Do you go through your daily motions based on some unwritten rules or societal expectations of you? Sure, it's easier to go with the flow than to swim against the current. But one day you'll wake up, if you haven't already, and realize you don't know how you ended up on this ride you never even asked to be on. Guess who will be watching you to make sure you're happy, content, and fulfilled on the ride? No one. Wake up. Pay attention. Live on purpose. No one is going to do it for you so how much longer are you going to put this off?
"I am actively creating the life of my dreams." This is the quote I read on my daily motivational calendar this morning. I read it and thought, absolutely, that's what I'm doing, without a doubt. Can you say the same thing? My wish for you is to answer with a resounding, yes.
My experience yesterday was a prime example of how I've been actively building this life over the last few years. Here's a picture, mostly saved here for me to remember and look back on.
That's me, fourth from the left. The only solopreneur in a room full of business owners and community leaders at a business roundtable discussion with our daughters' school district's leadership team (that was a lot of words). We assembled to discuss current district graduation requirements and how to assure our students have the appropriate skills and knowledge to go out and be a positive force in society. Here at the Lake of the Ozarks, we have a very unique economy and the partnership between local businesses and the school district is vital to our growth and success.
Did I have imposter syndrome? A touch. This unexpected moment was built on a series of small decisions I've actively made over the last 4 years of my life. Let's revisit a few...
I left behind a successful corporate career (bye-bye comfortable salary). Started my own business (turns out it's very rewarding and very tough). Attended networking events (I'm an introvert). Gotten involved at my children's schools (still an introvert). Focused on my family and defining our values (you'll never have to unpack your own stuff more than when trying to raise another human).
There's more on this list but the gist of it is, none of it has been easy. And each step is made up of thousands of micro-moments where I've had to actively decide where I want my life to go. I spent the first 30 years of my life doing really well by society's standards. But I never took stock of how all the motions I was going through were for everyone's approval except my own. Eventually I burnt out, went through some pretty dark times, and came out the other side really unsure which direction to go.
Some days I'm still unsure. What I've known from a very young age is I don't have any desire to chase some monstrously "successful" life. However, I do aspire to make an impact. I think life tells us we need to do big things to make change, I don't think that's true at all. It just sets us up to feel like failures. The only way we fail is by not aligning with our truest and best use of our time here.
So, I have a list of the things I'm passionate about and skilled in and strive towards those things. I strive to be a positive role model for our daughters as they navigate their own paths. I strive to support our incredible school district. I strive to have a positive impact in our community. I strive to grow my business in a way that feels authentic to me. I strive to prioritize my well being. I strive to be a supportive wife, friend, and family member. I strive to do my best in each day I am given.
I saw all of these seeds I've planted come together beautifully in this business roundtable meeting yesterday. And the best part is, I wasn't looking for any sort of outward approval or recognition, because I alone saw the fruits of my labor come together and I beamed from the inside. Not knowing ahead of time who would be participating, I was ecstatic to see so many of these people I've been cultivating relationships with come together in one place. I feel so aligned with the path I'm on and the methods I've been using to be intentional in this life.
I was invited to the roundtable by a school official who I've gotten to know over many purposeful conversations the last two years. While there, I shared in depth conversation alongside other parents who I've volunteered with at our schools. I had a sense of calm and comfort conversing with the district leadership understanding our shared goals. I discussed big picture issues alongside colleagues I've connected with over the creation and growth of my business. I stressed the importance of social and emotional skills which are so important to my overall well being and are so often overlooked by society.
It all came together, in one place, for a brief two hour window yesterday. And it felt like I was EXACTLY where I was meant to be in that moment. Who knows where I will go from here, but it won't be by chance. It will be because I'm actively creating the life of my dreams. You can too.
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