Time to Live Your Best Life - Let's Do This!

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Two years ago, I had a life-changing experience: traveling to the breathtaking landscapes of Tanzania and Zanzibar. It was a dream I'd held onto for so long, and somehow, by what I can only describe as grace, it became a reality.

And you know what? I'm living my best life. And I truly believe you can too.

But let's get real for a moment. Are you actively pursuing the things you love? Are you spending time with the people who matter most? Are you saying "yes" to opportunities that truly align with your passions, or are you just saying "yes" out of obligation?

More importantly, are you investing your time and money in what you truly value?

Thirteen years ago, I tossed up a prayer that felt a little like a "Hail Mary" pass:

"Hey God, it's me. Okay, I'm sorry for all the things I've done wrong. You know me, Elida. I have this big dream: I'd love to spend four to six weeks a year in Europe and show my kids the world. I don't know if it's even possible, but it would be incredible if you could make it happen."

And guess what? It did happen.

For over ten years, I've led tours to Italy and traveled throughout Europe for six to eight weeks each year. All of this while navigating life as a single mom, starting right in the middle of a messy divorce. And as I've explored the world, I've been fortunate enough to bring my kids along on countless adventures.

That "Hail Mary" prayer? It was a long shot, maybe. But it taught me that God hears our prayers, and more importantly, He empowers us to make our dreams a reality.

So, how did I get here?

I started prioritizing what genuinely mattered to me, instead of simply following the expected path.

I consciously invested my time and money into curating my dream life.

For me, that meant prioritizing travel and quality time with my favorite people. It also meant embracing dance, painting, exercise, and new experiences. But it wasn't just about fun, though I do love a good time! It was also about empowering women and supporting missions and causes that resonate deeply with my heart.

Now, let's talk money. I don't prioritize spending a lot on expensive toys, home décor, or even clothes. (Okay, shoes are my weakness – thanks, Mom, for that genetic quirk!). And I value good food. While I can't eat out often, when I do, I savor every bite and might splurge on a truly exceptional meal. But a fancy new car? That's not a priority for me. Most of my furniture? Found treasures from Facebook Marketplace or garage sales.

When I reflect on my life, I can honestly say that my values are reflected in how I spend my time and money. And yes, I am absolutely living my dream life.

What about you? When you take a moment to be truly honest with yourself, what does your ideal life look like?

Are you actively taking steps to make that vision a reality?

My hope is that everyone can look back and say, "Yes, I've created my dream life, and I'm living it right now!"

If travel is your dream and you haven't made it a reality yet, here are a few starting points:

• Get your passport. If you don't have one, this is the essential first step!

• Sign up for my travel newsletter. Stay informed about upcoming opportunities and travel inspiration.

• Create a visual reminder. Print images of your dream destinations and create a "dream jar" to collect spare change for your travels.

• Join our regular newsletter. Be the first to know about our European trips and other travel adventures.

  
  

Or perhaps your dream life involves tapping into your creative side. If that's the case, consider these ideas:

• Join me for a complimentary class. Come to my studio and see if it sparks your creativity (email Stephanie at artwithelida@gmail.com).

• Explore online classes. Take one of my online classes to learn a new skill or refine an existing one.

• Find your local creative community. Look for local groups in your area where you can connect with like-minded individuals.

These are just small steps, but they can be the beginning of something big. Soon enough, you'll be able to say, with confidence, "I'm living the dream!"

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