is your IDEAL Lifestyle equivalent to your Ideal Quality of Life?
Sometimes our society confuses an ideal lifestyle with a high quality of life. Although these could merge, I don’t believe them to be equal.
My Instagram handle is @imagineyourlifestyle. As a real estate consultant, I guide people with one of the most precious investments of their lives. While pursuing a home purchase or sale, people are dreaming big about their next chapter. They are visualizing how this move can be a fresh start and they are excited about how life will shift in positive ways.
Owning a house is still part of the American Dream. Having a beautiful space, designed to ones personal aesthetic, is something many want. A property is only one piece in the search for our desired quality of life. I encourage my clients to think beyond the house… think about the lifestyle, location, and community that will bring your soul peace.
Sink or Float?
I feel that mental health awareness and mindfulness are far more accepted today than in past generations.
I recently had a conversation with my twelve year old daughter on managing life’s demands. At that age I was not exposed to the mindfulness tools that are widely discussed today, but as a parent I am grateful to be able to share the exercises with my children. We were talking about how to release all the tension and pressure that our body is holding, which anchors our ability to appreciate our beautiful life.
We talked about floating on water and how we need to allow the body to fully relax in order to rest quietly on the surface. If we are thinking too much, bracing ourselves, or allowing fear to overcome us… we will sink. If we can completely let go for a few moments, allow our body and mind to fully rest, and visualize any anxious energy leaving the body… we will float.
Imagine a life where we float more often than we sink.
A high quality of life to me is living each day with minimal stress and optimal happiness.
Ideal Lifestyle
Whenever the media starts flashing those record level lottery jackpots, we all begin to dream big! If you won the jackpot, how would you spend the money?
We tend to look at the rich and famous as our example. We envy their expensive clothes, their massive houses, their lavish vacations, and their yachts. We see the wealthiest among us as those who are truly living that dream lifestyle.
I challenge that thought.
I believe that even those who are financially established are still searching for fulfillment. They are still reaching for that next ‘thing’ that will bring them joy. How many of those individuals ever actually reach a point where they fulfilled their mind, body, and soul?
Goals and Dreams
Goal setting is important and good. We should all be working toward those milestones, celebrate them when they are reached, and then set sights on the next. This is how we stay engaged and alive!
However if we tell ourselves that we will never be truly happy until we can have the superficial lifestyle of the rich and famous, we will miss all the amazingly wonderful moments along the way!
Of course you should DREAM BIG, but don’t forget to embrace and enjoy the journey!
inspiring spaces
Sometimes obtaining our ideal quality of life means we need to eliminate something from our lives that is stealing our peace.
I don’t believe minimalism and tiny homes are just a trend. I see it as an indication that our society is recognizing its desire for a high quality of life that does not necessarily involve the accumulation of unnecessary items.
We want to declutter our homes, minds, and spirits.
This doesn’t mean you can’t strive for nice things, exciting vacations, or a beautiful space to call home!
Some of you may have heard my story as to what lead me to my career in real estate before. The cliff note version is that after experiencing some breathtaking architecture in my teenage years, I was eager to find a career where I could introduce people to that wonderful feeling of inspiration a space can induce. After studying architecture and theatrical design, I began my professional career as an architectural lighting designer. My path lead me to the residential real estate industry where all of my interests and talents seemed to merge. I now have the opportunity to help people with the most treasured space in their lives!
Whatever size home you are blessed with, I encourage you to create an environment that provides daily comfort, visual excitement, and personal inspiration.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
I often tell people when they are searching for a new home that it is important to consider the location, the community, and the proximity to people/places/attractions that bring them joy.
I just had a conversation with a client who is searching for just that. He said he jotted down my comment: ‘The community is an extension of your home. Not every location is right for every person, so it is important that before you look at any houses, you must first find the community that will compliment your interests and values’.
A quick exercise
I want to invite you to take a moment to write down 3 things that bring you JOY. Think about people, places, or things that you can rely on to relieve anxious moments.
When you are having a stressful day, what brings a smile to your face?
What music genre helps you to stay grounded?
What is your favorite room in your home?
Who do you have in your life that you love?
Post these thoughts somewhere that you will see it every day! Remind yourself each morning that regardless of where you are financially, you have the ability to live a high quality of life today.