Creating Your Dream Life
So, I used AI to map out what a day in my dream life would look like.
Whatever your feelings about AI are, just know that I share the same sentiment. You HATE AI? Same. You think it is really cool, but like a *little* scary? Same. You think it's the coolest thing since sliced bread?! Same. I feel it all and then some (especially as a high school teacher who is navigating how to teach AI as a tool, and not let it be my students brain).
However, I saw this trend on the internet going around and I thought I'd give it a try. The trend asks you to think about what your dream life looks like. What are you doing, who are you as a person, where are you living, what are your values, etc.
I love my life as it is right now, but I have always been someone who is always dreaming bigger, who wants to do it all, and doesn't love taking, "you can't do it all" as an answer to anything in life.
So I thought I would give it a try. Allow AI to support me in my endeavor's in imagining a future built exactly as I hope it to be. For now. (My idea of what my dream life is changes from time to time, but for now, this is pretty close to what I envision).
Here is what you do:
Tell AI (I used ChatGPT) to, "tell me a story about what a day in the life as my future self looks like, based off this description. Then add in a week in the life as well."
Once it spits something out, type in, "Create a daily schedule for me to follow that will allow me to achieve this life and bridge the gap from where I am now to where I want to be"
Ask it anything else! I asked it to create a *detailed* day in the life of this new dream life- and it broke it down by hour.
Below is what mine looked like:
Tell me a story about what a day in the life as my future self looks like, based off this description. Then add in a week in the life as well."
I type the above statement in followed by my hopes and dreams:
I am a public speaker who travels to speak about K-12 education, mental health, mindfulness, and wellness. I have written a couple of books that will be the cornerstones of the work that I do. My 'day' job is as a college professor, teaching in teacher credentialing programs, preparing future educators to step foot into the classroom. I have designed curriculum around social-emotional learning that will be implemented into many universities across California and eventually the country, to prepare educators to adequately support the social emotional needs of students. I am very knowledgeable about student wellness, staff wellness, and can lead yoga and mindfulness workshops for all, especially for educators. I encourage mindfulness into the K-12 spaces because I know how powerful it is for people, especially kids. I act as an educational leadership consultant to help schools and districts bring SEL into classrooms, not as an additional program, but infused into their already existing curriculum. I still teach yoga on the side, I value my friends and my family. I go for a surf, camping trip, or vacation when I can. I am actively fit and wellness minded. I have also created an online platform to share all of the above in video format to reach a wider audience.
This is what ChatGPT spit out for me:
A Day in the Life of Your Future Self
As the soft morning light filters through the window, you wake up feeling refreshed. The gentle sound of waves crashing in the distance reminds you of your last surfing trip, fueling your excitement for the day ahead. You rise early, practicing a brief yoga sequence in your living room, centering your mind and body before diving into the world of education and wellness.
After a quick breakfast of smoothie and toast, you sit down to review your schedule. You have a busy day ahead: a morning class with future educators, followed by a keynote speech at a local education conference. As a college professor, you thrive on the energy of your students, eager to share your insights on social-emotional learning (SEL) and the importance of mindfulness in the classroom.
At the university, you engage your students in dynamic discussions, encouraging them to think critically about how to support their future students’ mental health. Your curriculum, infused with the principles of SEL, has transformed how they perceive teaching. You guide them through practical exercises, incorporating mindfulness techniques, making the learning experience both enriching and interactive.
Post-class, you grab lunch with a couple of colleagues, exchanging ideas on educational innovations and best practices. You make a mental note to incorporate some of their suggestions into your online platform, where you share videos and resources that empower educators across the country.
In the afternoon, you prepare for your keynote speech. You step onto the stage, feeling the familiar rush of excitement. As you speak passionately about the integration of mindfulness in K-12 education, the audience responds enthusiastically. You share anecdotes from your journey, insights from your books, and practical tips for creating a supportive school environment. Your message resonates deeply, igniting conversations that continue long after you leave the stage.
After a fulfilling day, you return home, taking a moment to unwind with a short meditation. You connect with friends via video call, sharing laughter and stories, and solidifying the bonds that keep you grounded. As the day winds down, you curl up with a book, reading about new mindfulness techniques to incorporate into your practice and teaching.
A Week in the Life of Your Future Self
Monday: The week begins with your usual morning yoga routine, followed by back-to-back classes. You introduce a new SEL framework that you’ve been developing, gathering feedback from your students. In the evening, you film a short video for your online platform, discussing the week’s topic and answering questions from your followers.
Tuesday: You travel to a nearby district for a full-day workshop with educators. You lead sessions on integrating mindfulness into daily lessons and facilitating self-care strategies for teachers. You return home late, exhausted but fulfilled, knowing you’ve made an impact.
Wednesday: Today is dedicated to curriculum design. You spend the morning refining your program, collaborating with other educators over Zoom. In the afternoon, you hold a yoga class, guiding participants through a relaxing session that focuses on stress relief and mindfulness.
Thursday: You have a lighter schedule today, allowing for personal time. You decide to surf in the morning, enjoying the invigorating ocean breeze. Later, you meet with a local school board to discuss implementing your SEL curriculum across their district, advocating for a holistic approach to education.
Friday: You teach a seminar on mental health in education, inviting guest speakers who share their experiences. After class, you host a mindfulness workshop, where educators learn practical strategies to bring calmness and focus into their classrooms.
Saturday: The weekend is a time for reflection and connection. You host a gathering with friends, enjoying good food and laughter. You also take some time for yourself, engaging in personal mindfulness practices and journaling about your experiences and goals.
Sunday: You dedicate this day to family. You might go for a hike or have a picnic at the beach, fostering those important relationships. As the day winds down, you prepare for the week ahead, setting intentions and planning your next online video, eager to inspire more educators to embrace the power of mindfulness in their teaching.
In this vibrant and fulfilling life, you seamlessly weave together your passion for education, wellness, and mindfulness, making a difference in the lives of students, educators, and communities around you.
This was cute and great and all, but it makes me think about where I currently am at, a high school teacher, who teaches yoga on the side, pursuing her doctoral program in Organizational Change and Leadership, trying to stay sane by staying active and prioritizing family and friends. I wanted an action plan.
2. Next, "Create a daily schedule for me to follow that will allow me to achieve this life and bridge the gap from where I am now to where I want to be" and this is what I got:
Step-by-Step Process to Achieve Your Vision
Step 1: Establish Your Foundation
Mindfulness & Wellness Routine:
Start small: Dedicate 10–15 minutes each morning for yoga or meditation. Gradually increase the time as you feel more comfortable.
Create a comfortable space at home for your practice to make it inviting.
Step 2: Develop Your Teaching Skills
Engage with Your Current Role:
Reflect on your teaching methods and integrate elements of SEL into your lessons.
Seek feedback from students and peers to refine your approach.
Enhance Your Knowledge:
Read books and articles on SEL and mindfulness.
Consider taking online courses related to educational practices or mental health.
Step 3: Create a Curriculum Framework
Start Designing:
Dedicate a few hours each week to outline a basic SEL curriculum. Focus on key topics you believe are essential for future educators.
Pilot your ideas in your classes to see what resonates.
Gather Resources:
Collect articles, videos, and other materials that support your curriculum development.
Step 4: Build Your Online Presence
Start Your Online Platform:
Decide on a platform (like YouTube, a blog, or social media) where you’ll share content.
Create a content calendar with topics you want to cover, starting with one video or blog post per month.
Engage Your Audience:
Share insights and tips related to education and mindfulness.
Encourage feedback and interaction to build a community around your work.
Step 5: Expand Your Network
Connect with Educators:
Attend local workshops or conferences on education and mental health to meet like-minded professionals.
Join online forums or social media groups focused on SEL and wellness in education.
Collaborate:
Reach out to educators and wellness experts for guest workshops or co-hosted events.
Step 6: Practice Your Speaking Skills
Start Small:
Offer to speak at local schools or community centers on topics you’re passionate about. Start with informal gatherings or parent meetings.
Record yourself while practicing your speech to identify areas for improvement.
Gather Testimonials:
After your talks, ask for feedback and testimonials to build credibility for future opportunities.
Step 7: Incorporate Workshops
Develop Workshop Content:
Design a simple workshop outline focused on mindfulness for educators.
Host a trial workshop with colleagues or friends to refine your delivery and content.
Promote Your Workshops:
Use your online platform and local connections to market your workshops to schools and educators.
Step 8: Integrate Personal Wellness
Prioritize Self-Care:
Schedule regular activities that you enjoy, such as surfing or hiking, to recharge.
Set boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Reflect and Adjust:
Keep a journal to track your progress, challenges, and successes.
Regularly assess your goals and make adjustments as needed.
Weekly Action Plan
Monday: Set intentions for the week. Start with 10 minutes of yoga or meditation.
Tuesday: Dedicate an hour to work on your SEL curriculum outline.
Wednesday: Read an article or book chapter related to education or mindfulness.
Thursday: Record a short video discussing a topic of interest.
Friday: Network with a colleague or attend an educational event.
Saturday: Plan and host a small workshop or yoga session.
Sunday: Reflect on the week, focusing on what worked and what you can improve.
3. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, I wanted to know a detailed day in the life, hour by hour:
Daily Schedule
5:30 AM – 7:00 AM: Morning Mindfulness & Yoga
Begin with a 45-minute yoga or workout session, focusing on breath work and gentle movements, or getting your heart rate up and endorphins flowing.
Spend 10 minutes in meditation or journaling to set intentions for the day.
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Breakfast & Personal Time
Enjoy a healthy breakfast.
Read or watch inspiring content related to education, wellness, or mindfulness.
Journal and any other business that needs to be taken care of (dog, kids, etc).
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Commute/Preparation for the Day
Use commute time (if applicable) to listen to podcasts or audiobooks related to your field.
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Teaching & Student Engagement
Teach college classes, emphasizing social-emotional learning (SEL) and practical strategies.
Encourage discussions and activities that foster engagement.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch & Networking
Have lunch with colleagues or students to foster connections.
Use this time to brainstorm ideas for your online platform.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Curriculum Development/Consulting
Work on designing or refining your SEL curriculum.
Meet with school leaders or educational stakeholders for consulting sessions.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Online Content Creation
Dedicate time to creating videos or writing content for your online platform.
Respond to comments and engage with your audience.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Yoga Class or Mindfulness Workshop
Teach a yoga or mindfulness class, focusing on relaxation and stress relief for educators.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Reflection & Planning
Reflect on the day’s accomplishments.
Plan your agenda for the next day, including any upcoming workshops or events.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner & Family Time
Enjoy a healthy dinner with family or friends.
Use this time to connect and unwind.
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Leisure Reading & Writing
Spend time reading books or writing them ;)
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Personal Time & Relaxation
Engage in a relaxing activity, such as a hobby, light reading, or watching a favorite show.
Wind down with an evening mindfulness practice or light stretching.
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Prepare for Bed
Settle into a calming nighttime routine.
Reflect on your day and express gratitude for the experiences.
This was a long one, but it does make me reflect on the power of the mind, mindset, and manifestation. This exercise helped ground me both in the work that I am currently doing and the work I plan on doing in the future.
If you try this exercise out, let me know!
Go chase your dreams.
