In the journey of life, we often find inspiration in the people around us. Take for instance my friend, Olivia, who practices aerial yoga — yes, the kind where you literally hang from the ceiling. Her social media is filled with stunning photos of her practicing yoga in nature during spring, in chic monochrome at home, and on her beautiful porch. She runs marathons and confidently sports a bikini. Juggling the demands of motherhood with teenagers and her Diet Coke addiction, she radiates beauty—not just in the conventional sense, but a deeper beauty that comes from genuinely living her best life. She embraces every moment because she knows she deserves it, and she does not let anyone else’s opinion dictate her happiness.
Then there’s my friend, Mia, who is a devoted mother to her spirited 3-year-old son. She has a penchant for twirly dresses and proudly claims her title as the “Queen of Doughnuts,” though she jokes, “I’m really the queen of fried food.” Her dream is to own all-pink kitchen gear, and her pantry is always stocked with chocolate chip cookie ingredients. She made a life-changing move solely to keep her son close to his father.
Despite the beauty each of these women exudes, their lives are not without challenges. Both are single mothers, facing significant hurdles that test their resolve. They endure sleepless nights filled with worry, deal with the messes of everyday life, and navigate the complexities of parenting. Yet, they have discovered a powerful secret: they can either succumb to these difficulties or actively create joyful moments for themselves, regardless of what the world thinks.
You, too, have that same power. You deserve to craft your best moments and embrace your authentic self. Life will never be flawless; there will always be distractions, like an ingrown toenail or that nagging inner voice telling you that you aren’t worthy. But it’s essential to gather your courage and move forward despite those doubts.
This realization led me to a delightful decision: I bought myself some tutus. I had been grappling with body image issues that left me feeling down, and I knew I wanted to shift that perspective. I longed to celebrate my uniqueness, so I ordered tutus even though I’ve never danced a day in my life. They arrived, and they’re whimsical puffs of tulle that I can pair with a simple tank top and sandals. Watch out, world—I’m wearing my tutu to the store!
On a recent outing, as I buckled my kids into the car, I played the soundtrack from Hamilton. My boys began to hum along, and I encouraged them to sing out loud, because that’s what my heart desired. Soon, we were cruising down the highway, belting our hearts out, even during the more colorful parts of the musical. I also began to carry vintage handkerchiefs, embraced capturing bugs with my kids instead of panicking, and dedicated time to training my German shepherd. I rescue beautiful, handmade blankets from thrift stores and actively engage in crafting with my children rather than simply supervising. Although these activities may take longer, the joy they bring is undeniable.
You, too, can embark on your journey toward living your best life. Start by identifying something quirky that sparks joy—be it knee-high gladiator sandals or vibrant lipstick. Perhaps you want to explore thrifting for the cutest clothes for your kids or engage in art projects together. It’s not about perfection; it’s about expressing happiness and embracing the unique person you are.
Maybe your ideal self craves a solo vacation, even just a day away from the routine. Perhaps you want to build a sandcastle, bake brownies, or adopt a tiny dog to carry around in your purse. Whatever it is, prioritize what makes you happy and proud. This is your life, and it should reflect your desires—not someone else’s expectations.
In the end, we all deserve to create our best lives amidst the chaos and messiness of daily existence. We are all extraordinary individuals, and it’s time to recognize that.
For more insights on embracing your journey, check out this post on home insemination and how you can enhance your fertility with tips from Make a Mom. If you’re exploring pregnancy options, WebMD offers excellent resources to guide you.
In summary, everyone deserves to live their best life, embracing the quirks and joys that make them unique. Whether through engaging in creative activities or simply singing loudly in the car, take those steps to pursue what brings you happiness.