We were all handed a blueprint. Go to college. Get the job. Marry someone nice. Buy the house. Raise the kids. Retire.

And if you followed that script, you’d be happy. That was the promise.

But… what if it’s not your dream? What if you’ve been chasing a version of success that doesn’t actually feel like you?

In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation originally recorded for my private podcast feed inside The Cozy Life Circle. It’s about questioning the traditional “American Dream” and asking what happens when we realize we want something else—something slower, quieter, freer… something more meaningful.

In this episode, I talk about:

* Where the classic version of the American Dream came from

* Why it doesn’t reflect the reality—or desires—of so many of us today

* How this narrative can make us feel like we’re failing, even when we’re not

* What it looks like to let go of the old dream and define success on your terms

* Why building a life that feels like home matters more than one that looks good in photos

Don’t forget to check out Stephanie O’Dea’s episode that inspired me.

Journal Prompts:

* What version of the “dream life” were you raised to believe in? Where did it come from?

* Which parts of that dream actually feel aligned for you—and which parts don’t?

* Have you ever felt guilty or “behind” for wanting something different? What triggered that?

* What does your version of success look like—if no one else got a say?

* What would your ideal day feel like (not just look like)?

* Are there parts of your current life that you chose because you thought you “should”? What would you choose differently today?

* What’s something unconventional or nontraditional that you’re drawn to—but maybe afraid to fully pursue?

* Whose dream are you currently living—or trying to live? Is it yours?

* If you could remove the pressure to explain or justify your choices, what dream would you quietly start chasing?

* What’s one small change you could make this week to move closer to your dream life?

If this episode resonates, you’ll love what’s waiting inside The Cozy Life Circle—my Substack membership where I share more cozy, honest, heart-centered conversations like this one, plus a private podcast feed, exclusive reflections, and journal prompts to help you slow down and live more intentionally.

Join us here: https://xuanklevecka.substack.com/podcastdiscount

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