Invest in Yourself & Turn Vision into Action

Day of Hope #118 - Thursday October 13, 2022

Goal: Invest in becoming the person I'm meant to be and enjoy it

Quote: “What would your life look like if you did everything you said you would do?” – Unknown

This Day of Hope wasn't about escaping life. It was about becoming a better version of myself.

Lately, I've noticed something changing within me. I've always enjoyed learning, but this season feels different. I'm no longer simply gathering information, I'm discovering who I truly am.

I like to think I was doing well before. But now...I'm digging deeper. Into my beliefs. Into my purpose. Into the soul of Kayla. And I have to admit...I really like what I'm finding.

I did work until about 2:00 p.m. that afternoon, but it wasn't because I had to. It was because I chose to. Once I got home, the rest of the day was devoted entirely to my business and my personal growth.

A few weeks earlier, I had joined The Life Coach School with Brooke Castillo. At $297 a month, it felt like a big investment in myself, but I quickly realized it was worth every penny. There was an incredible amount of information available.

Every topic seemed designed to help people become the highest version of themselves.

I had already been listening to Brooke's podcast for months after a friend introduced me to her work. Somewhere along the way, I realized I had listened to well over 200 episodes.Each one stretched my thinking a little further.

One course I had just completed was called Monday Hour One, a simple but powerful system for spending one focused hour every Monday planning your entire week. Brainstorming, prioritizing, scheduling, and creating intention instead of reacting. It completely changed how I looked at time.

I also found myself exploring other classes she offered, including topics like finances and healthy living. Every lesson seemed to build upon the last. The more I learned, the more excited I became. Learning wasn't overwhelming anymore. It was energizing.

After spending the day feeding my mind, I made a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup, spent a little time organizing around the house, then ended the evening exactly the way I love to.

A long, hot bath, meditation, and peace.

As I reflected on the day, one quote kept replaying in my mind:

"What would your life look like if you did everything you said you would do?"

What a powerful question. It made me realize that dreams aren't built by knowing what to do. They're built by consistently doing what we already know.

And that's exactly who I'm becoming. One Day of Hope at a time.

Bonus – Three More States Off the Bucket List

One of my lifelong goals is to visit all 50 U.S. states.

For the past several years, I've included "Visit Three States"on my annual vision board. Once I choose which states, I research what I'd like to experience in each one and begin planning the adventure.

I have one rule: Simply changing planes at an airport doesn't count. I have to experience the state. Whether that's enjoying a memorable dinner, visiting a landmark, exploring a town, or creating a meaningful memory.

This year my three states were:

• Massachusetts

• New Hampshire

• Maine

We traveled in October when the fall colors were at their absolute peak, and every stop felt like a postcard.

Massachusetts was overflowing with history. There was far more to see than we could possibly fit into two days, so I already know I'll be back someday.

In New Hampshire, we stayed at a beautiful waterfront hotel where brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold reflected across the water. It was peaceful, quiet, and exactly what my soul needed.

Maine was equally unforgettable. We stayed on the waterfront, enjoyed incredible fresh lobster, and soaked in five perfect days of crisp autumn weather.

It was one more reminder that vision boards really do work, but only when you take action. Every year I write down my dreams. Every year I begin checking them off.

Not because life magically makes them happen...But because writing them down reminds me to keep moving toward them.

My Lesson of Hope: Personal growth begins the moment you decide to invest in yourself. Every book, every class, every new skill, and every promise you keep to yourself shapes the person you're becoming. When you consistently follow through on what matters most, your dreams stop feeling impossible... and start becoming your reality.