This site uses affiliate links. Links to products and services in this post may earn me a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. This is at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping to make this site possible!
Hello, May 2023!
I’ve got a few of the usual Monthly Motivation stuffs to share, but first, I’d like to give an update on the direction of Live By Your Design.
So, before we dive into the Word of the Month and all that fun stuff, allow me to ramble a bit.
(Or if you’re just here for a quick inspiration boost, just scroll on down to the Word of the Month! I won’t be offended. 💖)
Live By Your Design: An Update
I’ll admit, I think Live By Your Design has been a little lackluster, lately.
(God, I love alliteration. And that was entirely on accident, I swear!)
I think I’m making these monthly motivation posts more for me than anyone else.
They’ve been a great way for me to start each month in 2023 with a boost of inspiration, and I definitely want to keep doing them.
But I also feel like I have more to give, and I’d really like to get back into making regular posts.
I’ve got several topics outlined, it’s just a matter of finding the words.
I think I write best when I’m typing my thoughts out casually, as if to a friend.
Unfortunately, I’ve fallen into the Professional Blogger Perfectionist mindset of needing everything to be presented according to certain industry-wide expectations.
In fact, a lot of my blog-related stress has come from trying to figure out the Right way to run a website.
Authenticity
As a lifelong nonconformist (or, so I thought), I kinda have to laugh at myself.
I mean, really, what have I been doing?
Authenticity is one of my biggest personal values!
Sure, there’s no harm in trying to follow certain “tried & true” patterns that others have found success in.
But when it gets to the point where it blocks your own creativity and expression, well…
Time for a Re-Brand!
If you’ve been here before, you might remember the site looking a little different.
I’ve been updating little by little, making Live By Your Design a little more true to my creative ideals.
I do sort of miss the primary color scheme, but I find the pink, purple, and blue a lot more soothing, fun, and bright:
I think it communicates the energy I’m trying to put out better than the prior scheme.
The font is also a lot cleaner and easier to read, I think.
You’ll also find that my posts going forward will probably be written more casually.
Rather than trying to sound Smart, I just want to express my thoughts.
To focus on empowering others instead of portraying myself in any particular way.
I’m just some dude with some thoughts, and if my earnest expression of those thoughts happens to resonate with someone, then I’ve done my job well enough!
Oh, And Then There’s Integrity…
I have a confession.
For about 3 weeks, I was an affiliate of AliExpress.
When they sent me a request to join their affiliate program on Awin, I knew in my gut that they weren’t the sort of company I wanted to promote.
But, as a result of falling victim to a lack mindset, I found a way to excuse it, and added some links to the site.
I’ve since deleted all traces of the company from Live By Your Design, and I’ve renewed my commitment to only work with brands I actually believe are worthy of support.
Of course, in this capitalist hell, there’s really no way to participate in such a system 100% ethically.
But I know where the lines are (for me, anyway), and I’m not going to cross them.
Alright, with all that out of the way…
Let’s kick off the month with some simple motivation!
My Word of the Month for May 2023:
My Word of the Month for May 2023 is: Possibility.
These are uncertain times, both in my personal journey and just… you know, in general.
The world has a lot going on, and I know I’m not the only one who finds it overwhelming.
Amidst all the chaos and uncertainty, I’m going to do my damndest to focus on possibility.
There are a ton of possibilities, of course, and not all of them are desirable.
So, really, when I’m talking possibility, I’m talking about what I can control.
I can walk down a particular path, and it’s possible that it won’t work out, and I’ll have to turn around and try something else…
…But I’m not going to know unless I choose to walk the path, anyway!
The future is uncertain.
But I can still pursue bright opportunities and discover what’s possible.
This month, I’m leaning toward optimism, and choosing to see the possibility of success, joy, and contentment.
My Song of the Month for May 2023:
My Song of the Month for May 2023 is: You Get What You Give by New Radicals.
Throwin’ it back this month with this 90s hit.
I’ve been listening to a lot of inspiring songs lately.
This one’s definitely one of the best among them.
But when the night is falling
You cannot find the light
You feel your dreams are dying, hold tight
You’ve got the music in you
Don’t let go, you’ve got the music in you
One dance left, this world is gonna pull through
Don’t give up, you’ve got a reason to live
Can’t forget, we only get what we give
It’s a jam, to be sure, but it also prompts me to consider:
What am I giving? And how aligned is it with what I hope to get?
My May 2023 Color of the Month:
My Color of the Month for May 2023 is: sparkling pink!
It’s bright, it’s lively, it’s fun.
What more explanation is necessary?
This month, I’m imbuing myself with optimism, passion, and fun.
May your May be similarly bright. 💖
Sincerely,
Have you chosen a Word for the Year yet?
Sure, we’re almost halfway through 2023, but it’s never too late to add a little more inspiration to your year!
Looking for more motivation? Try an uplifting playlist, encouraging quotes, or some empowering affirmations!
What’s your word of the month for May 2023?
How else are you starting the new month with motivation?
Drop some inspiration in the comments below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Like this post? Pin it for later!
