What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t fail?
What would you do if you never got paid?
What would you do if you believed you’d been training for it for lifetimes?
Have you ever wondered what your life would look like if money wasn’t a concern? Imagine waking up each day, excited and fulfilled, doing what truly makes your heart sing. What if you could start living that life right now, even if you didn’t get paid for it?
I’ve been contemplating these questions a lot lately. At their core, I think these types of
questions help us find the things that really bring us joy. I know it can sound like a pipedream to not have to worry about money, but asking these questions provide clues into the kind of life you truly desire to live.
While there are many amazing wonders we have created in modern society, I think the current system has taken us further away from living our most Vibrant Lives. We've grown up believing that our weird little interests are only worth pursuing if they make us money. Couple those deep-seated beliefs with the current economical climate, and we have a recipe for a lot of stressed out, dull, and lackluster lives. I'm not denying that you may have true financial challenges, but as a coach and a Reflector, it's my job to hold up the mirror and show you what's up.
Even though times may be tough right now, all hope is not lost! The great news is that you STILL have the opportunity every day to create a life that is more aligned with the desires of your heart. To have that life, you have to first uncover those desires.
Many of us have become so buried in life’s obligations of parenthood, career, partnership or marriage, familial support, and upholding of societal standards that we’ve lost our Selves in the process. We’ve become a shell of a human being, catching only glimmers of joy in rare sightings. This is why I am obsessed with self-reflection because instead of losing hours of my day endlessly scrolling on social media or television, I am getting to know the person I will spend the rest of my life with: Me.
I recently wrote an Echo Letter from my Future Self to my Current Self, and she had a LOT to say. The practice was illuminating, and it helped me to identify ways I was keeping myself small so I would be more palatable to others. I know that my actions today will create that Future Kori and her world, so I must connect with my heart's desires and set my life on a course toward those dreams.
Birthing My Dream Changed My Life
I grew up around my dad and uncles always tinkering in the garage with their motorcycles. I remember many summer nights as a child in the 80's, listening to AC/DC blasting on the radio, watching the grown-ups take apart sprockets and grease up chains. The air was always thick with cigarette smoke and gasoline, but I loved every second of it. One of my earliest memories was the first time I was on the back of my uncle's trike (a three-wheeled motorcycle) at 4-years-old, and I KNEW even then that I wanted to be on motorcycles for the rest of my life.
Any time I got a chance, I would go with my dad on his Honda Shadow. Feeling the wind in my hair, and smelling the world around me... it was some of the fondest memories of my kid life. Fast forward to adulthood, I ALMOST bought a motorcycle while I was in the Navy, but my first husband vehemently stood against my desire. Not wanting to rock the boat of an already shaky marriage, I let my dream of owning my own bike slip through my fingers.
It would be almost a decade later before that dream came back to the surface. I met my current partner Dan almost 5 years ago, and as it turns out, he rides motorcycles. A LOT of motorcycles. Fast sport bikes. Adventure bikes. Dirt bikes. His presence in my life reawakened that dream in me, and this time, I wasn't going to let that Dream Flame die. I knew there were adventures for me to have on a motorcycle, and I began riding with Dan on his V-Strom adventure bike. With this fire burning so deeply in my heart, it didn't take long for me to want to get a bike of my own.
I was determined to get a motorcycle. I had a plan, started getting gear, and decided what kind of bike I wanted. And then, the pandemic hit and I lost my job while I was in nursing school. How the heck was I going to afford a bike now? By this point, I had learned a little magic and manifestation, and I knew that I had the power to bring the perfect bike for me into my world. I tossed aside those worries and fears and got into gratitude and dreaming mode. I knew in my heart that I was worthy of having the desires of my heart, and this desire had been 35 years in the making.
I did my research. I knew what I wanted to do with my bike. I wrote it all down in my journal at the beginning of 2020. I wanted to camp and travel and see the world with my bike. I wrote down the bike I wanted: a BMW F650GS, in black, silver, or blue, with all the gear I needed to be safe, and hard cases on the sides so I could travel. I looked at bikes everywhere I went. I even went to the BMW store and sat on a few newer versions of that bike. I saved my money as best I could, making sure that I had the funds when the time came. And then, it HAPPENED.
I opened up the motorcycle trading website and found a silver F700GS for sale only 90 miles away from me. I called the seller immediately, and Dan and I made a plan to go look at it. It turns out that this man was EXACTLY the same height as me (pretty rare to find a guy who's 5'5"!), which is a big deal for riding motorcycles. This was his Forever Motorcycle, but he had become ill and couldn't ride it anymore. He poured his heart and soul into this bike, with many upgrades and even a custom-lowered seat. He wanted this bike to go to someone who would travel the world with her, and after telling him my story, we both knew this was a match.
I had EXACTLY the amount he was asking for the bike in my savings account. He threw in ALL his riding gear, helmets, BMW jacket and pants, dry bags, kickplate, heated grips, hard cases, the extra seat, oil filters... the works. And, it only had 4,000 miles on it! It was in impeccable condition. It was a literal dream come true, and it was better than I even imagined. My beautiful motorcycle, Lilith, came home with me that night, and my life has been full of more joy than I could describe. More on that story soon!
Why did this bike come into my world? Because I got out of my own damn way and decided that it was time that I start living my most Vibrant Life. I quit thinking about what other people wanted for me, and I got back to filling my life with things that Light Me The Fuck UP. And riding motorcycles just so happens to be one of those weird awesome things for me. It doesn't make me money. There's no "purpose" for it according to societal standards. It is simply for my pleasure. And from that pleasure, I have put my life on a path that is truly fulfilling and Vibrant.
What's your weird dream that you've had your whole life? What if the only reason you don't have it is because your mind is keeping you stuck in Familiar Land? Sure, you could say it's money (I know I did, for a long time). You could say it's because of your obligations as a mom. Or that your family would disapprove. Or that you're too old or too fat or too thin or too dumb or too whatever. All those reasons... they are just stories, babe. And stories can be re-written. YOU are the Creatrix of your own life. The sooner you start believing that story and claiming it, the sooner you'll start living the fun, goofy, weird, joyful life that's perfect for you.
So let's look at some of those stories, so you can sort through the junk and get to living your most awesome, Vibrant Life EVER.
The Mental Traps that Keep Us From Joy
Often, we hold back from pursuing our dreams because of mental thought traps that keep us stuck. Let's explore some common thought traps and how we can break free from them.
1. All or Nothing Thinking
We often fall into the trap of thinking we must fully commit to our dreams or not pursue them at all. This mindset can paralyze us, making us believe that small steps aren't worth taking. The crappy thing about this story is that it keeps us from making ANY steps towards our dreams, and with no action, our dreams stay just that: dreams. Bob Proctor said, "Don't die with the music still in you." No matter how crazy or weird your dream sounds to other people, if it is truly your dream and you start taking one step at a time towards that dream, it will light you up and your life will feel more Vibrant than ever before.
Solution: Start small. Incorporate elements of your dream life into your daily routine. Every small step brings you closer to your desired life.
2. Fear of Failure
Fear of failure can be debilitating, making us think that any misstep will lead to disaster. This fear prevents us from taking risks and trying new things. Guess what babe? Any thing new you try, you are going to suck at. We don't expect a toddler to know how to run the first time they take a step. So why do we expect ourselves to be amazing the first time we try something.
Solution: Embrace failure as part of the learning process. Each failure provides valuable lessons that bring you closer to success. Shift your mind to embrace failure, because it means you are willing to try new things... and THAT is where life gets vibrant and juicy.
3. Perfectionism
Perfectionism creates an unrealistic standard that’s impossible to meet, leading to procrastination and self-doubt. We may feel that if it’s not perfect, it’s not worth doing. Your art is going to look weird at first. Your cupcakes might be flat or dense at first. Sister, can I tell you how many times I dropped my motorcycle in the last 4 years? Dozens of times. As a matter of fact, I dropped her yesterday in the garage right before our ride and have a big ole' bruise on my thigh as a result. If I let that expectation of perfection keep me from riding yesterday, I would have missed out on all the beauty and joy and friendship I experienced while riding through the mountains.
Solution: Focus on progress rather than perfection. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and remember that perfection is an illusion.
4. Comparison to Others
Constantly comparing ourselves to others can make us feel inadequate and discouraged. It's easy to see others’ successes and feel like we're not measuring up. All these guys out here are riding in the mountains with me this week super fast and are WAY more experienced than me... but I don't let that stop me from enjoying myself. One of our favorite sayings is "Ride your ride!" So take a cue from my crew, and just focus on your own timing. Let your joy lead the way!
Solution: Focus on your unique journey. Celebrate your individual progress and achievements, understanding that everyone’s path is different.
5. Scarcity Mindset
A scarcity mindset is the belief that resources, opportunities, and success are limited. This mindset can lead to feelings of competition and anxiety. So, maybe you don't have thousands of dollars to spend on a month-long vacation in the Carribean. But you could make a plan to go to a resort in the Gulf of Mexico for a few days. Getting yourself in the Vibrant Life mindset will actually open doors to your bigger dreams FASTER. You always create more amazing things from a place of Joy rather than a place of lack.
Solution: Cultivate an abundance mindset. Recognize that there are enough opportunities for everyone, and that collaboration often leads to greater success.
Start Living Your Desired Life Today
Overcoming these thought traps is the first step toward living the life you’ve always dreamed of. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the right amount of money. Start integrating your passions and dreams into your daily life now. Reflect on what truly brings you joy and take small, actionable steps toward that vibrant life.
Sure, right now, I can't go traipse around Europe with my motorcycle for 6 months. I do have obligations here at home, like a farm, a couple of businesses, and I'm still mostly solo parenting my 10-year-old daughter. BUT, that doesn't mean I can't take steps toward that dream. I can take a weekend of solo camping in the woods. I can go for rides in the mountains like I am this week at the Tail of the Dragon and Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina. I can take care of my body so I have the strength to pick Lilith up when I dump her (like I said earlier, it happens!). I can make connections and learn what it takes to ride in Europe solo. I can practice my skills and take adventure riding classes. And all this time, I'm building up so much joy and excitement and living my most Vibrant Life.
And I guarantee you, when the time comes and I can go to Europe with Lilith, we'll be ready.
What about you, babe? What's on your heart? And what's stopping you from starting today?
Imagine the possibilities if you stopped letting these mental barriers hold you back. Your dreams are valid, and you deserve to live a life that makes you happy. Remember, it's not about the money, it's about the joy and fulfillment you find in the journey.
Building Your Vibrant Life Journal Prompts:
What are some small steps you can take today to start living your dream life?
How can you reframe your fear of failure to see it as a learning opportunity?
What areas of your life are you comparing to others, and how can you focus on your unique journey?
Write about a time when you achieved something despite your fears. How did it feel?
Do something today that your Future Self will thank you for. Take one small step towards your dream life and watch how it unfolds. You are capable, you are worthy, and your Vibrant Life awaits.
Much Love,
💋Kori Rae
P.S. If you'd like more guidance and support on this journey, check out my services page for personalized coaching sessions and readings. Let's take this journey together and create the life you’ve always dreamed of.
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