Hey there Reader,
Creating a Life You Love – "Even Now"
Today is an important day in Canada — our federal election. I won’t take a political stand here, but I do want to say this:
Please vote.
Your voice matters. The decisions we make today shape the kind of life we’ll live tomorrow — for ourselves, for our children, for our communities. In a world filled with division, conflict, and uncertainty, voting is one of the clearest ways we can stand for the values that matter most to us.
I stand for kindness, equity, compassion, and humanity. My hope is that we all vote with thought, care, and conscience — and that we remain engaged, no matter the outcome.
Now, on to what’s really on my heart this week…
What Does It Mean to Truly Live a Life You Love?
There’s this beautiful French phrase — joie de vivre — the joy of living. And it’s had me thinking: How many of us feel that? How many of us are truly living, not just existing?
We long for a life that feels more meaningful, more beautiful, more ours.
But often we get stuck — tired, overwhelmed, unsure where to begin. We wait for something or someone to save us… but the hard truth is, no one’s coming to do that for us.
We have to choose to show up for ourselves.
And yes, it takes honesty. It takes courage. It takes rest. It takes work.
But it’s possible. You can create a life that brings you joy, that feels rich and beautiful even amidst struggle and uncertainty.
I just returned from a short, impromptu getaway to visit one of my daughters and her children. It wasn’t a planned trip—but something in me knew it was important.
Family matters deeply to me, and it had been too long. I realized that waiting for the “perfect” time wasn't the answer. Prioritizing what truly matters was.
And you know what I found?
In that short time, I experienced some of the simplest and purest forms of joy:
— Baking cookies together
— Laughing over silly games
— Cuddling on the couch
— Getting messy with art supplies
— Being fully present with a three-year-old whose desires were wonderfully simple: Play with me. Laugh with me. Be with me.
There was no agenda. No rush. No expectation to "achieve" anything.
Just presence, connection, and joy.
One afternoon, my daughter pulled out the art supplies and began painting together.
While my grandson joyfully brushed colour after colour onto rocks ( and then grabbed them and left painted handprints throughout the kitchen), I found myself caught up in the fun—and painted a "fill in the lines" canvas of an elephant.
It wasn’t about skill or perfection; it was about being completely present, laughing, creating, and sharing a moment that mattered.
Now that little elephant painting is a lasting treasure for my grandson from his Nana—and a sweet reminder to me:
When we allow ourselves to be in the moment, simple acts become meaningful memories.
And it’s a reminder for all of us:
You too can incorporate these simple, creative joys into your life.
You don't need a grand plan or a major life overhaul.
Often, it starts by tending gently to a few key areas:
The invitation is simple:
Notice where the lightness and joy want to come back in—and make space for them.
I chose areas that matter to me, but you can chose areas that matter to you and be as specific as you wish.
Ask yourself:
Where is my life already asking for more Jovi?
What small steps could I take to honour that invitation?
Five Ways to Begin Creating a Life You Love
- Reconnect to Your Desire.
What do you long for? What have you stopped dreaming about because it felt too far away?
- Take One Brave Step.
Don’t wait for the perfect time. Take one small, meaningful action toward something you want.
- Rewrite the Story.
Notice the limiting beliefs you carry — the ones that whisper “you can’t” or “you’re too late.” Start telling a different story.
- Call Joy In.
Don’t wait for joy to find you. Invite it. Look for beauty. Make room for it. Speak it into your life.
- Choose Who You Surround Yourself With.
Be with people who see the best in you, who believe in growth, and who speak to your potential, not your fear.
Questions to Ponder This Week
- Where have I been waiting for someone else to change things for me?
- What belief about myself or my life needs to be rewritten?
- If I chose one thing to move forward on this week, what would it be?
A Gentle Call to Action
This is your invitation — right now — to look in the mirror and ask yourself:
What’s one change I’m ready to make to live more fully, more joyfully, more me?
If you're not sure where to begin, or if you're ready for support, I’d love to talk with you. This is what I do — help women just like you move through transition.
You can leave me an email marianne@mariannepreston.com
Take care
Marianne
What is coming!
-
I am gathering information on what matters to you. I will be planning out the workshops and sessions I hope to do for the remainder of the year and I want to hear from YOU!
- What areas are keeping you stuck from moving forward?
- What do you dream about, but are afraid to do?
- How do you want to feel about your life going forward?
- 90 minutes private session on "Life By Design" - a laser coaching session to hone in on your top priorities and create clarity and a blueprint for success.
- 1:1 Coaching opportunities exist.
Staying Connected
As always Reader, if this has value for you drop me a line and please share this with anyone who you think may be interested.
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