushing your boundaries. Embrace these emotions as opportunities for growth and transformation.

“Always do what you are afraid to do. Thinking will not overcome fear but action will….The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” ~ Plato.

Saying “yes!” is an active choice. Take consistent, intentional steps toward your goals. Every small action brings you closer to the life you desire. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment; start today.

5. Create a Supportive Environment:

Surround yourself with individuals who encourage and uplift you in your pursuit of happiness. Seek out mentors and like-minded individuals who share your passions and can provide guidance and support.

6. Practice Self-Compassion:

Designing the life you’ve always wanted can be a challenging and sometimes arduous process. Along the way, remember to practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself, celebrate small victories, and learn from setbacks. Self-compassion will fuel your resilience and keep you moving forward.

7. Embrace Adaptability:

Life is ever-changing, and so are our dreams. Be open to evolving your path as you gain new insights and experiences. Adaptability is a key ingredient in the recipe for a fulfilling life.

Share Your Story:

I found something I was passionate about, made a plan and took a leap of faith. I was 35 when I went back to school the first time and got the education I needed to teach. Then, I got burn out again. I was 45 years old when I did it the second time. I went back to school and became a nurse practitioner. I decided, ‘I’m going to 50 someday regardless of what I do today. Why not be 50 and doing the job I really want?‘ So I did it. I went back to school and now I am living a better life than I ever imaged.

You can do this, too. Have the courage to live the life you always wanted. Share with me what is holding you back. How can I help you achieve your goal? I would love to help you succeed!