In this episode, I'm introducing you to the Dreams Part 1 playlist from the Moving For Smarties YouTube channel which tells you about what and discusses the importance of living a fulfilling life and the role of dreams in shaping our reality. To watch the video, head to https://www.youtube.com/@Movingforsmarties

Before you move, there’s one big question you need to ask yourself: Am I chasing a dream — or running from something?

In this episode of Moving for Smarties, Mariette Frey introduces the Dreams Module of the FRED Framework: Finances, Robustness, Ecosystem, and Dreams. This is where the smart move journey begins, because before you can figure out the money, the logistics, the support system, or the destination, you need to understand what is truly pulling you forward.

Using the powerful idea that some people live 90 years while others repeat the same year 90 times, Mariette invites you to look honestly at your life, your dreams, and the version of yourself you may be ready to become.

This episode is not about figuring out the “how” yet. It is about getting clear on the “what.” What do you want your life to feel like? What kind of energy do you want to live in? Are you being pulled toward a dream, or pushed by fear, stress, boredom, or burnout?

Mariette also shares a personal story about dreaming of moving from San Diego to San Francisco, sitting by the Golden Gate Bridge, imagining the life she wanted, and watching that dream eventually become a real, practical next step. Because your dream is not fluff.Your dream is data. And data leads to decisions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why every smart move starts with the question: Am I chasing a dream or running from something?
• What the Dreams Module is inside the FRED Framework
• Why Mariette starts with Dreams before Finances, Robustness, and Ecosystem
• How dreams help you reverse engineer the rest of your relocation decision
• Why the “what” comes before the “how”
• How to identify what is pulling you forward versus what is pushing you away
• Why fear-based decision making can keep you stuck
• How old dreams can expire — and why that does not mean you failed
• Why specificity matters when imagining your future life
• How one clear vision can become a compass for your next chapter

“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco,” -Mark Twain

That was the quote I couldn't figure out how to say right about San Francisco- see why it's tricky?!

What You’ll Need

• A notebook or piece of paper
• A pen
• A quiet moment to think honestly
• Willingness to imagine boldly
• Permission to write before judging whether the dream is practical

Reflection Prompts From This Episode

Use these as journaling prompts after listening:

• Am I chasing a dream or running from something?
• What am I truly trying to move toward?
• What am I trying to get away from?
• What kind of energy do I want to live in?
• If I were living fully, boldly, and with total confidence, what would my life look like?
• What would I see, hear, smell, and feel in that future life?
• What city, neighborhood, home, routine, or community keeps showing up in my mind?
• What am I trying to prove?
• Who am I trying to prove it to?
• Is this still my dream, or is it an old dream I have outgrown?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Living Fully

03:07 Understanding Dreams and Their Energy

05:55 Visualizing Your Dreams

09:08 Documenting Your Dreams for Clarity

If you’re exploring a move, dreaming about a new city, or trying to figure out what’s next, subscribe to Moving for Smarties and follow along through the full Dreams playlist. And if you want support, planning tools, community, and real conversations about finding a place that fits who you are becoming, join the Smart Move Society, you can find it on our website, movingforsmarties.com