It’s time to think about a lavish life. Susan has been working on creating her lavish life and invites you to join her because it’s as easy as opening your eyes.

To live a lavish life is as simple as opening your eyes.
— Susan Vernicek

The wind is blowing. The sun is shining. You’re smiling on the way to work and feeling sensational. You turn the radio on and your favorite song is playing, and you’re feeling like you have the most lavish, luminous life ever.

BAM. You wake up from your daydream, while driving to work, and realize it’s another ordinary day, working nine to five as Dolly Parton would say.

We all want and desire a lavish and luminous life and it’s certainly attainable because all you have to do is open your heart, mind, and eyes.

First, ask yourself what does lavish and luminous mean to you? For me, it means flexibility in most of my everyday life. I work often and I work hard, but it never feels like work because of the flexibility freedom I have.

What I mean by flexibility is I get to create my day, what I do, and when I do it. I can start and finish whenever I would like, and I can attend networking meetings without worrying that I’m over my thirty minute or one hour lunch block from corporate. I have full control over my calendar and to me, that is gives me a lavish lifestyle.

What is that one thing you would love more of in your life so you can create your lavish and luminous life? Is it flexibility? Is it more play and less work? Is it financial security? Is it love? Is it support? Is it more time with family and friends?

Stop for a moment and pay attention to your gut. Open your heart, mind, and eyes to discover the little things in life that bring you the most joy. For me, some of the little things in life are having a monthly dinner with my friends, having the flexibility to hit a sale during the day while most are at work, waking up a little later from time to time, or meeting my husband for lunch.

You very well may already have a lavish and luminous life; you may not have your heart, mind, and eyes open enough to realize it. Are you one to pick apart everything and only focus on the negatives? Are you constantly complaining about work, your life, or other situations?

If you don’t think you have a lavish life, I challenge you to take some time and reflect on your every day thoughts, actions, and surroundings. YOU have control over all of your thoughts, actions, and surroundings. Take control and ensure these are up to your standards and support you in achieving a lavish and luminous life.

Are you in a career or have a job that you struggle finding any silver lining? Are you single, but want to be in a relationship? Are you in an dreadful relationship and/or marriage? If so, the time has come for you to work hard to find a new path. It may be challenging at first, but taking action, even baby steps, is better than running in place.

We all can have the lavish and luminous lives we crave. We just have to continue to keep our hearts, minds, and eyes open to what appeals to us, then set some goals, and get going!

Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.^TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.

What have you accepted in your life that took time, physically or mentally?

I have accept that I am perfectly imperfect. I have flaws that create who I am–my identity.

What do you appreciate about yourself and within your life?

I appreciate my eagerness to learn each and every single day.

What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What goals do you still have?

Finding amazing friends that are there for me whenever I need them.

What is your not-so-perfect way? What imperfections and quirks create your Identity?

I can get caught up in all the vomiting-out-of-the-mouth Facebook posts by everybody “100%” happiness. I wish we all could show and express vulnerability more often, we’d be so much more human.

How would you complete the phrase “I Love My…?”

I love my swirly, roller coaster life. Experiencing the ups and downs of life continues to provide me with strength.