There is no soft life and nobody is coming to save you! This was the caption in our latest post and I get it, it’s a little much but let’s dive into how it’s true.
No matter the era or season, we live in a world that glorifies hustle culture and celebrates the fast-paced lifestyle. Following an influencer to somehow live vicariously through her luxe travel and unrealistic shopping habits are considered normal these days and it can have a subconscious effect on your well-being and sense of accomplishment. Many people have started to wake up, and as a result, we’ve seen a growing movement towards embracing the “soft life.”
But what exactly does it mean to live softly?
The soft life is a philosophy that prioritizes comfort, mindfulness, and intentional living. It’s about slowing down, savoring the present moment, and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. Rather than constantly chasing after external markers of success, those who embrace the soft life focus on cultivating inner peace and contentment.
At its core, the soft life is about rejecting the idea that productivity and busyness are the ultimate measures of worth. It’s about being kind to yourself, setting boundaries, and saying no to things that drain your energy. But the part that we forget or some leave out is the fact that living a soft life usually requires some hard work to get there. It’s either going to be your hard work and tears or the labor of someone else. Leaning into your feminine and living more comfortably is a privilege in modern times and isn’t as easy for the mainstream individual. So how can you get there without already being a wealthy housewife or heiress?
First, we have to redefine the term, “SOFT LIFE”. Living softly doesn’t mean being lazy or being in a constant state of rest. It’s about finding a balance and it’s about changing the way we view life in order to change the way we experience it.
Drowning out the Noise
Even while reading this, you don’t have to agree or subscribe to this school of thought. Empowering yourself to learn and listen while maintaining your truth will help you live a life that you can confidently say is fully your own. Getting too easily influenced by the heavily opinionated, perfectly fit, wealthy, and vegan influencer can cause more stress than good. Stress is not soft. We don’t like stress. Stress is bad. So get your metaphorical noise-canceling headphones and enjoy the ride of life
Practice Gratitude
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for what you already have. Expressing gratitude raises your vibration and aligns you with positive energy, making it easier to attract more of what you want into your life. When we feel blessed we can see the potential for our lives and how beautiful things already are. Grateful living makes the hustle feel less serious and ultimately less draining and depressing.
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Seek Mentorship
Having someone to talk to is absolutely mandatory in life, especially as an ambitious woman. You may not have a partner to vent or one who even understands your business or creative goals. You may not have a mother to lean on who supports your lifestyle but you can’t afford a high-level business mastermind or life coaching program. This is when informal mentors play a huge part in your growth or success. Take some time to reach out to other women in a networking group or online that you think could serve as a mentor or guide in your life. Treat it with professionalism but approach it with genuine friendship in mind. People who care about you and understand you, help you get to where you both want and need to be.
Take Inspired Action
Manifestation is not just about wishing and waiting. It sounds cute and feels “soft”, but it requires taking action toward your goals. Pay attention to inspired ideas and opportunities that come your way, and take proactive steps to move closer to your desires. When you don’t know what those steps look like, ask for help!
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Elevate your circles
Turns out you really are the sum of your circles. Don’t let people kill your vibe, lower your vibration, or keep you small. Old friends are lovely, but pay attention to how they respond to your goals and your lifestyle. As you begin to elevate your life, your experience will be magnified when your group chat has similar values and ideas of success. I’m not telling you to cancel anyone or start ghosting your old groups, but do not be afraid to prioritize yourself over nostalgia and loyalty.
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Embrace Imperfection
The biggest reason most people have not started a new idea, business, or shifted their lifestyle is the addition to perfection. It can be hard to get started when you feel like things don’t look as perfect or you don’t have all the steps outlined for success. It’s time to let go of the pressure to be perfect and embrace the beauty of imperfection. Recognize that it’s okay to make mistakes, and allow yourself to learn and grow from them without self-judgment or criticism. The first step is starting. Start scared, and do things with perfect imperfection.
Release Resistance
Identify and release any limiting beliefs, doubts, or fears that may be blocking your manifestations. This is a common issue for people – especially the creatives. The release is the relinquishment of self-sabotage. Imagine finally allowing yourself to be great?! Explore how you might start practicing mindfulness and self-awareness to recognize and overcome resistance as it arises.
Bonus resources:
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NYC girlies, and those ready to travel: make sure to get your tickets to the upcoming one-day retreat, CYCLEBREAKERS
thanks for stopping by 🪩
xo – Olamide Michelle
