Flipping the Script: Life as a House Flip

Have you ever watched a house-flipping show and found yourself drawn to the transformation process? The idea of taking something old, worn-out, and neglected, and turning it into something beautiful and functional is not just confined to real estate. It's a metaphor that resonates deeply with many aspects of life, including my own journey.

My life has been one heck of a fixer-upper journey. Just like a neglected property, I thought I could spruce it up with some new paint or a throw pillow. It never worked. I started feeling rundown and lacking direction. It was like staring at the same walls year after year, hoping for a change but never quite finding it. I had unhealthy habits, toxic relationships, and business ventures that drained me more than they fulfilled me. It was time to admit that my quick fixes weren't working anymore.

So, late last year I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Demolition and reconstruction became my mantra. It was exhilarating and terrifying, tearing down the old to make way for the new. Let me tell you, replacing old habits with healthier choices is no small feat. It was like pulling up an anchor from the depths of the sea - heavy, and loaded down with gunk.

Just as every house-flipping reality show has its own unique approach, each person's journey of renovation is equally distinct. Here are the phases of my project (feel free to adopt any for your next fixer-upper):

Phase One: Just like every house flip begins with recognizing potential, my journey started with acknowledging the dire need for renovation in my life. For years, I found myself staring at the same walls, yearning for change and a sense of joy. Yet, like a fresh coat of paint that can't remedy mold, quick fixes like shopping trips or nights out with friends failed to materialize the transformation I craved. It became clear that serious change was necessary. Unhealthy habits, toxic relationships, and unfulfilling ventures in my business all begged for improvement. It was time to confront these areas of my life. In essence, the allure of new throw pillows had lost its magic.

Phase Two: Renovation and Rebuilding. Once I pinpointed the flaws and weaknesses in my life, it was time to dive in and take action. No more just staring at the walls, wishing things were different. This phase was a rollercoaster of emotions - it was thrilling yet daunting, as I confronted the uncertainty of what lay ahead and embraced the challenge of starting anew. It meant letting go of old crutches and replacing them with healthier alternatives. For instance, I realized that relying on wine to cope with a bad day wasn't a sustainable solution, and avoiding difficult conversations by ghosting people wasn't helping my relationships grow. And if you've ever dealt with trauma, you'll understand that it's like trying to lift an anchor from the depths of the sea - an immense challenge that requires courage and perseverance.

Phase Three (My Current Life Flip): Crafting the Vision. In this phase, I find myself at the helm of designing the life I've always dreamed of. It's akin to the meticulous process of selecting paint colors, fixtures, and furnishings in a home renovation project. Each decision reflects my unique style, personality, and aspirations. I'm actively pursuing my passions, and aligning my businesses with projects that ignite my enthusiasm. Simultaneously, I'm nurturing new, meaningful relationships while gracefully letting go of those that no longer serve me. I'm dreaming again, big courageous dreams. With every choice I make, I'm painting the canvas of my life, crafting a masterpiece that is authentically mine.

I would say that I am in the midst of my house flip, focusing on the intricate details that promise to infuse joy and fulfillment into my daily existence. Similar to preparing a home for sale, my aim is for my life to exude warmth, authenticity, and boundless potential.

Stay tuned, because this fall, you'll witness the culmination of this journey. As I step back to admire the progress made thus far, a wave of pride and gratitude washes over me.

How about you? Not feeling your current situation? Remember, life mirrors a house flip. Just as each home has its own unique character, so do you. With 'good bones' and a willingness to embrace change, transformation becomes not only possible but inevitable. So, dare to take risks, embrace change, and stay true to yourself. The result? A life that's not just livable, but one that's truly worth celebrating.