Oct. 22, 2025 - How I Started Designing My Own Life - One Ingredient at a Time

What If Your Life Was a Dish You Designed, Not One Served to You?

I still remember the day I picked up a book I’d bought years earlier – “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay. It had been sitting on my shelf gathering dust, waiting for “someday.” And for some reason, that day was the day.

It wasn’t a dramatic lightning bolt moment. It was quieter than that - more like a gentle tug at the sleeve. As I read, something shifted. I realized I’d spent a lot of time living life the way it was “served” to me: good enough, structured, safe. But I hadn’t really stopped to ask myself: “What do I truly want?”

That question opened a door I hadn’t known was there.

From “Good Enough” to Intentionally Mine

The first time I tried to answer that question, it felt clumsy. I wasn’t trying to design my “perfect” life - just imagining what I might want on the menu!

What came to mind was surprisingly simple: a life that felt calm and grounded but still full of rich experiences. I pictured long conversations over coffee, time for writing and creativity, financial security without obsession, and space for joy and connection.

It reminded me of one of my favourite dishes - a fresh salad with Belgian endives, apples, walnuts, and blue cheese. It’s simple, satisfying, and just a little indulgent. And like a dish, my ideal life wasn’t about piling on everything - it was about choosing the right mix of ingredients.

💭 Reflection for you: If your life were a dish, what flavours would you want in it? Which elements, from purpose to creativity to peace, would make it unmistakably yours?

Being Honest About What’s Already in the Pantry

Once I knew what I was craving, I had to get real about what I already had…

Some “ingredients” were in good shape: finances and health were solid. But others were far from where I wanted them to be. My creativity was practically nonexistent. Well-being was an afterthought. My social life was there, but not thriving.

Writing those things down wasn’t easy. It’s uncomfortable to admit where we feel empty or “expired.” But honesty brought clarity, and clarity brought choice!

💭 Reflection for you: If you took stock today, which areas of your life feel nourishing? Which are stale, missing, or taking up too much space?

Possibilities, Not Perfection

In the past, I might have rushed into fixing everything at once. But this time, I gave myself permission to experiment - to explore possibilities rather than chase perfection!

I considered lots of options: adding regular massages or nature walks, joining new learning groups, reconnecting with old friends. But I decided to focus on one ingredient that influenced everything else - well-being. If I could improve that, I believed the rest of the “recipe” would taste better too.

💭 Reflection for you: If you could change just one “ingredient” first - the one that would make everything else better - what would it be?

Small Steps, Real Momentum

Here’s the truth: I didn’t start with dramatic gestures. Massages and wellness retreats sounded great but weren’t practical right away. So I started small.

I watched Louise Hay videos on YouTube. I subscribed to her newsletter. I chose a few affirmations and repeated them on my morning walks. They weren’t big moves, but they built momentum. And I celebrated them - with a cappuccino I drank slowly, a slice of cake enjoyed without multitasking, or a quiet toast to myself!

Each small action reminded me that I was capable of shaping my own life - not in one giant leap, but one intentional bite at a time.

💭 Reflection for you: What’s one tiny action - something you could do today - that would move you closer to the life you imagine?

Building a Rhythm That Lasts

Over time, those small steps turned into habits. Writing affirmations became journaling. Mindset work became a daily practice. And gradually, I added new “ingredients” to the mix - like creativity, deeper learning, and meaningful connections.

I still adjust the recipe now and then. Some seasons call for more structure, others for more spice. But I’ve learned that I don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Progress doesn’t come from dramatic reinvention - it comes from steady, intentional movement in a direction that feels like me.

💭 Reflection for you: If you looked back six months from now, what small, steady steps would you be proud to see you’d taken?

Savoring the Journey

Looking back, this is how I built the bridge from a life that was “good enough” to one that feels deeply mine. And it started with something as small as opening a forgotten book and asking, “What do I really want?”

The truth is, you already have what you need to begin. Reflection, perspective, and a single action can start a ripple of change. And while you can absolutely do this on your own, having someone walk alongside you - someone who helps you keep reflecting, adjusting, and moving - can make the journey easier, faster, and far more fulfilling.

Here’s how you can keep going:

If you’d like support designing your next chapter, there are a few ways we can stay connected:

📬 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for ongoing reflections and actionable insights.

💡 Join an upcoming event for guided conversations like this one.

☕ Book a 1:1 conversation and let’s explore how I can help you move forward, one small step at a time.

Because the most satisfying life isn’t the one served to you. It’s the one you create - one thoughtful ingredient at a time!

 

About Me

I’m Christelle Soto-Suarez, founder of Pistachio-Cassis Coaching. I help mid-level professionals who feel stuck, overlooked, or unsure how to move forward build clarity, confidence, and momentum - one small, meaningful action at a time.