I’m not one for half-truths.

I was walking home when he asked, “So, how’s it been?” to which I responded through gritted teeth, “Good, it’s been good.”

Only a few months prior, I decided to uproot my entire life. So, I’m not sure why it came as a surprise when Mark invited me to reflect on my decision.

“It may not have been a fully embodied yes,” he said. “You know, when your head, heart, and gut move together.”

After making significant life choices and stepping out of my comfort zone I thought I’d be in the clear. I thought connecting with the courage of choosing the unknown would yield a fountain of tenacity to join with.

‘It’s a domino effect, right? I’m sure it gets better.’

I miss silly things about the USA, like buying shampoo and face wash easily, sitting at the Santa Monica Erewhon with a good friend, strolling down to the beach or Mandeville Canyon hike, but most of all, I miss the part of me that always remembered to VISUALIZE & CREATE the vision I have.

Sometimes you choose new paths because the one you were on disappeared behind you. You know it’s time to make a move but you never feel entirely ready to do so. We may not realize it but the country we live in greatly affects the dreams we have within it. I wasn’t certain what a summer in Mexico City consisted of because my dreams & identity were still very Americana: the lake, the weather, the nature, the simple living.

No one talks about the period of transition between bold decisions and the next steps. There often comes a moment of stillness—a time to recalibrate and reflect.

As I anticipate summer’s warm embrace gradually yielding to the crisp whispers of autumn, I find myself grieving the season’s fleeting moments. This summer, like a sunset slipping below the horizon, felt unfulfilled in its own quiet way. I spent much of it in a state of inertia—neither traveling nor making many specific choices. Instead, I remained a bit frozen. That choice—or lack thereof—was in itself a decision.

In the quiet of these summer days, I confront a profound realization: crafting a well-lived life demands more than passive acceptance of circumstances; it requires active, intentional engagement with our desires and dreams, step by step. To live fully, we must first envision what we want that life to be and then muster the courage to keep showing up for it.

When drifting through periods of apparent choicelessness, I admittedly feel as if life is merely unfolding without my influence. It’s easy to resign ourselves to the currents of existence, allowing moments to slip by without setting purposeful intentions or making decisions that align with our deepest aspirations. This summer my hesitation to create and choose left me feeling a mix of melancholy and reflection.

But what happens when we surrender to a sense of choicelessness? We risk missing out on the vibrant experiences that could have enriched our lives. It’s during these times of stillness we can explore a different form of choice: the decision to be present and mindful of our circumstances, guiding ourselves gently towards new paths when we are ready.

I’m still exploring the balance between accepting the present moment and actively shaping my future. Embracing this duality involves recognizing that even when we feel passive, we have the power to redefine our approach and reignite our sense of agency. It’s a call to reflect on what we truly want and to make conscious choices that align with our values and dreams.

I realize that I didn’t craft the summer with specificity. But now is the time to start feeling the visions that resonate with us—those sweet moments when one chapter ends and a new season lingers on the horizon. There is still time to shape this vision.

As autumn approaches, it brings a natural opportunity for reflection and renewal. This transitional period invites us to consider how we wish to move forward. How can we bring intention into our daily lives? What steps can we take to craft the reality we wish to experience? Even when choices seem elusive, remember that the power to shape our reality is ever-present. It begins with the simple, yet profound act of deciding to dream, plan, and act with intention.

In crafting a life well-lived, let us not merely accept the currents of time but actively steer our course with purpose and heart. Through conscious engagement, we truly begin to experience the richness of the life we are capable of creating. The journey of creating a fulfilling life is a continuous dance between presence and purpose — a dance that invites us to shape our reality with each thoughtful step we take.

All Things,

MG

P.S. I have put together an Americana playlist, a nostalgic pistachio chocolate chip cookie recipe, and gathered Lake Life Looks for you to give yourself permission to experience here.