Since we were children, most of us have heard some version of this phrase at least a thousand times:
“We can’t afford it.”
“It’s too expensive.”
“Next time.”
So, we grew up with an “I can’t afford it” mentality.
We automatically reject anything expensive without second thought—shops, products, experiences. We don’t dare step into high-end boutiques, not even to window-shop. I used to walk into stores and immediately check price tags—never to buy, but to eliminate. If it felt too luxurious, it wasn’t for me. End of story. No trying it on, no feeling it. Just rejection.
I remember having a visceral reaction to the price of a Louis Vuitton bag. Even Coach felt off-limits. One day, I asked myself a simple question:
Why?
Why couldn’t I even allow myself to browse those websites?
Why couldn’t I walk into the store, pick up the bag, feel it, try it on, walk around, and admire the craftsmanship?
No one from Louis Vuitton ever called me to say,
“Stay away from our store—you don’t belong here.”
That was me. I made that decision. Based on nothing.
I saw something I loved—something beautiful—and decided it wasn’t meant for me.
That’s what we do, isn’t it?
We decide deep down that we don’t deserve something, and then we wonder why it never comes into our lives. But something inside me has shifted the past last years.
I started doing the inner work, deep inner work where I questioned everything I’ve been told, everything I believed and everything I think I know as a fact.
I’m still doing it.
And since then, I’ve allowed myself to want more—and not feel ashamed about it., I am telling you now, it is not easy, my brain is not always cooperating. But I challenge every “I can’t afford it” with a gentle, curious:
“How can I afford it?”
And that’s where the magic begins.
This month, I’ve decided to script my life differently.
I am dreaming without limits.
Today, I’m on a 160-foot yacht. I’m stretched out on the deck, the sun is kissing my skin, and the sea air feels like a balm to my soul. We’re sailing from Australia to the Fijis.
In my hand is my latest book—freshly printed and sent to me by my publisher, cover finalized. She’s a beauty. I feel so proud.
My stomach growls—dramatically, of course. I yell to the chef to hurry up because I’m “dying of hunger.”
(He knows I’m being theatrical.)
It’s brunch time, and I’m expecting my dream spread:
Camembert, brie, saucisson, warm sliced bread, Iranian cheese, fresh fruits, Bonne Maman blueberry jam, and a hot cup of Carte Noire coffee—just how I like it.
Life is so good.
I feel free out here on the ocean. Like this is home.
Around me are my favorite people—laughing, playing cards, making memories.
My boys are yelling at each other because none of them likes to lose (no surprise there).
I’m the only lady awake, and I’m soaking in the quiet—reflecting, journaling, dreaming of the year ahead.
Come Monday, I’ll be on a call with my team, planning the next chapter, and I want to show up ready.
I feel forever young out here.
I feel blessed to live this life.
Yes—this is scripting.
Yes—this is dreaming.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
Life does not have to revolve around lack.
We are allowed to dream.
And when we do, our brains start to get a little uncomfortable—
but that discomfort is what helps us bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to be.
To some, this may sound insane.
But I’d rather spend my life dreaming about what I want
than dwelling on what I can’t have.
So, I script. I dream. I indulge in this exercise daily.
How about you?
What do you plan on dreaming about today?
Salima
Just me thinking out loud over here