5 things you need to know before you start building the life of your dreams. what I learnt after moving to NYC at 18 and starting a life from scratch to reach new heights. Here is what I dish someone told me before: [1.] allow big opportunities into your life. Make them mentally possible. When I dreamed about moving to New York at 18, I didn’t know exactly how it would work, I was scared. But I allowed myself to believe that this life could be mine and that belief pushed me to apply, move, and start building. Very action aligned with my dream, not with my fear of failing. [2.] The way you speak about your future matters. Once I started talking about my dreams like real plans - getting into my dream university, working in fashion, moving - my actions slowly began to match that vision. [3.] Say yes to the step that scares you a little. Moving cities, entering a new industry, starting over: every meaningful chapter begins with a decision that feels bigger than you at first. You’ve got time of your life, but not too much. So just act. [4.] Commitment creates momentum. Once I chose New York, everything else started aligning — studies, creative work, fashion opportunities. Now studying in Paris feels like the next natural step in the same story. [5.] Dream lives are built piece by piece. Moving abroad, studying what I love, working in fashion — none of it appeared overnight. It came from many small decisions that slowly shaped the life I once imagined. Start shaping your reality by decisions that will bring you closer to the life you want. I’m still building my path between New York, Paris, and the creative world, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: dreams start becoming real the moment you begin acting like they belong in your life. Stay with me @alice_odessa 🤍