Hi Reader,

Have you ever found yourself somewhere so unexpected, so out-of-the-ordinary, that you had to pause and ask: “What does this say about what’s possible for me?”

A few weeks ago, I found myself wandering the golden deserts of the Middle East. I was in Dubai, Muscat, and Doha. These are places where you can find sand that stretches as far as the eye can see, yet humans have built glittering cities, lush gardens, and even reclaimed land from the sea. But the moment that truly stopped me in my tracks? Walking down 21 High St. in Doha, a pedestrian street that is literally air-conditioned. Imagine: stepping out of 40+ degree heat into a cool oasis, right there on the sidewalk.

It blew my mind. Not just the technology, but the sheer audacity of it. The willingness to dream up something that didn’t exist and then make it real. It got me thinking about what drives us, as humans, to reclaim land, to build towers that touch the clouds, to create comfort in the middle of the desert? And what does it mean for us, each and every one of us, to reclaim dominion over our own lives?

Where are all the women?

As I marveled at this air-conditioned street, I noticed something else: almost everyone outside was a man. When I asked where the women were, the answer was, “Oh, they’re shopping indoors.” But when I peeked inside the luxury shops and food halls, they were empty. It made me wonder how often do we accept explanations that don’t quite fit, and how often do we let ourselves be invisible or absent from the spaces where life is happening?

Be AUDACIOUS

All this left me reflecting: If humans can build islands from the sea and cool down a city street, what could it look like for you to reclaim your own joy, your own space, your own story? Maybe you’re not building skyscrapers, but you are building a life. And I want to invite you to build a life that you love. Maybe you’re not cooling a desert, but you’re seeking comfort, connection, and meaning in a world that sometimes feels like it's on fire.

Where in your life have you accepted the heat, the discomfort, the sense of “this is just how it is”? And where might you create your own “air-conditioned street”, a small oasis of comfort, joy, or possibility?

One step at a time

Here’s what I know: Change begins with one small step. Maybe it’s carving out a morning ritual that’s just for you. Maybe it’s finally booking that solo trip, joining a new community, or simply daring to ask, “What do I want?”

You are allowed to be visible, to take up space, to build a life you love no matter your age, your relationship status, or your past.

Joyfully,
Damianne

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P.S. What's one way that you escape the pressures of life? Just reply to this email with your answer. You can even just send one word.