You are allowed to have the life you dream of
Let’s talk about my move to Hawaii and what it is all about. If you are new here, I am 55 years old, mother of 4 grown kids and grandma to 6. After 23 years of marriage, I decided that I needed a life. A happy life. I was tired and unhappy and decided it was ok to put myself first. Giving myself a dream life is ok.
Now, I did not just leave my life and move to paradise. First off I spent about 13 years getting my life set up for this. Beginging with obtiaing my degree from Southern New Hampshire University online while I worked full time, follwed by a move to Michigan . I work for Little Unicorn and I love my job and the company. A great job is also part of the dream life.
After my kids were married and settled and done with school, I decided that I was going to build a life for myself. A single woman in her 50’s ( I was in my 40’s when this started though) can start over. Next, I spent a few months selling everything and I mean..everything. My car, my clothes,my dishes, books, my furniture, all of it. I looked online and found a place to move. 6 weeks later, I was on a plane with my little dog and a few suitcases. Excitedly, I moved to Waikiki. Getting my dog here also deserves a post of its own and I will do that too.
I love Hawaii
Why Hawaii? I love it,always have. The weather, the culture, the relaxed way of life. I have known at some point I would move here. For years I kept thinking I wanted to get here before I was too old to do the things here that I enjoy. If it didn’t work, if I hated it, if I was lonely, I would move back to the mainland. So far, I do not see that happening. It is all that dream life.
I remember that first night (October 2021) lying in my bed and thinking ” I did it. I followed my dream. Most importantly,I trusted myself”. But also, I felt empowered and accomplished and proud. Little old me had taken the leap and landed rightside up. I slowly began to meet people, to make friends. Since my original move, I moved to a newer and nicer building in April of 2022 and life blossomed. Again, more of that dream life I speak of.
What Dreams Are Made Of
The Building that I live in is what anyone would dream of with a move to Oahu. Lilia Waikiki is amazing, beautiful and filled with friends that are family to me now. It feels like home here. I love my apartment and all of the things I have purchased for this little studio that I adore.
Furnishing paradise is easier than you think
Everyone asked me how I was going to furnish and buy all the things I needed. ummm AMAZON ships to Hawaii and most Amazon Prime arrives in less than 5 days. It is worth it..I live in freaking Hawaii!
Furniture
Some of the first things I bought were my glass top desk that I love. It is a great size and everyone who walks in comments on it. I love it.
My rattan Sideboard Buffet Cabinet which is the center of my living area is a favorite. It took me about 3 hours to put together but I did it, alone and I felt accomplished!
Having great pool towels was a priority to me strangley. Afterall, my building is like a resort and I could not go down to the pool with tacky towels. I researched and decided on Turkish Towels for the pool. Thankfully, they dry so fast here which is crucial. I love that they are soft and look high end which was my goal. These also come in a zillion colors but my place is very neutral and I loved the sand color and went with those.
Dishes
I sold my dishes and needed to order some but cabinet realestate is valuable in my small place. Needing something multifunctional, I decided to go with a multi use Large Pasta Bowl set that functions as a bowl and a plate. I have loved them and they look so nice in my home. White dishes are basic but my mom always told me that food looks prettier on them and she is right. Skip the patterned dishes for your everyday set.
Most of all,Life is really so good
In truth,life.is good and I am so happy. I have become a new person. I am not who moved here unhappy and overweight and depressed. Importantly, I did not even realize I was missing joy until I felt is flood into my life and now I need it.
If you are feeling that you need a change, take stock of your life. Make lists and spreadsheets and whatever else you need to do to make it work for you. It is ok to put yourself first. It is ok to want things for yourself. Being selfish means putting yourself first. It is not always negative. It might be a new job, a new home, a new friend or a move to paradise. Life happens too quickly and if you do not make the life you want to lead, nobody will.
You can do it. I did it and I have never regretted it. The photo below shows how happiness can make you look and feel more alive. The left was taken 3 days after I got here and the right side is me now. I look happier. I am happier.
We have the right to happiness. Do it.
Find it and make it yours. Do it.
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