We all joke about people who have it together, and gently berate ourselves when we don’t. But the truth is that nobody has their act together, not 100 percent of the time. And that’s okay. I wrote this book for you—a regular person trying to juggle a thousand balls in the air with patience and purpose. Who sees glossy perfection everywhere and wonders how, or if, you’ll ever measure up. Who occasionally feels out of control and wishes there was something you could do to create better, more sustainable habits. Who worries about falling short, even when it comes to self-care.
I’ve been there too. Heck, I’m still there, some days. Yet, I believe you’re capable of creating a life you’re proud of. My hope is that you believe you are too.
So here’s a mini-manifesto of sorts, straight from my heart to yours:
I want you to enjoy your mornings as much as your weekends. I want you to view leisure time as worthwhile, and experience a big belly laugh at least once a week. I want you to be present for your days: right here, right now, not in the tiny box of a screen. I want you to feel at peace with your truest self, however it evolves.
I want you to move in this world with good health and a sense of gratitude toward your mind and body. I want you to understand that discipline doesn’t equal deprivation; you can cherish a piece of really good chocolate as much as a sweaty run. I want you to seek rest and nourish your needs.
I want you to build relationships on the push-pull of authenticity and fairness, foundation and adventure, empathy and confidence. I want you to appreciate the feeling of being heard, so you can gift that same feeling to everyone you encounter. I want you to receive help with open arms and offer forgiveness like a spoonful of grace. I want you to trust your intuition, even if you’re not sure what it’s saying.
I want you to be empowered by what you make, spend, and save. I want you to make clear-eyed financial decisions, without the heft of debt, so you can put your money where your mouth is: community, travel, retirement, a home—whatever is important to you.
I want you to aim full speed ahead without losing your balance. I want you to do the work but also welcome the insights of others. I want you to ask for what you deserve, learn what you don’t know, and use your influence to make the world a slightly better place.
And I want you to believe you can do all of the above.
These challenges aren’t intended to highlight all the ways you’re falling behind. They’re available as a launchpad for igniting change in your life when you need it. Reach for this book whenever you’re trying to get your life together…ish. I’m here for you every step of the way.