Do you feel like you're "late" and "falling behind" in life?
Welcome to the club, i'm here to tell you something you might need to hear cause guess what you...
Hello Builder,
Let's start by saying, you can't be late on your own life!
Repeat after me: "I can't be late for my own life."
I know it's easier said than felt because, if you're anything like me, you probably feel it constantly.
I'm almost 32 and constantly wonder, "What am I doing with my life?" But here's the thing, we all feel this way sometimes, even the most accomplished people I've met.
It's like we're waiting to get graded on how well we're adulting, but guess what? This is your life, and you get to decide what success looks like for you.
Not compared to someone else's life on Instagram, not compared to your friends who have great jobs or are married with kids, and not even compared to your own high expectations.
Looking back, 16-year-old me wanted to be married with two kids by now. 19-year-old me wanted to be a chemical engineer, and 22-year-old me wanted to be a high-powered tech exec. But present me is grateful that none of those things happened because they weren't right for me. When I was 28, I wanted a multi-million dollar online empire, but the pandemic hit, and I got COVID-19. It forced me to rest, pause, and stop using work as an excuse to avoid myself. It allowed me the space to tend to my wounds, uncover what I truly wanted, and finally let myself just be.
Now, at 30, post-COVID me just wants to be happy, and I'm grateful for all the moments that got me here. I might not have the partner, kids, or home I thought I wanted, but I've built a life that 13-year-old me dreamed of, where I get to travel the world, meet amazing people, have beautiful romances, and build and learn constantly.
So, if you woke up today, that's enough. And honestly, if you made it through today. Yesterday after writing draft one of this, I almost got T-Boned and the car was literally 2 inches away from not making it, a story for another time, but truly a reminder that…
You are taking it day by day, You made it through.
Know that you are not late; you are on your own unique journey at your own pace.
You're alive, and that’s all that matters!
And I will take this moment to give you a little coaching exercise
Reflect on your life and list five small accomplishments you're genuinely proud of, regardless of societal or parental expectations. Write down how you felt in those moments and keep the list somewhere visible as a reminder that you're on your own unique journey at your own pace.
My recommendations this week:
Focus Tool: Cave Day.
I did my first cave day IRL almost a decade ago. This is a great way to hold yourself accountable by virtual coworking with other folks. Especially for brains like mine #adhdsquad. I’ve been using body doubling for the last decade to get things done - try it out via my referral link. First month for $1, Three Months for $40, Annual for $300
Podcast: New Mindset, Who This
If you’ve seen those sticky notes with aspirational messages Viola Davis occasionally shares on Instagram and felt warm inside, You will love this podcast. Especially for the fellow single & intentional dating crew. This is a 15 min thought-provoking podcast that will cheer you up, it always makes my day.
How I can help:
Feeling stuck? Need some direction? Want help breaking down a project, task, or big dream? Need help incorporating more JOY into your life?
Book a 1 on 1 power session with me here
A zero no cost way to help me!?
Share this newsletter with a friend or on your socials and tag me
Instagram: Buildwithjoy.Co and Twitter: @BuildwithJoy
help my ADHD brain get some dopamine to stay motivated and keep sending out this newsletter by just simply sharing and letting me know you actually read this.
you have no idea what wonders that does to keep me from giving up.
Until next week,
Joy Valerie Carrera