How to Design the Life You Love
Creativity has never had a low point on Earth. Humankind has somehow shown extensive passion for finding new ways of accomplishing various tasks. From inventing the wheel to redefining its purposes in several hundreds of ways, innovation keeps us going.
Creativity is a river that flows infinitely within each one of us. Some tap it better than others, but there is hardly a soul I know that suffers from a total absence of creativity.
I have found inspiration from the dew dripping off of a blade of grass, from the gleaming taillights of cars as they wink and glare at the car behind, from the morning calls of a songbird that is excited to start a new day, to the deep words of writers and poets who’ve touched millions of hearts through their works.
With the internet revolutionising the way we look at creativity, I find Pinterest to be one of the best places to find inspiration. During one such Pinterest exploration, I came across this beautiful quote: “She designed a life she loved.”
I read it a few times before its true meaning began to sink in deeper. Doesn’t it make complete sense for us to take up the responsibility of designing our lives just the way we want it to be? Some may see this as an impossible task, others may only believe in it like a dream ~ but few have the grit to find a way of designing a life that aligns itself to their values and the things that they love.
Looking over my shoulder, cherishing the life that I have spent so far, I can recall phases of life when everything wasn’t as rosy as I wanted it to be. Life threw in surprises, some were lovely but others were trying times.
These bittersweet experiences of life have honed me into the person I am today. I have made mistakes in judging people, I have seen my trust dwindling in people, and I have overlooked opportunities that once knocked on my door. But despite all of this, I stand today as a passionate blogger and a proud business owner, solely because of the life I have lived.
So, I pick up on the threads of yesterday to weave myself a better tomorrow where the things around me can be beautifully designed the way I would want it to be. To answer the question, “How would I design a life I love?” ~ I would reply with a formula that has few exceptions and works excellently well on an almost universal scale.
How to Design the Life You Love: The Ingredients
My Kith and Kin
No matter how many tests and trials life takes me through, knowing that I have support and that I can find courage in my family, makes me a stronger person. My husband has helped me face my tribulations more gracefully. Parents, cousins, brothers, sisters, and aunts and uncles, nephews, and nieces complete us. They are my weakness and my strength. Life’s design is never complete without family, no matter how and where they are.
My Metier
My works define me more deeply than anything else. Blogging has inadvertently become an essential part of me. Few people I know can enjoy their work as much as I do. Although, I must admit that it did not work right from the beginning. There were several fruitless attempts, but I am glad that it paved my way to a profession that helps me live life at my own pace and on my own terms.
My Clan of Friends
Friends are like pillars. They have been my support and I theirs. In doing so, life has taught me many lessons. From spending an afternoon full of laughter to joining others in times of despair; life is dreary without friends and I can hardly imagine one without them.
The Solitude
Sometimes, I find solace in myself more than others. Being all by myself, I can tap into the real depths of my creativity. I can understand my limits without being stopped short by someone else. It gives me the time to reflect on my actions and reactions.
Finding the Balance
Designing a life I love will have all these elements in a balanced way. From taking time out for family and friends to ensuring that I can give time to myself and my work; everything matters and doing it right depends entirely on me.
Having experienced life for these many years now, I realise that the small and big experiences together make life worth living. On the micro-level, every single day is made of smaller experiences ~ simpler experiences, and at the macro-level, life is marked by the bigger moments of happiness and despondency.
Striking a balance isn’t possible all the time. Sometimes, work needs more attention, and at other times, family becomes a priority. In designing a life that you love, you must make time for your sources of happiness ~ be it friends, family, work, or yourself.
To conclude: Do everything that you want or simply lie down in your bed and do nothing at all for a day. It works brilliantly in fuelling your energy and helping you start every day with a lively mind that looks forward to life as it unfolds in each moment.
But if you feel like you are caught up in living a life that you do not love, then I hope to spark a light of hopefulness that encourages you to pave the way that you want to walk ~ to build the bridge which can help you cross the river of life, to navigate the ship that takes you to the greener side.
A lot of us already live a lovely life. Sometimes we just forget to appreciate it.
That sums up my views on how to design the life you love. How do you feel about designing a life that you would love? What’s your take on it all? Feel free to share in the comments.
What would be advisable for you to do with your life when you grow up? After 45 revolutions around the sun, here is my best counsel: REFUSE to grow up and simply LIVE life without bounds!!
Haha!! The best advice yet, Ritika!
Thank you for sharing your life’s journey with us, Tanya. ❤️
Here’s my take: A longer path on a better journey with no predictable sights. Forget about the destination, and always take the scenic route!
Thank you for sharing, Aastha.
You convey words to the truth of life that I am not talented enough to put to paper. Loved this post! Words that mirror my sentiments completely… ❤️
Aww… thank you so much, Asawari!
I loved this share! I can hardly wait to see what your next post will talk about… Whatever it is, I’ve no doubt you will make it fascinating!
Thank you for your warm appreciation, Shanaiya.
My entire life I’ve thought this! I guess it would be really cool for you to pen a book, and perhaps publish it online, as well as in a paperback… 🙂
Perhaps in a few years, Aparna…
Tanya, you are exceptionally gifted! And you’re so right, we all have the power to live the life we desire… Even when our external world is falling apart. Continue blogging and inspiring! xx
Thank you for your lovely words, Puja.
I always look forward to reading your new posts and point of view… Thank you for being a sparkling star in my reality, Tanya! If you ever find yourself in Rajasthan… come find me! ❤️
Now that really made my day! Thank you, Nidhi.
Tanya, you are so darn quotable! ✨✨✨
Here’s one from me: When life gives you lemons, make delicious guacamole, and have a margarita with that – since life is too short not to celebrate!
Haha!! Hear, hear! 😀
Love this! ❤️ Words of Wisdom…
Time is fiction. Merely an applied instrument, it is used to characterise, and then measure augmentations of what was previously nothing. In this way, “now” is everything!
Beautiful!
I love your blog-posts, Tanya! They make me laugh, touch my heart, and motivate me to get my blog kicked into high-gear! Also, since yesterday I have been stuck with thoughts that were bothering me, unable to decide – but your post has made me think things out from another angle. Thank you!
Thank you, Samta. You’ve made my presence here worth it.
Anxiety and stress are undesirable guilty parties at this moment, but reading your posts with the beautiful imagery ensures a Zen moment. Sending a loving embrace! ❤️
Right back, Bhairavi!
Life just completely sucks sometimes… It’s hard to understand why it needs to be that way! Thank you for this wonderfully insightful post, and for inspiring us! Sending positive thoughts your way…
I’m glad to be of help, Priyanshi. Here’s sending sunshine your way…
Does it help to know that you bring a little sunshine with your fabulous blog, Tanya? I could read your posts, new and old, over and over every day… ❤️
You are the sweetest, Ashvika! Big love!
Something that looks a little different, that brings something just a little bit special, that makes you stand a little bit taller – just for living it!
Side note: You are such a talented writer! If only you’d realise how many lives you brighten with your blog…❤️
Aww ~ lotsa love coming your way, Amruta!
Reading your blog makes me feel like I’m having tea with an old friend… I can’t tell you how often I read something from your posts and think, “I can totally relate to that.” Thank you for being ‘genuinely you’! ❤️
This is very kind of you. I’m humbled by your appreciation, Padmini.
Perceive and hold onto the method of the law of attraction and you’ll get there… Keep soaring, Tanya. ❤️
You overwhelm me, Moushumi! Thank you.
“There are no wrong turnings. Only paths we had not known we were meant to walk” ~ Guy Gavriel Kay
These subconscious notions are a way for me to channel my thoughts and emotions and help me to consciously observe them… 🙂
I hope to inspire you to find your own ways of reconnecting to yourself, Prerna.
You are amazing, Tanya! ❤️ Love this blogging community where we mutually exchange stories, knowledge and energies for personal growth! ✨
That means a lot to me. Thank you, Somya.
The greatest power we possess is the power to choose. To choose what things mean. To choose what to believe. And I know one thing is for sure – we can’t allow the fear of “what if” to ruin the faith and joy of “what is”.
Sending lots of positive vibes… ❤️
Couldn’t agree more, Nisha. Choices are so underrated.
People need to look hard at the choices they have made and will make and how it will effect their lives…
Love this ❤️ And, really resonate with the message, Tanya. We really do have so much more power than we realise… and recognising this is something that can completely change our lives!
Here’s to elevating the energy of the world! ❤️
Yes, absolutely! ❤️ The one relationship that will never be of convenience is your relationship with yourself (mind, body, and soul). The key is to have one that’s healthy AND fulfilling. 🙂
From your mouth to the universe’s ear!
Agreed. You deserve more than to be held back by meaningless relationships. Especially when they’re so heavy to carry around. It’s time to do some self-reflection and do what’s best for “you”. ✨✨✨
Glad to hear this, Neha. Thank you for sharing!
On point wisdom. Much love for you, Tanya! Your blog is very inspiring & motivating… I’m going to really be strengthening my mental health this year.
That’s great! Glad to hear it, Mansi.
This is beautiful! ✨
The joy of more is found in the daily decisions we make & the limiting beliefs we silence with consistent effort… So, keep dreaming & keep believing!
Thank you for your sweet words, Nimisha.
You are so beautiful inside and out! ❤️
My advise would be to acknowledge the life you are already living. Celebrate every win. Learn from your mistakes & leave the weight of those experiences in the past as you pursue your future…
Thank you for your feedback and suggestions for my readers, Kankana.
This is a beautiful post. ❤️
It’s important to allow yourself to explore, to reframe, and to create your life. On that note, thank you for helping me be clear on my vision of where I want to be, and helping me build a plan to get there faster. ✨
Thank you so much, Khadeeja! I appreciate all the love and support you have given me.
What a stunning piece of work! ❤️ Taking in all the exquisiteness of this breath-taking blog you’ve designed… You seem to have touched every inch with your magic so that no part is left out! 🙂
Oh , what a beautiful & sensitive soul you are, Sheetal. Thank you for your kind thoughts!
Oh yes! Make a plan and go for it! Design the life you love… The one where all your efforts turn out better than you ever dreamed, they would! ✨
Thanks so much for sharing, friend. Inspiring as always!
Aw ~ that’s such a heartwarming and beautiful comment. Thank you, Srishti!
Just wow! Thanks much for guiding me through the power of this vision board.
By the way, flawlessly designed blog here ~ it creates a space that makes you feel a certain bliss when you access it, a space you never want to leave!
Thank you for believing in me, Pratiksha. You’re the best ever!
This is just perfect! ❤️ It’s so inspiring to see your beautiful words coming together to communicate an important message. Also, so glad to be connected to you on here, and thankful for our friendship!
Thank you as always for your love and support, Jagrit.
This is amazing, Tanya!
Your only limits are the ones you set for yourself. You can have whatever dream the Universe has given you; you just have to decide to make it happen. After all, 95% of designing a life you love is your mindset.
Aww ~ thank you so much, Suparna. Your support on this platform means the world!