Japan, Paris, New York, L.A., Seattle…all in one day. It was 8 p.m. and I had just finished a conference call marathon with clients that spanned the globe. I pulled a disconcertingly hot iPhone away from my cheek, scanned my note-filled Moleskin, and shook my head.
How can I do so much in one day and still feel unaccomplished and empty?
But, like any normal person, I immediately shook off the thought, poured a glass of red wine, and let Jon Hamm and January Jones distract me for a delicious hour of debauchery.
I conveniently ignored the truth that what I wanted more than anything was to feel happiness, peace, and pride at the end of my day.
Was it too much to ask to impact someone’s life for the better, for my words to actually make a difference, for people to feel renewed and inspired after time with me????!!!
Secretly, I feared that yes, that was entirely too much to ask.
Then that’s when it happened. Darkness, all around me. Power. Out.
There we were – just me, my wine, and a giant black TV screen. It was then, and only then, that I had a quiet moment of realization.
I asked myself if this was what I really wanted. And I was finally able to truly be honest – no – it was not what I wanted.
I wanted more.
And, just like that, my journey began.
Being your typical planner, I dutifully sat down and wrote out lists to guide me. Oh, the lists.
Then I looked at them and cringed. They were filled with oodles of have-tos and precious few want-tos. Wasn’t this exactly what I was trying to change?
I had to approach this differently. And then it hit me:
Prioritize the shit that really matters.
Listen to your intuition. Is it saying your soul really needs a new friend, an adventure, time to create something?
If you want more meaning…
Manage your life instead of your time.
Pick one thing you really want in your life and put it at the top of your list.
Enjoy this part. It’s a gift for that side of you that you usually silence.
Small shifts can make big impacts.
(Translation: Make it simple and doable.) Because, let’s be honest, the road to hell is paved with good intentions, right? Make it easy, make it fun.
Now schedule that into your week. As in, on your actual calendar – for reals.
Let go of the mundane details calling for your attention. Leave the dishes and the laundry for now. They can wait.
Prioritize your dreams and desires so you can truly start living, and watch your days become more meaningful.
You know I’m all about being brave in small moments, so join me in being brave this week – adventures before dry cleaning!
**The best conversation always happens at the end (of a long night, a date, and even a blog) – share your thoughts and connect with us in the comments below.
xx,
Kelsey