Do you remember being young and clipping pictures from your teen magazines or your mother’s favorite magazines? My mother always had the latest Cosmopolitan and Redbook on our coffee table. Did you ever create a collage with those clippings? My sisters and I sure did. We spent hours dismantling magazines, carefully selecting perfectly edited photos that represented our dreams and visions for the future. Side note, we would also often stop to read the product ads as if we were doing a commercial, seeing who could recite them without making any mistakes! Just a random trip down memory lane.
Okay, back to the collage. Most of them likely included images of perfect houses, handsome men, wedding bells, fancy cars, beautifully set holiday tables, and adorable little kids. These were our dreams—visual representations of the things we wanted, inspired by what we saw our elders achieve and what they encouraged us to work toward.
This wasn't a bad thing; it was a creative way to envision our futures before we had all these things. I often wonder why we stopped doing this. Then I remember that magazines aren't as popular anymore—honestly, they seem overpriced when you can find the same articles online! But more importantly, I’m curious about why our collages only captured the tangible “things” we were supposed to have. Why did they stop there, at that signal that told us we had enough and didn’t need to keep looking for more? And when I say “more,” I don’t mean the consumption of more “things”; I mean a deeper exploration of our dreams and aspirations beyond just material possessions.
Now, we see this activity making a comeback, often referred to as creating a vision board, and we think that's a fantastic idea. What would your vision board look like now? Imagine yourself in your place of contentment, with all the things you currently have—what comes next for you? What do you want next that will truly fulfill you? What have you been holding on your vision board that you are ready to take the next steps toward pursuing?
And let’s dig even deeper: what would the images on your board truly signify? Does the airplane and tropical island symbolize your longing for adventure, or does it represent an escape from the ordinary and a quest for new experiences? Does a woman relaxing with cucumbers on her eyes not just signify self-care, but the essential need to prioritizing your well-being in a busy world? Perhaps a cozy cup of coffee and a book represent not only a desire for peace and quiet but also moments of reflection and connection with your inner self. What about an image of a wide-open road or a mountain peak—does it evoke feelings of freedom and exploration, or does it suggest a journey toward personal discovery and growth?
In the pursuit of a fulfilling life, many find themselves grappling with profound questions: "When is enough really enough?", Is this all there is? Shouldn’t there be more to explore? We often reach a point of contentment—where life feels stable, our needs are met, and there’s a comforting sense of security. You have enough of what you need. I mean, that’s what we are told our whole lives right? We are conditioned to believe that as long as we have the ordinary things like college, a career, marriage, children, a house and a good retirement plan that this is success, this is enough, this is all you need and life is good. But is this where our journey ends, or is there more to explore? What happens to the part of us that still yearns for purpose, fulfillment, and meaning? How do we tap into that, and what does it look like for us?
As we navigate the complexities of life, the challenge becomes recognizing when we are merely settling for “enough” and how we can embrace a shift toward true fulfillment. It’s time to dive into the idea that maybe being content isn’t the end of the story.
The Illusion of Enough:
Contentment feels like a positive achievement; however, it can sometimes mask an underlying restlessness. The façade of “enough” can lead us to believe that we should be satisfied, silencing the deeper yearnings for growth and exploration. It’s essential to reflect on:
What does “enough” mean to you? Is it just a safe haven, or does it align with your true desires?
Are you enrolled in the "comfort zone"? Many women unknowingly adapt to a life that feels good but lacks excitement or passion. That comfort can prevent us from seeking out new challenges and experiences.
Are you playing the waiting game? When I find a partner, get in shape, feel more confident, kids go to college, have more money, retire—are you waiting for a better moment to pursue your dreams?
Contentment vs. Fulfillment:
Let’s take a look at the difference between contentment and fulfillment.
Contentment: Often viewed as a destination, contentment brings a sense of stability and peace. It’s a reward for the hard work and sacrifices made in life. However, this feeling can sometimes lead to complacency—a sense of being “stuck” in a life that feels good but isn’t fully satisfying.
Fulfillment: In contrast, fulfillment is a dynamic state of being that involves actively pursuing your passions, dreams, and authenticity. It’s about continually nurturing your essence and allowing it to guide your journey. Fulfillment means recognizing that your dreams are valid and worth chasing.
Understanding the Shift:
Embracing the shift is all about appreciating where you are while also opening yourself up to new possibilities. Contentment is a nice stop along the way, but it shouldn’t be a ceiling for future growth.
Redefining Enough: Consider what being “enough” really entails. Instead of viewing it as a finish line, think of it as a steppingstone. What else do you want to achieve, experience, or contribute beyond your current state?
The Power of Desire: Desire isn’t just about wanting things; it’s a vital part of your identity. It drives passions, ignites creativity, and fuels dreams. Allowing yourself to desire more can help you tap into a deeper layer of yourself.
Tips for Embracing the Shift Beyond Contentment:
Self-Reflection: Dedicate time to evaluate your life. What aspects truly bring you joy? Where do you feel stagnant?
Reconnect with Your Core: Take some time to tap into your core—the essence of who you are. Reflect on the passions and dreams you’ve put on hold. This process can feel like reuniting with parts of your identity that may have been overshadowed by life’s responsibilities. Allow yourself to explore what truly excites you and recognize that it's never too late to bring that authentic self back into your life.
Challenge Your Comfort Zone: Test your limits by trying new things—whether it’s a hobby, a travel destination, or meeting new people. Push beyond your perceived boundaries and get out there and do something different, even if it is by yourself. There's none of this "I can't do that by myself".
Identify and Pursue Passions: Make a list of dreams or activities you’ve put on hold. Choose one to focus on and take actionable steps toward it, however small.
Discover and Align with Your Core Values: Spend time identifying what truly matters to you. Reflect on your core values—those guiding principles that define who you are and what you stand for. By understanding these values, you can align your actions and decisions with your authentic self. This alignment helps you break free from societal expectations and pursue paths that resonate deeply with your essence.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Embrace the idea that your life is a canvas for exploration, learning, and growth. Challenge change head on, even if it diverts from the expected path.
Surround Yourself with Inspiration: Surround yourself with friends and fellow women who inspire you to think bigger and push you toward your dreams. You are never too old to ask someone to be friends!
Instead of just accepting contentment, let’s get curious and explore what else is out there. Are you ready to embrace the shift with us? Tell us what you want next for your life! Drop a comment or send us a message—we’d love to hear your thoughts and support you on your journey. And tomorrow, I’m going to buy some magazines and create my very own vision board! I might even be tempted to practice my ad reading skills! I’ll let you know how it goes.
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