Designing your life

Yes, you read it right! Designing your life, that's what I'm going to talk to you about today. Since becoming chronically ill, I have had to rigorously change my life. Tricky? Yes. Would I want it any other way? No!

Around me I see it happening so often, friends, the people I coach or through the questions I get through social media. Not properly aligning your life with your needs. In this blog, 5 tips to better align your life.

We need so many

No way, you think! We always think we have a lot to do, but nothing could be further from the truth. You're thinking now: that doesn't bother me. Well? Maybe you recognise something from these examples?

• I have to answer that email, which I received yesterday as received
• I really need to app or call Bella now, she must not think....
• Pete's birthday is almost, I have to go there
• Laundry really needs to be folded and, oh yes! Vacuuming needs to be done too
• We should just go do something fun

Recognisable? Then be sure to read on!

Tip 1: be critical of your 'musts'

We all do it, yes me too. Even though I have been adapting my life for years, 'musts' creep in for me too. I have to answer e-mails, I have to take the dogs for long walks or they won't like it, I have to paint something new or people (and followers) won't like me anymore.... and I could go on and on. Not nice, because actually you don't have to do that much at all! For example, I have discovered that it is fine to read and answer your e-mail only twice a week, it is fine not to go to birthdays and it is totally fine to put off household chores. Oh yes, and doing something fun can also just be watching a movie on the couch, or pulling out that fun board game again!

Anyway, be critical of your 'musts' often you don't realise it yourself that they are there. Just this morning, someone said to me: 'why not post some 'old' work on instagram every now and then? Isn't it still super fun!' Euh... no idea, but I had it in my head that I should make something new every week anyway. It creeps in!

Tip 2: be assertive

Saying no, being clear and indicating what would be more comfortable for you. Not the easiest task, but something that brings super freedom and self-confidence. Because when you take good care of yourself by expressing yourself and acting on your needs, your self-confidence grows!

Tip 3: what could be more efficient?

Many things could just be easier. For example, I have chosen to send orders (at the moment) only twice a week. I also clearly communicate that I sleep between 1pm and 3pm, for example, so that's when I don't have appointments and friends and family don't disturb me. I find cooking super heavy, so on the days when I pack orders (which is also quite heavy) Edwin cooks. So there are incredible opportunities to make it all a bit simpler and more efficient!

Tip 4: Your ideal life

Handy all that pruning in your life, but where do you go from here? What do you want your life to look like? It's a good idea to take some time for that. For instance, I knew I didn't want to live in a hurry anymore, I didn't want to go over my limits anymore and, above all, I wanted to enjoy life. Vague? Maybe, but asking myself with every choice I make whether it contributes to my ideal life actually always points me in the right direction!

Tip 5: Dive deeper

Often, you yourself don't see exactly how things can be done differently. It's great to dive deeper into that. Whether you consult a coach, a good book or my wonderful card deck 'messages from the woods', the important thing is that you are consciously working on it. It's not just one thought and now everything is different, it's a process!

Need help?

I said it before! How about a delightful set of inspiration cards? Animals from the forest tell you what you need, make you think and show you the way towards deepening. You keep evolving and moving, so, together with all the tips, there will be room to create the life that suits you!