5 Things Needed to Create Life on Your Terms

I've always been obsessed with discovering how certain people seem to live life on their terms. Over the last 18 years of creating life on MY terms, I've discovered 5 things you absolutely need to create a life of freedom.

So before we even get started, we first need to identify what our goals are. Some people just want to live simply and happy, others have a massive desire to create something magnificent like an everyday vacation or solution to a global problem.

Whatever your goals are, you have to get to the root of a lifestyle that truly creates fulfillment in your life. This begins by understanding the key elements that create true happiness.

These things will obviously affect your external outcome. For example, people who prefer solitude might love a quiet, rural place in the mountains while those who crave community may thrive most in an urban atmosphere.

There is no wrong way of creating life, you just have to be true to YOU.

So the key things you need to create life on your terms are as follows:

1. YOUR SPACES - Your environment matters! If you're surrounded by meaningless clutter, things that distract you, or people that are toxic and negative, you're less likely to maximize your potential.

This is the easiest place begin taking action and making an immediate difference!

2. MONEY - Prior to money, we traded goods. Money is just a promise note of value. It doesn't take money to be happy, but money is one way to improve your happiness by providing your basic needs or when used intentionally, adding more value to your life.

The best way to get in control of your money right now is to spend less on things you don't need and to be extra intentional when buying. Creating a budget helps.

3. HEALTH - You can have the best environment and all the money you need, but without your health, it's difficult to live unhindered.

True wealth is health, in all areas of life. Take care of the vehicle that allows you to experience life, you only get one.

4. MINDSET - Our thought patterns and beliefs are what create our perspectives, which then effect our actions, and in turn creates our reality. You can have all the potential and access to every resource in the world, but if you don't have the right mindset you'll never win.

Your ability to find gratitude, even when things aren't 100% perfect (because they almost never are) is what ultimately will give you the stamina you need to push through the challenges and setbacks on your journey to creating the life of your dreams.

5. INTENTIONAL CREATION - Lastly, to truly create life on your terms... you have to take the time to intentionally create it. You can have all the above and still let life "happen" to you.

Take the time to revisit your goals and identify the key elements that will take you to that next level of growth and contribution. True happiness comes from that connection to your Self and the willingness to share that light.

So let your light shine! And enjoy the journey of creating a life on your terms... the best part is the byproduct of discovering and becoming the best version of YOU in the process.

What I Pack for 1 Week of Travel

Traveling has many elements, but one element I don’t care for is having excess luggage during my trips. Whether I’m traveling alone or with family and friends, I want to focus on the experience of my present environment, not the experience of full, sore arms and the mental cluster of managing checked baggage. Traveling is supposed to be fun, not stressful!

It’s been a process discovering how to maintain this freedom and comfort when packing for a family of four and surprisingly even more so when packing for just myself. This summer I’ve spent half my travels solo and have been very happy with the simplicity, ease, and efficiency of my setup.

Some of the key elements I require for travel are:

• Freedom & Flexibility

• Efficiency

• Comfort

Translated this means the most important things are:

• A bag that’s functional and accessible, durable and comfortable

• Sizing down Items, such as lightweight clothing and smaller toiletries

• Keeping things to the essentials that will add value and enjoyment to the trip
  

The above list is taken heavily into consideration and refined from those points. It’s going to look different for you, but it’s important to adhere to these factors in order to get the results (key elements) you’re after.

Here’s some of my essential travel items and why:

My Bag - I always travel with backpacks because they give me the ability to be hands free. I don’t have any shoulder or back issues, so I can pack 20lbs+ and travel freely. An alternative to carrying weight is to use check luggage made to fit under the front seat. I find these don’t have the ability to store as much accessibly or the ability to be as customizable.

Compression Cubes - When traveling internationally or backpacking, I’m a big fan of compression stuff sacks. The problem with them is having to unpack everything just to access your stuff. When I found travel cubes that compress I immediately fell in love. Maximum space-saving organization!

Water Bottle with Handle - If your bottle doesn’t have a convenient clip like mine, just add a lightweight carabiner. Hydration is so important and fortunately most airports have water fountains you can refill at. Carrying a water bottle keeps me hydrated, saves my wallet, and saves the planet.

Apple Watch & AirPods - Both of these items I consider unnecessary luxuries of life, but provide so much value to my own. I love the convenience of a hands free, tangle-free headset. In noisy spaces I can call my kids and we can hear each other perfectly. The watch allows me to receive important business emails and calls without having to frequently check my phone, among many other convenient features.

Power Bank - Another luxury, but being a business owner and a mom are choices I’ve made in exchange for the ability to drop off the grid completely. And because staying in touch is the most important thing when I’m gone, keeping my communication devices charged are equally as important.

Lightweight Travel Blanket - This is definitely optional, however, I prefer to have the extra ability to layer for warmth, shade from the sun, or roll up as a supportive neck pillow.

Aside from some of these specific items, choosing what to pack is the main factor in whether or not I’ll be able to take all of it.

Sizing down items like choosing lightweight runners shorts instead of jeans makes all the difference in the world, as well as living without some of my daily essentials. For example, I replace my daily routine of face wash, toner, and oil with just a small bottle of oil.

I also choose just one pair of shoes. Depending on where I’m going and for how long, it might just be my boots, or just my sneakers, or just my flip flops.

What you decide to compromise is totally up to you and for some, the way I pack still has a lot of room to simplify even more. I hope sharing my approach helps provide you balance and ease when it comes to packing for travels!

Until next time,
~ MJ

Are You Ready to Take Life to the Next Level?

Some people wait for something to be excited about, others create it.
Want to live a life that you’re excited about? One that inspires and energized you?

Stop waiting, stop planning, stop trying to get better, just go out there and do it.

“But MJ, I don’t have any time... I don’t know my purpose... I’ve lost my passion...”
If you have no idea what you’re excited about it means you’ve ignored the very things that fulfill you.

Create space to discover. Even if it’s just 30 minutes a day. Start that hobby, finish that side project, map out your dream business, plan your ideal vacation, create a vision board, etc. anything that will trigger inspiration in you once again.

Once you do, identify the things that suck your inspiration dry and start ruthlessly cutting them from your life.

All it takes is a little shift and soon that inspiration grows into action of you creating and living your fullest life.

You need nothing to begin. Just start.

5 Tips: How to Travel Without a Savings

There’s a misconception that only the wealthy can travel well. While some could debate the meaning of “well” in this instance, there is no doubt that if you enjoy and have fun on your travels, then you are doing it well!

Even if you don’t have a big budget or savings account to splurge on all the tourist spots, you can still travel – and well! Creative ways I’ve found to make my travel dreams come true are outlined here for you.

1. Sell What Weighs You Down: I preach over and over again the magnitude of minimalism – and with reason. Take a look around – what’s keeping you locked in the cycle of debt, that could instead earn you income by selling it?
   

2. Simplify: Are you buying things just to impress others? Living in a luxury home when a simpler home would suffice? There are many ways to simplify life that can boost your ability and freedom to travel!
   

3. Take A Leap: Rather than booking fancy hotels and overpriced tourist activities, approach your travels with the intent to actually experience the local culture. LIVE IT rather than just VISIT IT.
   

4. Be Resourceful: Learn skills to earn money while on your trip, use campgrounds and public transportation, get out of your comfort zone. Getting out there and doing the things you’re afraid to do lead you to adventure and becoming the person who travels freely and flexibly.
   

5. Don’t Abandon Responsibilities: It’s not about running away; it’s about building a life you don’t need to run from. Get out there and LIVE!

If you want to travel, but lack the budget – look again. When you focus on gathering experiences rather than belongings, your money goes further. Vacation doesn’t have to be reserved for the summer – let’s make it part of your everyday!

4 THINGS TO AVOID IF YOU WANT TO TRAVEL MORE

The practice of simplifying life (aka minimalism) came to me because of my love to travel freely, frequently, and unattached to financial or time constraints.

There was a time I only wished to travel "someday". I'd admire my vision board and travel magazines, thinking about what it would be like to have the freedom to explore. I didn't realize I was only limited by my attachment to 4 easily overlooked things:

1. SPENDING - I never had the money to travel because I never consciously saved for it. I didn't make a lot of money when I finally figured this one out... I only started setting aside $50-$100 each month to begin my adventures.
   

2. DEBT - Because I was always spending more than I made I was weighed down by the biggest anchor out there: debt. I could never justify spending on a trip when I owed more than that to creditors. (Worst feeling in the world).
   

3. OVER SCHEDULING - Even when I started saving money I was always planning for the future because I didn't make room on my calendar! I had too many obligations and allowed myself to be peer pressured into making other plans with friends instead of making them for myself.
   

4. FEAR - The idea of traveling alone or visiting a foreign place can feel disorienting or overwhelming that we often don't take the first step.
   

WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM:

• Set the intention to travel. Plan for where, when, and how much it will cost you. Then put the date on the calendar!
  

• Set aside a set budget each month to pay down your debt if you have any, then save for travel once the debt is paid off. It doesn't take much to jet-set if you know the best way to travel.
  

• Start small. Even if you have no money to travel you can explore your town, live like a tourist, or make bigger changes like selling your possession and changing your income stream.

DECLUTTERING SENTIMENTAL ITEMS

When it comes to items we value only for their sentimental attachment, many of us struggle. These things can become huge energy saps: we invest our time, space, and money into them. We store them, haul them, clean them - often only out of guilt or simply not knowing what to do with them. 
To help you improve your space – physically and energetically – here are FIVE TIPS for handling sentimental belongings:

1. REMOVE THE STORY- The story/feeling associated with the item actually exists in your mind – not in the item. Preserving the story in your memory rather than within the item helps you keep the good vibes and let go of the physical things.

2. RE-ANCHOR-Try using the memory to journal or create art, poetry, or digital video/photo albums that reflect the feelings attached with the item. Creating a new anchor saves the story and frees you to part with the item.

3. GIVE MEANINGFULLY- Gift your item to someone who can give it new life. Passing on a sentimental item can give both you and the recipient a shared sense of love and purpose for it.

4. KEEP IT- Seems counter-intuitive, right! Rather than purging everything, try using a designated bin or keepsake chest to store items you just can’t part with. This keeps them organized and safe, plus you can easily locate them when you want to share or reminisce.

5. REPURPOSE- Sometimes reimagining the way the things function in your life can give you a fresh way to love and appreciate them. Renewing the utility of your item can add even more love and make it more unique and valuable to your life. 

It’s not about getting rid of everything; it’s about keeping what amplifies ease in your life, reducing decision fatigue, and taking your energy to the next level!

-MJ

For more information on this topic check out my YouTube video here.

CREATING A HEALTHY WORK-LIFE BALANCE

I see you over there… Working hard, pushing hard, you’re dong a great job! I know you may not feel like it at the moment, maybe you feel like its not enough or you wish you could do more. Do you find yourself questioning if t his it, your max capacity? My hope is by the end of this post you’ll have a few new ideas on how to re-calibrate in order to have a healthy work life balance scenario. Because, I have a feeling you could not only use the balance in your life but I know you can so much more!

So you want more energy, time and balance in your life?

Let’s talk about the energy automation wheel.

 It consists of 3 elements:

1.     Work

2.     Resonation

3.     Enjoyment

The goal is to have balance in these three areas of your life.

Most of us tend to be over worked! Spending at least 90% of our time in this element! The remaining 10% typically goes towards errands, picking up the kids, cleaning the house, preparing for the next day and this still feels like work!

-or-
We tend to be good at working hard and playing hard leaving no time for restoration!

All of these things take energy out of our lives so if we are not taking time to restore that energy then we are going to feel depleted!

This goes for those of you that feel you don’t do much with your life, your schedule is pretty easy but you’re still feeling burnt out all the time, you’re exhausted, waking up tired all the time and find it hard to enjoy life. This is because you are missing the 3rd part of the wheel RESTORAION!

So how do we restore?

Imagine your energy as money. If you’re looking to get more money you typically do 1 of 2 things, or preferably both, you either save or invest your money.

 ·      SAVE = Rest & Relaxation

·      INVEST = Movement (this creates return of investment or more energy)

So in order to restore we need to take our time and we need to save and invest. To save we need to take time every single day to rest and relax. Make Time For This! Get to bed on time, take 5 minutes every 30-60 minutes to deep breath. Then invest your time into things that are going to return your investment, things like movement, if you need some inspiration try out The 5-minute MOVE challenge; this is going to create more energy. If you can manage your energy then you can manage your time and if you can mange your time you can be more productive, more fulfilled, you’re going to get more done and enjoy your time more!

I hope the time you just invested in reading this post has left you feeling more energized and inspired to find more balance in your life.

 Until next time,
-MJ

5 NON-NEGOTIABLE VALUES OF HIGH CAPACITY PEOPLE

I like to think of myself as a high capacity person but some of the people I admire and look up to have way more capacity for more, they have great attitudes, they hustle though the day, they get stuff done, they doe stuff from themselves and for everybody around them, they have amazing results and create beautiful things!

 At a very young I started to question what’s the difference between them and me?

 We all have 24 hours in a day, we have access to similar resources so what is it?

 Through my observation I’ve narrowed it down to 5 Non-Negotiable Values.

 #1 VALUES OVER MONEY I don’t know any (materially) successful people in my life that are obsessed about money; they hold their values over money. Money is seen as a tool to help and give or to create something meaningful, but in the end the thing they stand by is values.

 #2 HIGH QUALITY PEOPLE It’s simple really; ask yourself “does this elevate my life?”  Do these people elevate my life?

#3 MINDSET High capacity people always seem to be learning, growing, open minded. In my experience, no one has ever been a “know it all” they always leave space for other to be right and are so patience and understanding.

 #4 HEALTH Health is huge and to live a high capacity life you have to do all you can to maintain it! My mentors, friends and successful people I have been able to spend time with have always had something to say about health. They get that health is needed in order to optimize their time and energy!

 #5 SELF CONFIDENCE Even if there is doubt, you don’t feel it, judgments of others are not worrisome, and it always seems that high capacity people either find their way or pave one for themselves!

 Now, I personally have not mastered any of these but becoming aware has helped me in life tremendously.

 I hope this has added value, more time and energy and maybe even a push towards becoming that high capacity person that you are capable of being.

 Be good, be great, and most of all be grateful.
-MJ

THE #1 REASON YOU'RE FEELING STUCK

I know you’re trying to elevate your life, you’re always trying to learn, grown and improve. You have a passion to do m ore, be more, live more and give more! I can’t blame you for that! I totally get it, life is all about living it to the fullest so if we can optimize our time here then we can really be our highest self align with our values and live our full purpose. So if you get this, then why are you feeling stuck??

Here it is, the #1 reason why you’re feeling stuck in life right now…

 You haven’t identified your Elevation Points  Elevation Points are the areas in your life that lift you up, these moments add value to your life, they encourage and support your growth and your level ups, they elevate you!

 Why does this happen and how can we optimize it?

 We typically have things backwards.

 We think because we are out of time we need to stay up late, or skip our workouts, we shouldn’t make time for ourselves to hangout, enjoy and relax. So pretty much, since we don’t have time we need to spend more time. It’s all backwards!

I understand the perspective “If I get more done today, I wont have to deal with it tomorrow.”

The problem with this, since we are spending more time and energy in hopes to get more time and energy in the future we are burning out and actually losing time and energy!

Taking a moment to think about this concept in terms of money might be helpful. If you need more money, you’re probably not going to go out and spend money. In fact if you need more money there are two things you could do either save or invest. Now consider time, if you took the time to relax and restore, we are talking about saving and conserving energy, and then we are going to invest our energy by moving our bodies!

Building these habits is a guaranteed way to receive more time and energy!

So start spending your time and energy wisely, invest it, save it!

 Until next time,

-MJ

DEFINING OPTIMAL LIVING

Today I am looking to share the solutions and steps I have found that will create an experience of optimal living.

Step #1 ACCEPTANCE

Accepting that life isn’t always optimal. It seems ironic, I know, but life isn’t always perfect and if you chase perfection all the time the we are bound to be dissatisfied. If we chase particulars we are bound to be unhappy. Have you ever noticed the people that are the most particular tend to be the most uptight and grouchy? So accepting the fact that things aren’t going to be perfect doesn’t mean its not going to be optimal, its up tp you to optimize those moments. Which leads me to step 2…

Step #2 SQUEEZE LIFE FOR ALL ITS WORTH

In those moments of non-perfection do all you can to squeeze what you can out of those moments. every moment is a blessing, filled with opportunities for growth and learning.

Step #3 OPTIMIZE EVERYTHING

When you can master the art of fulfillment, the art of optimizing every single moment, every single situation, every failure and success, every area of your life! When you can optimize it you’ve truly created an optimal life.

“People who live optimally are non-negotiable about their bedtimes, about their morning routines and workouts, about negative thought patterns and beliefs… NON-NEGOTIABLE!”

Optimal living isn’t easy, it takes work and that why so many of us continue to seek it. The unfortunate thing is many of us seek it with things at are “easy.” If I just make more money, if I buy my dream house, if I buy my car, if I get a good relationship, if I looked prettier, if I was skinnier, then I would be happy. The truth is, happiness comes from being able to non-negotiate the things that are going to create value and a fundamental foundation in your life.

Until next time,
-MJ

WHAT IT TAKES TO LIVE OPTIMALLY - AREAS OF OPTIMIZATION

Everyone strives for optimal living but it seems that only few really achieve it. I love that we are in a space where we are always trying to improve, to thrive instead of just survive. But what does it take to really live optimally?

“Optimal living requires sustaining an optimal foundation.”

Realize I say the word sustaining not achieving. Many of us achieve an optimal foundation but the hard part is sustaining that optimal balance that supports the optimal life that you are wanting to live.

When I first started my journey of personal development I always felt like no matter how hard I worked no matter how hard I tried I kept having to do more sh*t! I was questioning if it was ever going to get easier!? Am I ever going to feel comfortable with this process and fully arrive?

The truth is… No! It doesn’t get easier, you just get stronger. When you get stronger and smarter, and more clear, and honest with yourself you want to take in more, its a natural thing to want to experience life and level up your reality. But every time you level up your reality you have to recalibrate the foundation to support that reality.

So what areas of our live need to be recalibrated and continuously kept in check ignorer to sustain an optimal life?

Area #1 HEALTH

You can focus and sustain multiple areas in your life but if you neglect your health it almost makes it impossible to live optimally! When your body, hormones, and energy levels are off balance it can be really difficult to meet life fully. I understand we all come from different backgrounds, advantages, and disadvantages, regardless of what those are, it is our job to decide to work with those.

“It's not about the cards you're dealt, but how you play the hand.”

― Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

Area #2 MINSET

I truly believe that if you put your mind to it you can do and conquer anything! Your mind is so powerful and we have to be careful of how we choose to use it. The mind can think things that don’t add value, hold you down, that tell you “I can never live fully.” “I can never achieve that state!” It is the mind that reinforces, subconsciously, the habitual patterns, thoughts, and beliefs that keep you from sustaining an optimal foundation.

Area #3 SPIRIT

This is who you truly are, what makes you feel alive, it’s what connects you back to the source! Its that place of peace, confidence, knowing and love. Spirit is just as important as Mind and Body. Because if you don’t live from your heart, from your soul… if you’re not doing what feeds your soul, even if you achieve everything else, externally, it’s not going to feel right, it’s not going to feel optimal. So you need to be able to identify what your purpose, your passion, how you fulfill your greatest self, how to feel good, living in the soul you live in, and that is a beautiful thing! You get to self create and self discover!

Area #4 ENVIRONMENT

When your environment doesn’t cater to a healthy, fertile soil, which allows you to grow strong roots and a strong foundation, then you become those plants that get washed away in the rain. You become the trees that break in the storm. This lack of resilience will stunt your ability to live freely and fully. So if you want to live optimally you need to create an environment that will help support your drive, your habits, and the things that you need to sustain this foundation.

Area #5 RESOURCES

Your time, energy, money, opportunity, relationships, people and things around you all contribute to either increasing or decreasing the elevation of your life experience. Realize, if you’re on this journey to become a better you and to live an optimal experience, it isn’t about doing one thing in exchange for another. It’s literally, something that you have to hone in on and focus on, grow, cultivate, and maintain in all areas of your life. Just like a garden, you need to invest your resources in order to make it grow; time, energy, sunlight, nutrients, soil, and repetitive cultivation. You’ll notice the more time and energy you put into your garden the more you’ll get out of it, the same goes for life.

“Show me a person who lives truly free and happy and i’ll show you a person who has taken responsibility and truth over blame and lack of action.”

Be good, be great, and most of all be grateful. Cheers to optimal living!
-MJ

AVOIDING VACATION SICKNESS

A couple of years ago, I noticed, every time I took time off of work, I’d be sick the whole time! Of course this stinks right? Your on vacation, you want to have fun, you want to have energy!

Now, this took a few times for me to realize the pattern of what was going on here. After a little bit of research I realized I was suffering from something called vacation sickness.

The body is brilliant! It knows when we are really busy it isn’t ale to stop and take a break, it hangs in there until it’s given the chance to process, cleanse, and detoxify.

When we take time off we finally have a chance to relax and destress. This then signals to the body “HEY! This is a great time to start processing!” Bring on the sickness symptoms! YUCK!

So how do we avoid this?

Tip #1 ACCESS YOUR LIFESTYLE

Access your lifestyle and the pace of your lifestyle. This gives you a chance to evaluate your stress levels and why your body is having trouble doing what it needs to do the it needs to do it. If you’re tied up with work and kids and obligations take time to see where you can cut back. Realize that all of us have just 24 hours in a day. All it takes is small steps towards redirecting or managing your energy to help bring more balance and harmony into your life.

It’s not about time management its about energy management.

Tip #2 KEEP YOUR HEALTH ROUTINES IN PLACE

I know its vacation, things typically go out the window right? But keeping your health routines in place during your vacation will really help you and your body stay balanced. When your lifestyle changes abruptly it will abruptly change your bodies response.

Tip #3 EASE OFF SLOW

How many of you have lost sleep over trying to pack for vacation the night before, hustled your work week trying to make sure you’ll be caught up on work and email before you head out 🙋🏽‍♀️ Now Imagine you are driving your car, you’re in 4th gear and you then downshift into 1st or 2nd gear! This is exactly what taking a vacation can sometimes feel like. Once you’re on vacation, there is nothing to do, no hustle no bustle. So to avoid the abrupt shift, ease in slow.

Tip #4 KEEP IT LOW KEY

I know it can be tempting to put all that fun exciting stuff up front, but if you can keep the first few days as low key as possible. Remember, ease in slow. Settle in and take it slow.

Tip #5 DO A LITTLE WORK

Just a little ;) If you feel like it and if you do be sure to keep it simple. Maybe some of the work that gets put on the back burner, like rebranding or emails. This is really helpful when it comes to keeping your body in it's routine.

Tip #6 EASE OUT SLOW

Coming off of vacation running back into a work week can be pretty stressful, at least for me. Similarly, how you want to ease into your vacation, same thing for easing out of it.

Tip #7 REST & HYDRATE

Nothing is going to cure you quicker than a sufficient amount of good clean water and good quality rest. This will insure your body has the recourses it needs to flush out toxins, detox your body and have the energy it needs to fight off or prevent anything that you might be facing.

Tip #8 MAINTAIN A VACATION PACE

This doesn’t mean you need to be on vocation your whole life, although that would be great ;) When I say maintain a vacation pace I’m just trying to say relax.

Hopefully this will help ease into your next vacation. May you be happy and healthy.

Until next time,
-MJ