In a world that often seems to rush by in a blur of obligations and expectations, the essence of pure joy, what my country calls “joie de vivre,” is a rare and precious gem. This blog is a celebration of embracing our inherent power as human beings. It’s an invitation to revel in the ordinary, to find the extraordinary in every day, and to strike a delicate balance between mindful work and joyful play, all while appreciating the sacred magic of life.
Our journey, as individuals, is a tapestry woven with threads of fear, love, pain, guilt, shame, wonder, ecstasy, luck, daring, and delightful imperfections. There were moments when I found myself seeking permission from others as if everyone else held the key to a fulfilling life except me.
As I observed my friends and colleagues more closely, I pondered: Would they willingly relive their lives, day in and day out, in an endless loop without boredom? It struck me that many people navigate life in a passive state of mediocrity as if their existence were mass-produced from a photocopier. Too often, we set our life’s course based on external influences – media, politics, commercials, societal norms – rather than internal values and personal goals.
The prevalent misconception is that life boils down to two things: the amount of money we amass and our career titles. But we are infinitely more than that. Living our best lives, authentically, and with joy is not a myth; it’s a genuine possibility.
This blog is a guide on how to break free from the photocopies of life, allowing you to design a life that resonates with your true self. I’ll provide a framework to help you create a vision for a truly holistic, fulfilling, and joyous life, pulling you toward a genuinely extraordinary existence in every aspect.
Assess Your Current State
Take a moment to reflect on these statements, rating yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 (1: Not true – 10: True):
1. I am truly happy with my life now.
2. I feel like I am living the best life I can live.
3. My life is balanced, and I am not making sacrifices.
4. I enjoy my life in a cheerful and spirited way most of the time.
5. I am passionate about what I am doing in life.
6. I am satisfied with all the important areas of my life.
7. I am fulfilled with my life today.
Living Your Life on Your Own Terms
What does it mean to live life on your own terms? It’s about creating a life that is meaningful and fulfilling to you. This involves savouring the time spent with yourself as much as with others, enjoying a purposeful career while having the freedom to pursue passions, and embracing a colourful and vibrant life.
Living on your own terms could include travel, volunteering, fitness, or any other activities that resonate with your true self. It’s about being inspired to do more, to be more, because you’re living in alignment with your authentic self – the most beautiful kind of life.
There are only two choices in life: live the life others expect of you or live the life you want. You can’t have it both ways. Living life on your own terms means choosing your path, deciding what you do, where you go, and who you become. It requires courage, dedication, and discomfort. It’s about resisting societal norms, altering lifelong beliefs, and abandoning the life everyone expects you to live except yourself.
1. Recognise Your Freedom to Choose
The three C’s of life are true: Choices. Chances. Changes. You have the power to make a choice, to take a chance, or your life will never change. Living life on your own terms starts with acknowledging that you can do just that if you choose to. Every person and everything in your day-to-day life is there because of a choice you made. If you don’t like how your life is, make the choice to change it. Now.
2. Refuse the Lies People Teach You
Throughout life, you may encounter people who tell you to “be realistic” or “not follow your dreams.” Reject these lies. Don’t accept that life has to be hard or that you can’t live your dreams. Remember, few people live life on their own terms. Most live a life driven by external expectations. It’s hard to resist this because of the resistance all around you. Realize that this resistance is just noise from people who buried their dreams long ago. Focus on your goals.
3. Stop Seeking Approval
Requiring constant guidance from others gives up control of your life. Even when seeking advice, thoughtfully consider suggestions but always be the one who makes the final decision. Let go of others’ expectations.
4. Stand by Your Values
Your values shape who you are, who you surround yourself with, your career, and your passions. Understand your values by taking a personal values assessment. Consider common values like integrity, empathy, and dedication. Assess how you relate to these values and which ones are important to you.
5. Dream Big
Living life on your own terms requires clarity about what those terms are. Sit down with pen and paper and dream without limits. Write down your wildest dreams, regardless of whether they seem achievable right now. This is an exploration phase, not about having a concrete plan. Uncovering what you want from life at this moment is crucial. It sets the stage for defining your unique path. Dreaming big helps you visualize what a truly fulfilling life looks like for you.
Owning your life is a process. Take small steps, celebrate victories, and keep moving forward. If you have questions or need support, reach out anytime. Your journey is uniquely yours, and you have the power to shape it into something extraordinary.
If you have questions or need support in owning your life, feel free to email me anytime at [email protected]
Your journey is uniquely yours, and I’m here to help you navigate it.