By Kara Roberts
CEO, Pepper’s Personal Assistants
Are you intentional about building the life you want?
There’s always something to do. A decision to make, a responsibility to attend to, an email to draft. The never-ending list of seemingly critical tasks can make it easy to go through life on autopilot.
But what if you chose differently? What if you create a life aligned with your passions, values, and desires?
My life transformed when I made the intentional choice to design the life I truly wanted and prioritize myself. I downsized, put my belongings in storage, and embarked on my nomad journey to work from around the world. It wasn’t always easy, and I didn’t have a clear roadmap or the perfect support system in place. But I figured it out along the way.
That experience showed me just how possible change can be when you commit to it. If you’re ready to build a life that excites you, I’m here to help.
Life Before the Nomad Journey
For decades, my life revolved around responsibilities to others. I was a mother, business owner, and leader who was so focused on everyone else that I lost touch with what I truly needed.
When my youngest son was applying to universities, I started reflecting on what this next phase of my life could look like. I knew I was stepping into an entirely new chapter, filled with excitement about the opportunities and freedom that came with being an empty nester.
At first, I wasn’t sure, but the question kept surfacing: What if I took this opportunity to finally put myself first?
Having Fondue at Lötschberg in Bern, Switzerland
Taking the Leap
It started with a single trip to visit a friend in Germany. Initially I thought extending the trip longer felt too indulgent. But as I planned, the thought shifted. Why not see where the road takes me? What better time to embrace change? I couldn’t think of a good reason not to. When I feel equal parts excited and nervous I know I’m on the right track. It’s the sweet spot of life!
Bom Dia from Portugal
That three-month trip turned into an indefinite journey of travel and experiencing new cultures. And along the way, I discovered something: I’m happiest when I am traveling and exploring.
Navigating the Unknown
As exhilarating as it was, stepping into this new chapter wasn’t without doubts. What about the time differences? What if something went wrong?
But I knew that this was what I was meant to be doing at this stage in my life. More importantly, I knew that I had to figure out how to make it work, especially keeping the business running in my absence. It wasn’t always smooth—there were challenges, adjustments, and plenty of learning along the way. But my team and I adapted, and over time, we found a way forward.
How Life Has Transformed
During my travels, I rediscovered myself in ways I hadn’t expected. I explored new cultures, learned to navigate public transportation in foreign languages, and embraced a lifestyle of mindfulness and self-care. I faced challenges—like getting injured while abroad—but each experience reinforced my resilience. I also witnessed how my absence empowered my team to step up, allowing the business to evolve in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Enjoying a Gluhwein with friends as the Christmas Market season opens in Freiburg, Germany
Traveling pushed me to rediscover what I truly wanted in each moment. Sometimes that was exploring a new village, meditating, or simply slowing down.
And now, I’m more committed than ever to helping others prioritize themselves and create a life they love.
Creating the Life You Want
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to designing a life that feels fulfilling. For me, it meant reconnecting with my adventurous side, embracing uncertainty, saying yes to the unknown, and choosing a lifestyle that aligned with what I truly wanted.
For others, it might mean dedicating time to a passion project, focusing on wellness, or learning to say “no” without guilt. The common thread? Intentionally prioritizing yourself and making choices that align with your values, desires, and growth.
How You Can Make Space in Your Life
If you’re reading this, you might be mentally scrolling through an endless to-do list, wondering how making space for yourself is even possible. But before you take action, start by asking one simple question: Are you putting yourself last?
1. Acknowledge That You’ve Been on Autopilot
You get things done. The kids are okay. Work is handled. Life keeps moving forward. But when was the last time you paused and checked in with yourself?
Maybe your days blur together, each one feeling the same as the last. Maybe hobbies, interests, and passions have been quietly pushed aside in favor of responsibilities. Maybe the thought of truly relaxing—even for a moment—feels out of reach.
Ask yourself:
- Do I make time for things that bring me joy?
- When was the last time I did something just because I wanted to, not because I had to?
- Do I feel like I’m living my life or just going through the motions?
Before making changes, simply sit with these questions. Awareness is the first step.
2. Identify What Fills Your Cup
Your needs matter. And if you’ve spent years pouring into others, it might take time to remember what genuinely fulfills you.
- What activities make you feel energized and alive? Writing? Biking? Gardening?
- When do you feel most at peace? Is it during morning solitude, a quiet coffee break, or deep conversations with loved ones?
- Make a list of small and big things that bring you joy and schedule them in.
For me, it’s been meditation, learning to say no without guilt, and embracing rest as a necessity, not a luxury. My morning routine when I’m traveling is 2.5 hours long. I’m trying to figure out how to do that when I’m back in the same time zone as my work and family obligations. Meditating, a healthy breakfast and daily movement are non-negotiables.
3. Recognize What’s Draining Your Energy
Sometimes, the problem isn’t a lack of time but an excess of things that deplete you.
- Which commitments feel more like burdens than responsibilities?
- Are there relationships that take more than they give?
- What’s keeping you in a cycle of exhaustion?
Once you pinpoint these energy drains, it’s easier to decide what stays and what goes.
4. Set Boundaries Without Guilt
Saying no is an act of self-care. Protect your time and energy by:
- Declining commitments that don’t align with your priorities.
- Limiting access to people who drain you emotionally or mentally.
- Resisting the urge to over-explain when setting limits. Remember, “No” is a complete sentence.
5. Get Support & Outsource Where You Can
You don’t have to do it all. And frankly, you shouldn’t.
Outsource as much as you can afford. Along the way, I hired experts who could either teach me new skills or handle tasks more efficiently and effectively than I could. It freed up my energy for what actually mattered.
Are You Ready to Take the First Step?
Embracing this nomadic lifestyle showed me that when I am rested, attuned to my needs, and prioritizing movement, nutrition, and joy, magic happens all around me. I show up better for my family, my friends, my business, and most importantly, myself. I still struggle with feeling guilty for not being everything to everybody or even just my family. I have to remind myself all the time that self care isn’t selfish and focusing on my mental and physical health is in the best interest of those important to me—and me!
And while your journey may look different from mine, I know you can relate. Think back to the last time you felt truly in flow. I bet it wasn’t when you were bogged down with responsibilities.
So, what’s stopping you from taking your first step in building a life you can enjoy?
How Pepper’s Personal Assistants Can Help You Reclaim Your Space
If you’re ready to make time for yourself a priority, Pepper’s Personal Assistants can help.
Our personal assistants provide a proactive, reliable support system that allows you to step back from the endless responsibilities that can weigh you down.
We manage:
- Household services like grocery shopping,meal planning, overseeing vendors
- Scheduling appointments, reservations, making travel arrangements
- Organization, decluttering, and handling bill payments
- Errands like returns, pickups, deliveries, and more
Whether that’s finally having a moment to breathe, spending quality time with family, or focusing on your passions without distraction, the right support system makes all the difference.
Let’s chat about how we can free you up for you.
