Let me set the scene: we’re hurtling through space on a giant rock at 67,000 mph, and yet here we are, worried about whether we’ve packed enough snacks for the school run. Life is too short to be “realistic.” And honestly, realistic is just a fancy word for mediocre, and mediocre isn’t on my Christmas wish list this year.
Three months ago, I had the audacity to dream of a Christmas in New York. Under the Rockefeller tree, hot chocolate in hand, doing my best Home Alone 2 impression. People told me to “be realistic.” You know, the same people who think two kids, a dog, and a spotless house is achievable. But here’s the thing—I decided to get wildly delusional instead. And guess what? It worked.
Setting the “Unachievable”
Back in September, I gave myself what felt like a completely impossible goal: get my family to New York for Christmas. No credit cards. No fairy godmother. Just me, some insane determination, and a plan that involved more hustle than I thought I had in me. And now? We’re off to the Big Apple, baby!
I worked every single day for this. I hustled on TikTok, Vinted, affiliate marketing and even made my own products which you can check out HERE—you name it, I tried it. I even dragged my poor husband into helping me sell old stuff around the house. (He still asks why I had to photograph his shoes like they were starring in a Vogue spread.) But honestly, I had fun. The more “delusional” my goal seemed, the more motivated I was to prove everyone wrong.
Why “Realistic” Is Overrated
Here’s the thing about being realistic: it keeps you safe, but it also keeps you stuck. Realistic told me New York was a pipe dream. Delusional told me I’d be ice skating in Central Park while stuffing my face with Christmas pretzels. Guess which voice I listened to?
The truth is, being wildly delusional means giving yourself permission to imagine the most magical outcomes. It’s about ditching the fear of failure and going all in. Sure, you might look like a lunatic when you tell people your plans, but who cares? I’ve learned that most people are too busy living their own realistic lives to even notice.
Thank You for Cheering Me On
This year has been incredible, and a huge part of that is because of all of YOU. Yes, you reading this while your coffee goes cold because the toddler just spilled something again. Your support has been like a big, warm hug (the kind where you don’t even care if your bra strap is showing). You’ve cheered me on, shared my posts, and sent me messages that made me cry happy tears.
What’s Next
For the next two weeks, I’ll be ticking off some serious bucket list moments. Think glittery lights, Christmas markets, and maybe even a quick attempt at the New York accent (spoiler: it’ll be terrible). I’ll be sharing all the chaos on TikTok, so if you’re not already following, come say hi.
Wherever you are this festive season, capture every single moment. Hug your people tighter, eat the extra chocolate, and say yes to that cheesy Christmas movie marathon. Life’s too short not to soak it all in.
Thank you for making this year unforgettable. It’s been the best one yet, and it’s all thanks to you wonderful lot. Next year, I’m coming in hot with more big dreams, big plans, and hopefully less chaos.
Merry Christmas, my lovely tribe! Let’s make it magical. 💖🎄
P.S. Go on, eat that last Ferrero Rocher—you’ve earned it.
I’ll see you in 2025!
Hi Sarah,
Wow, what an inspiring journey! Your determination and hustle to make your dream happen is truly amazing. It’s such a great reminder that sometimes we need to ignore “realistic” and go after what feels impossible. You’ve shown that hard work and a little bit of “wild delusion” can lead to magical moments.
Enjoy every second in New York, sounds like it’s going to be absolutely unforgettable! Thanks for sharing your story and spreading so much positivity. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas! 🎄✨
Meredith
Meredith Moore recently posted…My Exciting Journey with Amazon Associates and TikTok Shop Training
Thank you Meredith! Your support is much appreciated. Lets go into 2025 full of delusion!
Sarah, for a moment there I thought you were preparing to write a new chapter to the Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, lol. But seriously, who needs to be realistic? You have won me over for turning my behaviour into something wildly delusional. Just you watch for the day I be blogging from a hot and sunny tropical island, lol.
I know you will totally enjoy ticking off some serious bucket list moments on your New York trip.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Robert Klein recently posted…The Be All and End All with Meta Ads
haha not on this post Robert! Start talking about blogging on an Island. Tell people about it too….. it will definitely happen!
Yes! This post gives me hope! The more delusional, the better! I retired almost a year ago today, and it was delusional and also delicious. It is important to take that Leap Of Faith. It builds character.
kate loving shenk recently posted…Embracing Life’s Beauty: A Senior’s Guide
I’m so glad you like it Kate. Happy retirement anniversary too! Here to a 2025 full of delusion!
Hi Sarah,
To read this update brings a big smile to me! (a fellow “let’s not be realistic” type!)
So many times I’ve been told to be realistic and stop keeping my head in the clouds. My response of: “oh yeah…and live the life you live? no thank you”… was always met with either a shrug or I’m a fool kind of response.
to you I say: HOURRAH FOR DREAMING, BEING DELUSIONAL AND MAKING IT HAPPEN!
Have a great, safe trip and oh yeah, need to give you one last thing: a big Canadian hug for daring to dream outside the box!
Happy Holidays to you & yours!
Wow, I absolutely love this! You’ve truly embodied the power of “delusion” in the best possible way! 🙌 It’s so easy to fall into the trap of playing it “safe” and sticking to what’s comfortable, but you’ve proven that going after what feels impossible can actually lead to some pretty epic results. 🌟
Your hustle and determination are seriously inspiring! The idea of dreaming big and ignoring the “realistic” voice is something I’m definitely going to take to heart. Honestly, I think we all need to be a little more “wildly delusional” in our goals—whether it’s a big trip to New York or just chasing after something that seems out of reach.
I’m curious, what was the hardest part of this whole process? Was there ever a moment when the “realistic” voice tried to creep in and tell you it wouldn’t work? And how did you push past it?
Also, New York at Christmas?? Sounds like a total dream! Can’t wait to see all the magic you capture on TikTok. Enjoy every single moment! ✨🎄
Sarah – Your journey has been so fun to follow. It is giving people like me hope and motivation to know that anything is possible. Some may say that for goal to get to New York in the time frame that you gave yourself was unrealistic, but you didn’t listen to them. I love the theme of this blog post and that anything is possible if you set your mind to it but not to limit your mind and not to limit yourself. I heard a great quote one time that says “The enemy of GREAT is good.” You are more than good, you are GREAT. I look forward to hearing many tales about your adventures in New York City and some of the hidden gems that you have found that you will carry with you throughout your entire life as you remember this magical experience with your family. I am so glad you are not realistic but optimistic were willing to take the risk to be great! Have a blast and I look forward to watching you succeed on your next goal!