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My Dream Day 10 Years in the Future

posted 7th August 2009    Written by: Molly Mahar    CATEGORY: All Posts, Molly, Tips & Tools

Dock DivingOne of my favorite activities that we do in Lifestyle Design is to write little story called  “A Day in the Life of Me”.  Here’s the challenge I pose to my girls: What would your best life actually look like on a day-to-day basis 10 years in the future? Where would you be?  Who would you be with? What would you be doing?

Most find it a hard exercise to complete, especially those who are stuck in the “I don’t know what my best life looks like, I just know it’s not this” phase.  They feel like they don’t even know where to begin…  Others don’t want to put it down in writing (thus making it “real”) because what happens if it doesn’t come true?  Won’t that make them feel like a failure?

My responses:

To the first group who don’t think they know what their dream day would look like: Try it anyway.  Concentrate on feelings you would like to create & experience instead of the concrete facts you fear you don’t know.

True- you may not know the exact job you want in 10 years, but I bet you do know that you want to use your creativity, work a 4 day work week & be surrounded by smart like-minded professionals.   Maybe you don’t know who your partner or husband will be or if you’ll even want one- but I bet you do know that the significant other in your life will be sexy, honest & independent, and that your relationship will be one of love, trust & adventure.  You might not know where you want to live, but I bet you do know that you need a walkable neighborhood, incredible sunsets & a killer gelato shop nearby.  Obviously, you’ll need to fill in your own details.

Don’t worry about the big facts if you don’t know them– go for little details and the essence of your best life.  Work in the small things that you want present: a morning jog, time to write, or a loving home.

To the second group who are scared to record their dream day in case it never happens: Trust.  It’s true that we have very little control over the actual events of our life.  Who are we to predict a illness, lay off or shot gun wedding?  But why should that stop you from putting out to the Universe what you desire?  Operating from a place of fear is bound to make your life scary.  Operating from a place of hope & positivity opens up doors.

I’m not asking you to write your best life down and then reject everything along the journey that doesn’t agree with your vision.  I’m just asking you to have a clear idea of what you want at this moment in time.

I find it incredibly rewarding to do the inner work that it takes to recognize your future self.

So what does my dream day look like 10 years in the future?  It feels a bit odd to share with this large of an audience, but if my day inspires you to sit down and write out yours- awesome.  If you need more support and exercises to help you– we’re taking registration for October’s Lifestyle Design!  And preorder prices (valid through August 17th) are up for the online version of the course!

A Day in the Life of Molly: August 7th, 2019

I wake up early in a sun drenched room with bird noises, white sheets, and the Big Man.  He strokes my hair while I snuggle up for a little longer.  I feel loved. Soon enough, I’m waking the kids up and they’ll begin their tornado morning routine.  Luckily, I’ll be off for a  neighborhood run with some exercise pals, while the Big Man makes them breakfast.

As I come back from my run, I notice the house is clutter free, modern and filled with photos and art from our travels.  Kisses and homework checks for the kids and then I walk them to the bus stop. Home again,  I sip green tea, eat fruit & eggs & sit for my morning meditation.  I feel full of vitality.

The Big Man leaves for the office. I shower, dress in my walk in closet with a mini chandelier & emerge in jeans & funky flats.  I feel creative.  I head back to my office, which is nestled in our backyard, full of sparkly lights and a vegetable garden.  I’m working on a new woman’s retreat in Montana and it’s finally coming together!  Seattle Magazine calls to interview me for a piece on women business owners.  I feel successful.

Meet my sister for lunch at some adorable cafe.  Sparkling water with lime and something delicious to eat.  She just got a huge promotion at her job, so we start planning a vacation to Mexico to celebrate!  Surfing, dancing & margaritas– here we come!  I feel adventurous.  Call the Big Man- have him schedule Mexico in his calendar.  It’s on!

Put in another few hours of work, writing & prepping for teaching a new course the next day.  Complete letters of recommendation for my summer interns- what an incredible group of women!  Put in a quick call to my financial planner to follow up on some investments.   I feel balanced.

I pick the kids up from their after school activities  in my environmentally friendly car and we meet the Big Man at a friend’s house out on the water.  BBQ, laughter, good friends.  The kids are having a blast swimming and jumping off the dock.  I decide it looks like fun and dive right in!  I feel playful.  The adults have a great conversation about the education, politics, and big dreams. I hold the Big Man’s hand the whole time.  I feel connected.

A sleepy family finally makes it home after a full day.  The sun is setting.  Kids to bed after storytime, songtime & snuggles.  Hot sex with the Big Man.  To bed with a calm head and happy heart.

I know, I know, it’s not very exciting.  Some may even say- shock- traditional!  But remember, I said typical day.

You know me, of course I’m after adventure as well!  I want festivals and summitting peaks and acting on stage again and another trip around the world– but if my day-to-day ended up something like that, I would be incredibly grateful for my beautiful life.

What does your dream day look like?  Come on’ ladies!  Lets see them!

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Meet the Team Behind Joyful Living

posted 11th May 2009    Written by: Molly Mahar    CATEGORY: All Posts, Molly, Stratejoy the Biz

School’s almost out for the summer!  For most university women that means a break from classes, a summer job or two & perhaps kicking back with old pals.  For three special ladies- it means a Stratejoy Internship!  These spunky powerhouses are going to be the marketing brains & brawn behind a bunch of exciting projects over the next few months…

Stay tuned.  There are amazing new advances in building our community of gutsy women living authentically joyous lives coming soon.  We’re wiggling with excitement over here as we work on a Lifestyle Design Video Course, a “Gutsy Girl’s Guide to Success” workshop aimed specifically at college girls & a national speaking tour!  (Okay, okay- the speaking tour is still on the wish list!)

Without further ado…. I’d like to introduce the bevy of beauties below!

Summer 2009 Street Team

KRISTY HOGUE, UW

1.  What is your definition of joy?
Joy is enjoying the things in life that take advantage of the best of who you are, challenge you, and keep you engaged, passionate, and motivated.

2.  What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to learn?
I’ve always wanted to learn how to become a better photographer. I took one photography class some years back and want to explore the medium more.

3.  What ice cream topping is most like you?
Dark chocolate fudge sauce because it’s a unique twist on a traditional favorite and while it may be a striking change at first, it grows on people. Dark chocolate also rides the line between “indie” and “trendy,” while always remaining slightly sophisticated.

4. What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
Paragliding! My stomach was in my throat the seconds before I took off last summer in Switzerland, but once I was soaring above the Alps I realized that not only was I safe, but that it was the most amazing, beautiful thing I’d ever experienced!

5. What do you crave?
Intellectual and artistic creativity. I love stumbling on people who have new ways to think about things — whether it’s through a piece of writing, a painting or craft, or a new theory. Creativity always leads to the most interesting, stimulating conversations.

LAUREN SHILDMYER, UW

1.  What is your definition of joy?
I believe that real joy manifests when you know what you’re doing, love what you’re doing, and believe in what you’re doing.

2. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to learn?

I would love to travel to India and study in an Ashram.

3.  What ice cream topping is most like you?

Strawberries! Because I am loyal, honest, and trustworthy.  Strawberries, as a mix-in, will never let you down!

4. What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
White water rafting in Costa Rica (Class 4). My raft tipped half way down a considerable drop and my tail bone made friends with one too many rocks!
5. What do you crave?
I crave buffalo wings! Too often!

NATALIE CERDA, SEATTLE U

1.  What is your definition of joy?

Joy is the feeling you get when your mood can do nothing but lift up.  It starts with a smile and leads to a sense of confidence in yourself.
2. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to learn?

Communication, to better understand the world & the people around me, to be able to build a dialogue and help them learn about themselves and perhaps better understand myself.

3.  What ice cream topping is most like you?

Colorful gumballs… Even though there are a variety of colors, each individual one has its own unique flavor that is loved. Together they are a party, but separately each retains the ability to stand out.

4. What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?

Standing in front of someone I love and care about most and telling them the truth.

5. What do you crave?
I crave being active in life.  I like to stay busy doing something, even if it’s just kickin’ back and watching movies or hanging out with those I care about.

What the heck are you going to do, Molly?

I knew you were going to ask…  Don’t worry!  Even with this rockin’ team at the helm, I still have plenty to do.  I am creating content to bring you brand new Joy 101 classes, refining the Lifestyle Design Workshop so you learn the most powerful clairity exercises & goal setting processes,  and concentrating on booking speaking gigs so I can spread the Authentic Happiness movement near & far. Plus running a small biz, networking, researching, going to workshops myself, writing blogs, reading, connecting with you on Twitter & Facebook, leading Club ReFresh and doing my own personal work on living an authentically joyous existence.

And because I also knew you were going to ask…  Here’s my answers!

MOLLY HOYNE, THE WORLD

1.  What is your definition of joy?

Joy is knowing what you want your life to stand for & having the ability to express it every day.  It’s being connected to your authentic self & understanding that you create your own happiness. Joyful living is the lighthearted journey towards acceptance, goodness & fulfillment.
2. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to learn?

One thing?  How about 100 things?  At the moment, relearning to play the piano (rock/pop singalong songs only) & speaking passable Spanish are at the top of my list.

3.  What ice cream topping is most like you?

Let’s go with chocolate covered pretzels.  Classic, but with a twist.  They seem sweet & mild on the outside, but inside they’re a little salty, with real substance to them.

4. What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?

Starting my own business was/is scary because I’m sharing my passion with the world, the ideas & opinions that really mean something to me.  It’s also the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.

5. What do you crave?
I crave rejuvenation in nature, fresh mangoes, brand new markers, back of the neck kisses & connecting with other curious people.

So…. What are your answers to the five questions we’ve answered?  Share below or post on your own blog & leave the link for us to explore!

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