“Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.” —W. Clement Stone

One of my blog readers reached out yesterday and commented on my bravery and asked me how I maintain such powerful “body confidence”. Although I definitely have been working on my personal body confidence, I don’t always feel grateful for the reflection I see in my mirror. When I have those moments, I remind myself that I’m striving for progress not perfection. I won’t say that I have let myself go over the last few years, but I must admit that I haven’t focused enough attention on my physical health. Covid lockdown means no dance events, which intensifies things. Dance like is oxygen for my soul.

Rather than beat myself up, I find it much more helpful to set simple, achievable goals. At the moment I have two smaller goals and one larger goal. I am waking at 9 am daily, hopping out of bed, making a warm drink with lemon, fresh ginger and honey. Once my elixir is prepared, my partner and I head out for our morning walk. We’ve been doing this daily for the past couple of weeks, even when it’s raining cats and dogs. I’ve now added a quick stretch, a bit of meditation and blogging to my morning routine (I’m only on day 2, lol but I’m hoping to create a daily blogging habit).

My larger goal is to buy a retreat property. I’m not sure where I want to purchase land yet, but I’ve been contemplating British Columbia, Washington state, Taos New Mexico and a quaint town near New Orleans. Building a retreat center isn’t a new idea, it’s something that I’ve wanted to activate for many years. In the past, it was more of a dream that I thought about from time to time, but something in me has shifted. My kids are all growing up and moving forward with their own lives. The realization recently hit me that I’m an empty nester and the world is my oyster! I’m also working on my mindset. When I experience moments of self doubt, I remind myself of Eleanor Roosevelt’s powerful words:

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams…

For those of you who don’t know where I am in the world or what I’m currently focusing on, beyond being a body positive activist, Intimacy Coach and a blogger, I am a licensed General Contractor in the state of Washington. My business is currently thriving, which is opening up opportunities for expansion. The well of gratitude I feel runs deep within my soul. I am hopeful for the future and excited to share this journey with each of you!

I believe in the power of my dreams. Do you have a dream? Something you’ve been contemplating over the years? Do you believe in the beauty of your dreams? Please comment. I’d love to hear about your dreams!

From my heart to yours, Joy