Have you been living a life that you “thought” you were supposed to be happy living? Doing life in a way that on the outside looks like you have it all but instead you lack contentment, enthusiasm, and purpose at the end of your day? 

Do you put on a happy face and convince yourself that you must be crazy and unappreciative because anyone in their right mind would be jumping for joy to be living your privileged, blessed life?

Probably much like you, I too have been living the so-called “cushy and privileged life”’ for most of my adult life; a life that many of us are ‘expected’ to love because we have all the trappings of what society deems worthy.  My response to my husband of 22 years when he asked why I couldn’t just be content and happy with the way life was (which looked pretty great from the outside) and leave the “treasure hunt of finding myself”’ alone was, “when God created me I don’t think He said “hmmm, Amy is going to marry David and he’ll be successful, therefore, I don’t need to give her any desires, dreams or a purpose beyond (which is a big one I might add) taking care of their three kids.”

No, from the pit of my heart to the depths of my soul I believe God has placed in me and anyone reading this an assignment which can be found at the intersection of His plan and our pleasure.  That discontent and lack of enthusiasm is not there because we are ungrateful or tired but because we were designed to make a difference and live a life out loud beyond our brick walls.  And until we find it and do it the discontent will linger.

For 10 years and counting, I’ve been on a seek, search and find mission.  There are times when I’ve been tempted to throw in the towel, keep my mouth shut, and just clean my house.  But I always find myself returning to the whisper that calls me to the edge of my dreams gently nudging me to take the plunge. The biggest difference I think I can make today is to share the ins, outs, twists, and turns of my journey in hopes that another woman may glean hope for hers.

I was born with a penchant for beautiful baubles and a love for design. I spent years on Chicago’s Mag Mile promoting an LA designer.  Following in my parents footsteps and starting my own decorating business was a natural step for me.

But sometimes even the most natural steps from our past can become the thorns of our future if we don’t stop and follow the tug that’s leading us away from the old and into our new.  Walking away from those hip-and-happening, easy-to-talk-about industries into the deep and vulnerable world of self- help and God speak was not an easy pill to swallow for a girl like me who thrives on connecting with people.  But if you’re after authenticity and truth a girl has to do what a girl has to do and you’ll find that most people are pretty darn accepting when you learn to accept yourself.

Hence, “DesignHer Living” was born.  Voila!  Mixing the old and making it new just like my old faux finishing days, who knew?  Walking alongside women as a Certified Life Coach and teacher encouraging, inspiring, and challenging women to create a custom-fit life has given design a whole new meaning for me.  Allow this column to pull at your heart strings, flinch, grimace or grin.  Go ahead, feel and get real because to appear blessed on the outside is fortunate but to live fully blessed on the inside is invaluable.