What Do You Really Want?
(It’s Okay to Say It Out Loud)
When I was a teenager, I was a lifeguard, taught aquafit, swimming lessons, and even started my own private swimming school called Cynthia’s Aquatics. I loved being outside, tanning all summer, and hanging out with some pretty cool kids.
Fast-forward to adulthood — aka the point in my life where I actually had to wear underwear to work — and I remember soaking up this classic piece of career advice: “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”
The other day, I was scrolling on Instagram and saw a colleague post about budgeting — something along the lines of, “You’re not over budget, you just didn’t budget for what you actually wanted.” Oof. That one hit.
Over the years, I’ve found myself stepping into the role of teacher, guide, and sometimes even therapist for my clients and potential clients — especially when it comes to how much they should expect to spend on what they actually want, and I often feel like a bubble-popper.
Do I want to renovate like it’s 1999 again? Heck yes. (Honestly, I’d love to grocery shop like it’s 1999 too, but I digress. )
Here’s the thing: our wants and needs have changed — a lot.
Back in the early to mid-60s, a 700 square foot two-bedroom, one-bathroom home shared by five or six people (sometimes more) was considered the height of middle-class luxury. Today? That same middle-class benchmark is closer to 2,200 sq ft — and yes, it comes with at least one extra bedroom and bathroom.
And you know what? That’s nothing to be ashamed of.
It’s okay to want more.
Did you need to hear that today? Because I think sometimes we all do. We live in a world that often tries to guilt us into thinking that wanting more means we’re ungrateful for what we have. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
So, I’m asking you:
What do you want?
What would you love?
I’m deeply passionate about designing spaces that elevate our well-being and help us become the best version of ourselves. I truly believe it all starts with you.
Imagine if your home — your surroundings — supported you, the way you live, and the person you’re becoming. What would that look like?
And here’s the good news: It’s okay if you can’t quite see it yet. I can.
Ready to dream a little bigger?
Let’s chat about the home, the space, the life you really want — no guilt, no shame, just joyful possibility. Share this post with a friend who’s ready to hear “it’s okay to want more” today.