Today, I’m going to share a secret: Sometimes I listen to my husband talking to his dad on the phone.

I love listening to James share stories of our trips, what we did that weekend, or about the exciting things that happen within IHML – all from his perspective. (And sometimes, he’ll even brag about me, which of course I really love.)

Recently, I overheard James telling his dad about our apartment hunt in my favorite area of London (Sloane Square), and how it wasn’t my first time dreaming of living in that neighborhood…

In 2010 when I first moved to London, I walked into an estate agent’s office in this beautiful part of the city and told them I was looking for a one-bedroom flat under £800/month (around $1000). 

Although they were kind and let me down gently when they told me that that wouldn’t be possible because there was nothing under that amount around here, it felt like they were laughing in my face. I left feeling disheartened, embarrassed, alone, and “blah” about money. 

This weekend, I went back to that same office on that same street and walked in with my head held high over five and a half years later. I told them that I was looking for a four-bedroom flat and gave them my new price-range, and they immediately showed me my options. 

On the phone with his dad, James described my experience like that scene in Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts goes back to the store with all of her shopping bags after they refused to serve her a few days before. Ha! (I’m not sure I’d go that far, but I love the comparison.)

The truth is, five years ago, my life was completely different. When I first moved to London on my own, I had no clue what I wanted to do and literally arrived with four suitcases and a dream. I spent weeks in a hostel while searching for an apartment and ended up with one the size of a closet. I didn’t have money to travel and worked as a nanny and Assistant for a few years until I finally discovered coaching.

There were years where things didn’t seem to be going right or make sense, and days where I’d burst into tears because I was so sick of being confused. 

I was kinda a mess.

Maybe you can relate, lovely.

On the plane to Ohio before Christmas, I read Oprah’s book What I Know For Sure. One of the many lines that stood out to me was this:

“If I knew then what I know now, I would never have wasted a single minute doubting my path.” 

Wow.

Looking back, I spent so much energy wallowing in my own confusion and self-pity. I spent so much time worrying about the future. I wasted so many days crying and waiting to be happy. 

Although there was never a doubt in my mind that I was meant for something big, I often let my confusion and impatience get the best of me instead of just living in the moment and trusting that I was on my path. 

What about you? How many days have you spent doubting your own path or whether things are actually going to work out? How many moments have you spent waiting to be happy?

You’re not alone in that, but you can make the decision that right now, today, you’re going to respond to life in a different way. 

You’re going to be excited about what’s to come, about what’s in store for you, and about all that you’re meant for.

You’re going to trust that as long as you continue to put one foot in front of the other, follow your heart, and take massive action on behalf of your dreams, doors will open and clarity will seep in. 

And, lovely, you’ll get your own Pretty Woman moment.