'I want...' List

My Annual List of (Unrealistic) Desires

There’s something wildly life-affirming about desire - not the calculated kind, but that deep, all-consuming hunger for more. Whenever I hear someone say, “I don’t want anything anymore,” a quiet bell goes off in my mind. To me, that’s often the first signal of melancholy settling in - or apathy, or the heavy cloak of quiet depression. Even fatigue can sound like that. When desire disappears, vitality tends to follow. That’s when I start wondering how to show up for that person.

I, on the other hand, have always carried a pulse of hunger in me. With wanting, dreaming, yearning. From a very early age, I imagined a life that would be not quite ordinary. I think I was five when I started what today we’d label “manifesting.” Back then, of course, it was just daydreaming but who’s to say there wasn’t a little spellcasting in it, too? Maybe I was already channeling today’s self-help language, only without the hashtags and ring lights.

Sometimes I want something so badly that no amount of fear or risk can stop me. That’s when the fire overrides everything. It’s not always smooth sailing - I’ve landed in some very complicated chapters (and still do, thank you very much). But even in the mess, I burn with desires, dreams and aspirations. And yes, let’s not pretend: this sentence is laced with more than a little erotic energy. But hey — it’s true.

In 2015, I found myself on a winding trip through Georgia - the country, not the state - and I fell in love. Hard. For a while, I even called myself a victim of Georgian charm. In hindsight, I could give you a tidy bullet-point list of why it enchanted me so thoroughly. But maybe next time.

I vividly remember sitting in the stunning mountain-lodge aesthetic dream that is Rooms Hotel in Kazbegi, and writing my very first I want… list. I even shared it on Facebook back then (yes, edited version of course). For someone like me - fiercely private, fiercely allergic to anything that smells of public vulnerability - this was a small act of rebellion. A soft but clear opening.

It’s been ten years now. I haven’t touched Facebook in ages, but every April, without fail, I still write my I want… list. It’s become a quiet ritual. The list has only one rule: anything goes, and as much of it as I please. No edits, no logic, no shame. Just uncensored desires.

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I want…

… to do sport four times a week

… to write a book

… to have 30 art advisory clients per year

… a strong professional reputation — and a personal brand that speaks for itself

… $1M in net annual income

… to run every morning

… to live in a steady 36–38 EU size

… to ride a Vespa, effortlessly chic, helmet and all

… TAAD to hit a $150M+ valuation

… to love - and be deeply loved

… to speak fluent Hebrew

… to own properties in Paris and Como

… to close TAAD’s seed round with grace and power (asap!)

… a European passport

… a creative office in Milan in crazy palazzo for the wildest ideas

… to catch the eye of those I find magnetic

… to be a femme fatale (in my own way)

… to be profiled in The New York Times and HTSI

… to always have an orgasm (yes, always)

… to travel only business class - no apologies

… to manage anxiety with softness and strength

… to be financially savvy and awake

… to live debt-free

… to confidently walk up to men I find interesting - offline

… for my partner to see me as the love of his life

… to meet my person, fall into mutual love, and build a family

… to be a successful entrepreneur

… to get laser-sharp on team profiling

… to step away from CEO and fully into Chief Creative Officer at TAAD

… to build a collection of works by female artists

… to cook like Ottolenghi (or at least close)

… those Prada Saffiano and suede Buckle bags

… to visit Morocco, Mexico, South Africa, Japan, and the Maldives

… to take the Bernina Express

… to work four days a week - and one research day

… to have three children

… to study at Harvard (for real!)

… those Chloe Suzanne ankle boots with the studs

… a dishwasher that actually works

… to master the art of holding boundaries - and showing vulnerability

… to act, always, from kindness

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My alter ego — one of many, honestly (how many alter-egos is too many?) — Mrs. Maisel, once shouted it perfectly: “I want a big life! I want to experience everything! I want to break every single rule!”

Same. Deeply, achingly — same.

But this line strikes even deeper: ambition is an unattractive trait in a woman. I’ve lived the truth of that one too. At one point, I even made a deliberate, painful choice: to sacrifice my love life just so all my dreams could come true.

Now? I’m not so sure that was necessary. But I know for sure: an extraordinary life will always be coupled with an extraordinary effort. And that doesn’t have to mean sacrificing what makes it feel full.

DREAM! DREAM BIG!

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Meanwhile, I just started reading The Husbands by Holly Gramazio. I honestly can’t remember why I skipped over my carefully planned reading list and dove into this one — but by Chapter 3, I can say: it’s good. TV-wise, Four Seasons deliver serious Shabbat comfort viewing, but what really has me buzzing is the return of Poker Face.

And the big highlight of the week? Emma Grede has launched a podcast! It’s called Aspire and it hits exactly the sweet spot I didn’t know I needed — that constant reminder that every entrepreneur, even Gwyneth Paltrow-level ones, wrestles with the same chaos, doubt, and imposter syndrome as the rest of us.

Take this week gently. Daydream more.

We’ll talk soon.

Yours,

Miri