I Love Living My Life—Here’s How I Do It🐞

Downtown Denver inside the Hilton hotel waiting for my Lyft crafting this with delicacy after devouring the most delicious Korean tacos paired with Miss Chateau Riesling <333 … someone play “Love Life” by Miss Doja CAT because I LOVE IT WHEN MY LIFE’S LIKE THIS!

This isn’t about being perfect or always happy. It’s about owning your choices and doing things that make life feel worth it.

Here’s what works for me.

1. I Know What I Care About

I don’t try to chase everything. I’ve figured out what actually matters to me—maybe it’s peace, freedom, fun, growth, whatever—and I shape my life around that. It cuts the noise.

2. I Make Room for Joy on Purpose

Joy doesn’t just “show up.” I carve out space for it. Whether that’s time alone, people I vibe with, creating stuff, or being outside—it’s scheduled in like anything else important.

3. I Say No Without a Speech

Saying no is self-respect. I don’t explain or overthink it. If it drains me, disrespects me, or distracts me, it’s a no. Period.

4. I Move My Body (Even When I Don’t Want To)

Not for looks. For clarity. For stress. To stay sane. Some movement every day—walks, stretching, dancing like an idiot—keeps me grounded.

5. I Let Myself Be Real

I stopped pretending. If I’m struggling, I admit it. If I’m excited, I show it. If I’m tired, I rest. Life gets better when I stop faking it.

6. I Keep My Circle Solid

I’m picky with people. I don’t chase validation or beg for energy. The ones I keep around are real, kind, and good for me. That’s it.

7. I Don’t Wait for “Someday”

If there’s something I want to try, I try it. I stopped waiting for the perfect time. Most “somedays” never come unless you call them into now.

Now that was just an introduction. I love it when I am just getting started — things are just heating up!

Pole, Pleasure & Priorities: How I’m Investing in Myself

After weighing my options, I made a move that feels completely aligned: I invested in an at-home X-Pole to continue my pole journey. Pole has become more than just movement—it’s a passion. It’s power. It’s a reminder that I am a strong, sexy mami, fully in tune with herself.

This isn’t just about fitness—it’s about embodiment. I’m getting in touch and in tune with myself. Feeling good in my body, honoring my strength, and leaning into my sensuality unapologetically.

Let’s talk numbers (the data scientist in me screamed). Because this decision wasn’t just emotional—it was smart:

Trufusion Membership: $174 x 12 = $2,088 (plus commute)

Raven Pole Studio: $120 x 12 = $1,440

At-home X-Pole + Shipping: $930 + $300 = $1,230

Amazon Weight Set: $289

Even with shipping, I’m still coming out ahead.

Total saved: $2,309 - $300 = $2,009

Now I can train in ways that light me up:

Mat Pilates at home with weights

Pole sessions whenever I want—no drive, no schedule, just me and the music

And I’m putting those savings where they count: massages, sauna time, spa days. This isn’t just self-care. It’s self-respect.

This is how I love living my life—intentionally, fully, and on my terms.

Now, let’s continue because there is more…there is always more.

Word of the Now: Dedication

Right now, everything in my life is anchored by one word: dedication.

Not hustle. Not perfection. Just showing up—clear, consistent, and intentional. That’s what’s shifting things for me.

I’ll soon be ordering a gold ema ele necklace. On it: one word—dedication. It’s not just jewelry. It’s a promise. A daily reminder of what I’m choosing: to live on purpose. To stay committed to my peace, my growth, and the life I want—not just dream about.

Here’s what that looks like in real life.

1. I’m Intentionally Dedicated

Every choice I make, I ask: is this aligned with the life I say I want? If it’s not, I pause. I redirect. That’s the dedication—it’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing what matters.

2. I Protect My Energy

Dedication means not leaking energy on things or people that don’t feed me. I say no without guilt. I rest without apology. My peace is part of the plan.

3. I Keep Coming Back

Some days I fall off. I get distracted, tired, or just don’t feel like it. But I always come back. That’s the quiet power of rededication—it’s never too late to return to yourself. You can always come home again and again. Remember that.

4. Again, I Move with Intention

I don’t rush. I don’t force. I move with meaning—whether it’s a workout, a conversation, or a creative project. Everything I do, I try to do fully. That’s my pace now.

5. Again, I Choose Joy on Purpose

Joy doesn’t just show up. I choose it. I plan for it. I create space for it. I treat it like something sacred because it is.

6. I Let My Life Reflect My Values

I’m done performing. The way I spend my time, my money, my attention—it all reflects what I care about. If it doesn’t, I adjust. No shame, just honesty.

And, lastly…

I Create Rituals That Ground Me

Weekends are sacred. Saturdays and Sundays are for Wine Down—Cabernet Sauvignon, a solid charcuterie board, and time to breathe. No pressure. No productivity guilt. Just real rest and good taste.

On February 1, I started something new: quarterly letters to Self. I sit down, reflect, and write honestly. What’s working, what’s not, where I’ve grown, and what I need. It’s not about judging—it’s about seeing myself clearly and staying close to my truth.

I’m even playing with the idea of quarterly gift-giving—not to others, but to me. Something small but meaningful to mark time, progress, and effort. Could be a book, an experience, a piece of jewelry, even just a moment. A way of saying: I see you. I’m proud of you. Keep going.

That ties in nicely with the necklace, too—a gift as a symbol, ritual, and reward.

Tell me, how are you taking care of yourself? In what ways are you slowing down? What rituals are you creating to show love and care to YOU? talk soon ok? I love you.

xo, makayla danielle

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A Love Letter to My Becoming