Let’s ditch the humdrum for a hot minute and dive headfirst into a little mental playground I like to call the “What If?” Game. But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill, late-night pondering that might lead to questioning all your life choices. Nope! This is the super-fun, wildly imaginative version that’s all about painting a ridiculously vibrant picture of your future – the one where you’re absolutely thriving and feeling like the total rockstar you are.
Forget the “shoulds” and the “have-tos” that sometimes cloud our vision of what’s next. We’re hitting the fast-forward button, zooming ahead about ten glorious years, and imagining a day where you wake up practically buzzing with excitement for what lies ahead.
Seriously, close your eyes for a second (after you finish reading this paragraph, of course!). Picture that future you. What’s the very first feeling that washes over you as you greet the day? Is it a sense of calm contentment? A surge of creative energy? A thrill of anticipation for a new adventure? Hold onto that feeling. That’s your starting point.
Now, let’s get all five senses involved. What do you see as you open your eyes? Are you bathed in the golden light of a sun-drenched bedroom overlooking a garden you’ve lovingly cultivated? Maybe you’re waking up in a cozy cabin nestled in the mountains, with breathtaking views right outside your window? Or perhaps it’s the colorful, organized chaos of your art studio, just waiting for your creative touch?
What sounds fill the air? Is it the gentle lapping of waves against the shore? The happy chatter of loved ones preparing breakfast? The inspiring melody of your favorite music drifting through the house? Or maybe the satisfying hum of your sewing machine as you work on your latest masterpiece?
Inhale deeply. What are the dominant scents? Is it the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee? The earthy fragrance of your thriving herb garden? The salty tang of the ocean breeze? Or the comforting smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven?
Take a mental taste. What’s the first flavor that hits your palate? Is it a juicy, homegrown tomato bursting with sunshine? A perfectly brewed cup of tea enjoyed in quiet contemplation? Or maybe the sweet tang of a smoothie packed with all your favorite healthy ingredients?
And finally, what do you touch? Is it the smooth, cool clay on your potter’s wheel? The soft fur of a beloved pet curled up beside you? The worn, comforting pages of a favorite book? Or the warm hand of a partner as you start your day together?
Now, let’s bring in your favorite people – your tribe, your cheerleaders, your partners in crime. Who are the folks who make your days brighter just by being in them? Are your kids and grandkids a regular source of laughter and connection? Are you surrounded by a supportive community of friends who share your passions? Maybe it’s the quiet, steady presence of a loving partner who gets you like no one else? Picture them around you, sharing in your joy and adventures.
But the real magic of this “What If?” Game lies in this question: what are you doing that makes you feel like an absolute, freakin’ rockstar?
Forget about what you think “retirement” should look like. This is about tapping into those unique sparks of joy that make you tick. What activities make you lose track of time and leave you with that incredible sense of “Yes! This is it!”?
Maybe you’re finally leading those wildly popular workshops on how to upcycle vintage clothing, and your students are leaving inspired and empowered. Perhaps you’re spending your afternoons volunteering at a local historical society, sharing your passion for the past with enthusiastic visitors. Or maybe you’ve turned your love for baking into a small, thriving business that brings smiles to your entire community.
Think about those passions you’ve always harbored but maybe put on the back burner. That secret desire to learn to play the electric guitar? That fascination with astrophotography? That urge to write a screenplay that’s been brewing in your mind for years? Now’s the time to dust them off, give them some serious attention in your “What If?” future, and see how they make you shine.
This isn’t just about filling your days; it’s about filling your life with purpose, with those activities that make you feel alive, engaged, and like you’re making a real difference (even if that difference is just bringing a little more joy into the world through your quirky sock puppets!).
The beauty of the “What If?” Game is that it allows us to dream without limitations. It helps us identify what truly lights us up, beyond the expectations and societal norms. And once we have that vivid picture in our minds, it becomes a powerful compass, guiding our choices in the present to help us create that delightful future.
So, my friends, I urge you to play along. Take some time this week to really immerse yourself in this exercise. What does your rockstar decade look and feel like? Get specific, get sensory, and most importantly, have fun with it!
Because this isn’t just a game; it’s the first step in consciously designing a future that’s not just good, but absolutely glorious. And trust me, you deserve nothing less.
Now, tell me in the comments below: what’s one thing you’re doing in your “What If?” future that makes you feel like a total rockstar? I can’t wait to hear your inspiring visions!