Freedom to Choose: My Journey Toward a Dream Life Designed on My Terms

By Kristina Karlsson

If there’s one word that has truly shaped my life, it’s freedom.

Not the “win the lottery” kind of freedom or a tropical escape. But a deeply personal kind—the freedom to choose. The freedom to design life on my own terms, based on what lights me up, what I value, and what I dream about.

In this episode of Your Dream Life podcast, I go deep into how I discovered the power of choice—and why it’s the key to building a life you love.

A 3am Moment That Changed Everything

I was 22, living in Melbourne, far from home in Sweden. I had no plan, no direction, no money—and no idea what to do with my life. One sleepless night at 3am, I turned to my partner Paul and asked, “What am I going to do with my life?” He gently suggested, “Why don’t we write down what’s important to you?”

That moment, with a pen and a blank page, I gave myself permission to dream.

I wrote down things like wanting to feel excited about Mondays, starting a business, working with Swedish design, staying connected to both Sweden and Australia—and making $500 a week. It was raw. Simple. But it was mine. And that changed everything.

Clarity Brings Freedom

What I realised that night was that clarity brings freedom—not because you instantly know all the answers, but because you have a direction. Writing down my dreams created momentum. I wasn’t just floating—I was steering.

From that place, my life unfolded in ways I couldn’t have imagined. But the most beautiful thing was discovering that freedom isn’t something you wait for… it’s something you create.

Five Key Insights From This Episode

1. Dreams Need Your Permission

So many of us stop ourselves from dreaming because it feels inconvenient, unrealistic, or because we fear we’ll disappoint others. But your dreams deserve space. Don’t wait until the perfect moment—just write them down.

2. Alignment Over Expectations

Freedom isn’t just time or money. It’s being in alignment with what matters most to you. That means saying yes to what excites you—and no to what drains you. The clearer your values are, the more empowered your choices become.

3. The Breakdown Can Be Your Breakthrough

When I lost Kikki.K—a business I poured my soul into for over 20 years—I felt devastated. But eventually, I realised I still had my values, my dreams, and the courage to begin again. And from that, Dream Life was born.

4. Freedom Is Found in Daily Practices

My dream life doesn’t look flashy. It looks like morning walks, coffee in silence, journaling, reading, connecting, creating—and working when and where I choose. Big dreams are built on small, consistent choices.

5. Your Freedom is Unique

Freedom isn’t one-size-fits-all. For me, it includes helping my kids be entrepreneurial (my son Axel now runs his own golf wear stall!), running retreats, and creating journals I want to use myself. For you, it might look totally different—and that’s perfect. It’s your dream life.

🌱 Rebuilding, Reimagining, Reclaiming

Freedom also means having the courage to rebuild. After losing my business, I could have given up. But I reminded myself that we can lose external things—but we never lose who we are.

That’s why investing in yourself is so important. You carry that with you no matter what happens.

And when you do the inner work—getting clear on what you want, what lights you up, and what matters to you—you give yourself the power to choose.

What Does Freedom Look Like for You?

I want to ask you something—truly, from my heart.

💛 What does freedom look like in this season of your life?

💛 Where are you choosing alignment?

💛 Where are you settling?

💛 What would change if you believed you had permission to choose differently?

Take a moment. Grab your journal. Write your answers down. One small choice can shift your direction.

💫 July’s Theme in the Dream Life Coaching Program: FREEDOM

If this message speaks to you, you’re going to love what we have coming up in the Dream Life Coaching program. July’s theme is Freedom—but not the kind you hope for “one day.” We’re talking about the kind you build step-by-step, through clarity, courage, and consistent action.

We’ll be doing this powerful work together, in a loving and structured environment with a community of like-minded women. Plus, the incredible Lloyd Ross will be joining us for a Financial Freedom Workshop!

If your heart is whispering “this is for me,” follow that nudge. You can learn more at www.yourdreamlifestartshere.com.

Here’s to choosing freedom—and designing a dream life that feels right for you.

With love,