As I sit in the quiet of this new year, reflecting on the twists and turns of my journey, I’ve been drawn to a single, striking truth: “The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” Henry David Thoreau’s words seem simple at first glance, but they carry the weight of every choice we make.
In this season of my life, I find myself asking, What am I willing to exchange my life for? Each decision—whether it’s a yes or a no—isn’t just about time, energy, or money; it’s about the fragments of my life that I’m offering up.
As a Wild Awake Woman, I believe deeply in choosing what truly matters. But the truth is, we can get swept up in exchanges we never consciously agreed to—overwork, obligations that dim our joy, or relationships that no longer align with who we’ve become.
Recently, I’ve found clarity in living by my own question: Does this bring me closer to the life I want to live? If the answer is no, the cost often feels too high.
But here’s the nuance: sometimes we have to do the thing anyway.
There are tasks, commitments, and seasons of life that don’t immediately light us up or move us closer to our dreams, but they’re necessary. In these moments, the focus shifts to *how* we show up. Can we bring grace, presence, and even a sense of purpose to these exchanges? Can we choose to see them as part of a larger path—even when they feel like detours?
What Are You Exchanging Your Life For?
When I mentor women, I invite them to sit with this question. Not to judge past decisions, but to step into a new kind of awareness—a pause, a breath, and a choice to align with what feels alive and true.
This isn’t always easy. It requires courage to say no to what drains us and yes to the things that demand our whole hearts. And when no isn’t an option, it demands an even greater courage: to infuse the “necessary” with meaning and intention.
What I’ve Learned to Treasure
For me, the exchanges I treasure most are:
– Time spent reconnecting with my body, in a way that feels nourishing and powerful.
– Deep, unhurried conversations with the people who see and celebrate my wildest self.
– Creating moments of wonder—whether through my work with horses, a workshop, or simply watching the sky change colors as the day begins or ends.
These are the trades I willingly make because they feed my spirit and reflect my truth.
Your Invitation
This year, I invite you to take inventory of your exchanges. Ask yourself:
– What have I been giving my life to that no longer feels right?
– What do I need to stop doing, start doing, and keep doing?
– When the answer to “Does this bring me closer to the life I want to live?” is no, how can I show up in a way that honors myself and my journey?
Imagine a life where every exchange feels sacred, intentional, and life-giving. That’s the life of a Wild Awake Woman. And that’s the life I want for you.
Here’s to choosing—and showing up—wisely.
Photo by Luke White on Unsplash
