Playing to Win - When You Take Control Of Your Life Instead Of Letting Your Life Control You

In this episode, I'm reflecting on a mindset shift inspired by the Seattle Seahawks and the difference between playing not to lose and playing to win. As I move into my second football season without my dad, I've been thinking about how that same idea applies to grief, joy, and the way I move through my days.

For a long time, especially during grief, my focus has been on avoiding a bad day. I've tried to create control through routines, lists, and getting as much done as possible. But somewhere along the way, even the things that nourish me, like journaling or taking a long walk with Cauchy, started becoming tasks instead of experiences.

This episode explores what it might look like to shift from simply getting through the day to asking, how can I make today the best day it can be? Not by avoiding difficulty or pretending hard emotions are not there, but by allowing joy, magic, presence, and unexpected goodness to exist alongside them.

I also share about a yearly tarot ritual that suddenly felt disconnected this year because I had turned it into another item on my to-do list. That experience became a reminder that the practices we choose to support ourselves do not need rigid rules. We can return to them differently, change our perspective, and let intuition lead.

This is an invitation to notice where you may be moving through life defensively. Where have meaningful rituals become obligations? Where are you trying not to lose instead of allowing yourself to fully participate in the experience?

Maybe the shift is as simple as moving from "I have to" to "I get to" and remembering that the day in front of you has never happened before.

This episode is for you if:

• You're ready to step into a leadership position and be more visible in your life
• You're curious about starting a podcast and/or a YouTube channel and want to get a peek behind the scenes
• You crave meaningful connections and relationships but find it hard to allow yourself to be fully seen
• You feel like you've been in hiding and are ready to step out into the light
• You're a creative who wants to share more of your gifts but aren't sure where to begin

Resources and Links:

• Explore The Shoreline Private Sessions to find aligned support as you navigate a significant life transition
• Sign up to receive notes from the Shoreline
• Use this FREE intention setting worksheet to help you find your north star
• Read this blog post to discover the easiest way to make your day better
• Listen to this visualization when you want to tap into daydream energy and invite more peace and calm into your life

Related Episodes:

• When Presence Becomes the North Star - Looking To Connection When The Journey Feels Lonely
• Permission To Be Where You Are - Learning To Embrace All Parts Of The Self With Compassion
• The Season of Refinement - Letting Go Of Past Identities To Embrace What's Ahead
• When Life Pulls You Toward A New Shore - Beginning Again And Exploring The In-Between Space After An Unexpected Life Transition

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Kim Kogane is a writer and intuitive guide helping you navigate the tender in-between seasons of life. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her dog Cauchy and three cats. Learn more about Kim