Jess Lively

Happy Thursday! I hope you have had a good week so far. I’m happy to turn today’s DESIGN YOUR LIFE interview over to Sarah of Haute Design. I found out about Sarah from Crystal of Plush Palate (check out her DYL interview). With such a warm recommendation, I knew I wanted to hear Sarah’s intentions. And after reading Sarah’s blog, I now know where I can find inspiration for future Jess LC collections.

Sarah’s intentions are every bit as great as her design aesthetic. My personal favorite was… wait. I couldn’t pick just one. The last three are all my favorites. I need to remember each one more in my own life. They are all about being present, while I find my own inclination is to lean into the future. Enjoy!

DESIGN YOUR LIFE: Sarah of Haute Design

Make a mental note of special moments.

I have experienced certain moments that I knew would forever change my life, even if only in a small way.  Perhaps it was where I was, or something I saw or heard. By making a mental note, one can remember specific characteristics of that special instance – such as a particular smell, taste, or sound, which is meaningful and special. I can honestly say that I cried when I stood under the Eiffel Tower in Paris, looking up at the incredible, glistening structure, which looked as if it had been encrusted with diamonds. The vastness and beauty took my breath away, and I will never, ever forget that moment.

Listen to those around you.

Listen more than you speak. This is something that has taken me a long time to learn, but I now know how important it is. I love to talk and listen to those who have many more years of experience than I. I find their stories fascinating. It reminds me of the movie, “The Holiday”, when Iris (Kate Winslet) helps sweet, elderly Arthur find his way back home. While taking the time to get to know him, she learned a lot from him, and a new friendship developed that she never expected.

Never loose your enthusiasm.

I love life! Each day is just waiting to bring new surprises, delights and challenges. I try to find delight in simple, everyday experiences, like seeing a beautiful design, an idea, taking a lovely walk, or tasting something delicious. Finding beauty in life brings me joy. I have also learned that positivity can be pretty contagious – as is laughter! Laughter is one of the best medicines there is, I believe.

Be still.

Often, I have to be perfectly quiet and still to hear my own thoughts and those that God wants me to hear.  In fact, I find that sometimes my greatest ideas come out of silence. I am a person who typically hates to be alone, and even while working I will turn a movie or music on. I have to remember to allow myself some time to sit, walk, or take a drive alone. When I do, the payoff is huge. Like having the chance to be able to appreciate the beauty of nature – listening to a mother and her infant birds outside or the waves at the beach…

Appreciate where you are in life.

It’s wonderful to have goals, but I think it’s important to also enjoy the now – what you are learning and experiencing now. If you don’t, how can you reach to your goals? More importantly, I find that sometimes there are lessons that I have had to go through in order to learn certain things.  I wasn’t aware of them at the time, but when I look back, there were a few ah-ha moments that now make perfect sense. Even if they were tough, I don’t regret them, because they have helped to mould me into the person I am today, and have made me wiser.

Practice having grace in all situations.

There have been many situations in my life that have allowed me to practice having grace. When in doubt, pick up “What Would Audrey Do” – an excellent book that outlines Hepburn’s lifestyle and how she practiced grace, even under duress. If you have followed my blog for a while now, you will have seen my post on etiquette and lack thereof, particularly in regards to lineups. I could not understand this, as from a young age, I have always been taught to be courteous and respectful of others. No one is perfect all the time, but I strive to have Audrey’s grace.

Check out past DESIGN YOUR LIFE interviews.

[photos taken by David Arias]