How to Build a Life You Don’t Need to Escape From

Sometimes life feels like it’s moving too fast. We rush through our days, checking boxes, managing responsibilities, and waiting for moments of rest or escape. But what if you didn’t have to wait? What if your day-to-day life could feel meaningful, nourishing, and aligned without needing a getaway?

That’s what I’ve been thinking about lately. I took four days off work for my birthday and for the long weekend, choosing to really prioritize myself—for rest, for ease, and for connection. It was the kind of time that felt almost magical, a rare space where everything softened and time seemed to stretch.

I made an intentional choice to do only what I wanted to do, including getting a massage for the first time in years. I also did something that felt a little vulnerable: I asked people to celebrate me. That might not sound like a big deal, but it is for me. Especially during a holiday weekend, in a place where most people head off to cabins or lakehouses, it’s always felt hard to ask others to prioritize me. But this time, I did. I invited friends and chosen family to spend time with me and had some really lovely, nourishing moments together.

What surprised me most was how time seemed to slow down. When I gave myself space to rest and be present—when I stopped pushing through my to-do list and started listening to what I needed—everything softened. I still got things done, but it didn’t feel like effort. It came from flow and alignment, not pressure.

By tending to myself, nurturing connection, and staying close to Spirit, time felt like it expanded. Desires turned into reality. Unexpected gifts and experiences showed up—ones I didn’t even know I needed. It felt like I was living inside a sacred little pocket of time.

One of the birthday gifts I received was a five-year memory journal, which included a simple but powerful practice of writing down the most memorable parts of each day. Over time, you can look back and see what happened on that same day across five years. That gift helped me return to something I’ve always loved: daily written gratitude. It anchored me in the moment and made the little things feel even more meaningful.

As the weekend began coming to a close, I could feel a familiar sensation creeping in—worry, resistance, and the quiet question: How do I stay in this feeling when I go back to work? How do I carry this spaciousness with me into my responsibilities, my schedule, my week ahead?

It brought me back to something I heard over a decade ago: How do we live a life we don’t constantly need to take a vacation from? That idea has stayed with me ever since, and I come back to it often. I love vacations and travel, and I deeply value time away. But I don’t want my day-to-day life to feel like something I’m always trying to escape. I want the in-between to feel just as aligned, meaningful, and full of breath.

I turned inward (with help from my guides) and asked: How can I hold onto this magic and clarity beyond these few days? Here’s what came through:

• Do one thing each day that helps you feel centered and connected to your truth, inner knowing, and higher power.

• Make yourself the priority when you first wake up—before checking your phone, emails, or meeting anyone else’s needs.

• Pause and ask what’s really necessary. Does it truly need to get done? Who says? Whose priority is it?

• Ask for more help. Delegate what you can. You don’t have to do it all yourself.

• Connect with someone you love each day—a friend, partner, family member, or a beloved animal.

• Build in breaks. Even five minutes to breathe, reset, and come back to yourself can make a difference.

• Say no more often. Honor your limits. Don’t overextend.

• Reflect on how you’re spending your time. Outside of work and responsibilities, is it actually fulfilling?

• Stay present. Keep returning to the moment when you notice yourself drifting.

• Practice gratitude. Name what you’re thankful for and look for small joys.

These are simple practices I’m setting my intention to focus on, knowing full well I won’t get it perfectly right every time. But it’s that intention, that gentle commitment, that makes the difference. My hope is that by leaning into these habits, I can invite more ease and connection into the everyday moments, building a life that feels truly nourishing, not just on special occasions, but in the ordinary flow of daily living. And I want that for you, too.

If you’re looking for more ease, presence, and alignment in your everyday life—and want support creating a life you don’t feel the need to escape from—I’m here for you. Feel free to reach out to learn more about my intuitive coaching sessions, or simply to start a conversation about what you need most right now.