In Part 2 of Making Space for Who You're Becoming, Laura and I continue our deep dive into the power of intentional design—and this time, we’re talking about the real magic that happens when you claim your space. When you fully own your environment and align it with who you want to become, you open up new possibilities in every area of your life. We explore how making bold design choices can help you trust yourself and embrace growth in the 'now' at the same time that you're fueling your future self.

What if your space could help you become the person you want to be? In our latest two-part episode of Messy Designed Life, I sit down with my amazing friend and design client, Laura Nelson, to explore how intentional design isn’t just about making a room look great—it’s about shaping your future self. We dive into how creating a home that reflects the emotions and energy you want can help you get clear on your vision and step into the version of yourself you’re meant to become.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to “be beautiful,” this episode might just change the way you think about it—and about yourself.

In the latest Messy Designed Life episode, we’re diving into the idea of beauty—not just as something we see, but as something we experience. What if we redefine beauty as a verb?

We talk about how beauty impacts us deeply, not just in how we look but in how we feel and interact with the world. I share about:

• Beauty as an Experience Exploring the idea of beauty as a verb, something we actively experience rather than a static quality.
• Impact on Daily Life How this vocab shift can change everything from our self-talk to our spending habits.
• Design with Intention The importance of creating spaces that spark beauty and support our well-being.
• Redefining Standards Moving away from societal pressures to be beautiful and embracing the inner experience of beauty we can create and feel every day.

This week, we delve into the fascinating world of trends and uncover how they are usually viewed in a limiting way but when we harness their true power (go-go gadget arms!) they can be useful tools to discover what you may be craving AND what you’ve had enough of.

• Why trends go way beyond middle school
• How trends can reveal what we truly want in our lives
• How to incorporate trends in a way that feels authentic without falling victim to them
• Current Trends and what they reveal about us
• Simple, impactful changes you can make to your living space that reflect current trends without a complete overhaul.

Notes
Trend Etymology
The Significance of Keeping Up With Design Trends
Pantone Color Institute
My Room Revolution Course
My Website

Does growing older have to be a bad thing? What happens when we question the societal story that we become less as we age? Can we get curious about what is actually exciting about the passage of time? Join MDL for a conversation about aging and how it can be a different experience than we were led to believe if we can learn to change our perspective and rewrite our assumptions.

Ever wonder if life holds a secret unlocked by age 42?
I share my expectations of turning 42 versus the reality.

But what if 42 is just the beginning? Ditch the pressure of having it all figured out! Join me for a fresh take on growth, embracing life's messy journey, and the questions that fuel us.

Tune in to discover:

• Expectations vs. Reality at 42: My youthful visions of life at 42 and the unexpected joys (and challenges) of this milestone.
• Beyond the Quick Fix: Why escapes like Burning Man and vacation aren't the answer to a fulfilling life.
• The Real Answer (Spoiler Alert: It's Not 42): Discover a powerful approach that helps you navigate life from a different perspective.

Saying no to EDM, and leaning into JOMO with lentils, Pilates and disco. Aging joyfully and more -
Hold on, hold on, we hear you. Fun can feel a little messy, right? Like, what even is "fun" anymore? Is it about keeping up with the latest trends, forcing yourself to those crowded bars, or feeling that constant FOMO (fear of missing out)?

This episode, we continue flipping the script on fun with the continuation of my conversation with Amanda Ryder. If you missed the first part of the conversation about the difference between being fun and having fun, you can catch that here. We're ditching the pressure of living up to some external definition of "fun" and exploring the joy of pursuing activities that truly light you up, regardless of what others think.

In this second half of the conversation we cover:

• FOMO vs. JOMO (Joy of Missing Out): Learn how to prioritize activities that bring you fulfillment, not just chase the fleeting trends.
• Redefining "Aging" Who says getting older means less fun? We'll explore how to embrace your preferences and find joy in activities that matter to you, at any stage of life.
• The Power of Self-Awareness Understanding what truly makes you tick is key to unlocking genuine enjoyment. We'll share tips on checking in with yourself and getting clear on your own definition of fun.
• Building Your Fun Squad Surround yourself with people who get your groove and support you in living your best, messiest life (full of fun, of course!).

So, ditch the pressure and get ready to discover the joy of having fun, YOUR way.