After I Faced Death, I Chose to Live Differently

I was 26, the wind in my hair, the sun in my eyes and the beautiful mountain view below me as my snowboard moved beneath me catching the slight breeze.

The mountains always make me feel so alive and free.

I remember thinking, "wow, I love my life" as I closed my eyes and basked in the sun, enjoying the pause for my legs to rest.

The day I landed, everything changed.

He had text whilst I was on the plane "Give me a call when you land Nix".

My dad was diagnosed with cancer in March and gone by New Year’s Eve. Just like that, everything shifted.

In memory of Steve Lake, as his daughter follows in his footsteps creating a life of freedom and flexibility.

It was one of the most defining moments of my life—not just in terms of grief, but in how I think, live, and make decisions. It was the first time I truly felt the truth we all know but rarely confront: life is precious, and nothing is guaranteed.

Since then, the way I show up in the world has changed. My compass swung hard toward the present moment. I no longer wanted to wait for “someday” to do the things I dreamt about. I wanted to live now—not recklessly, but intentionally.

"Live for today, while building a foundation for tomorrow."

But constantly achieving, building, growing and going takes its toll. I started to burn out chasing bucket lists, never truly living in the present as I was too busy planning the future.

I had to find a way to hold both truths at once—living for today, while building a foundation for tomorrow. That’s when the real work began. Therapy. Coaching. Facing the fear of death. Learning to reframe it not with denial, but with hope. With habits. With a mindset that says, “I don’t know how long I’ve got—but I’m going to live like I’ll make it to 100.”

So I started showing up for my life in new ways. I prioritized my health, my energy, my joy. I chose nourishing food, daily movement, and self-care—not because I’m trying to outlive anyone, but because I love being alive. And that’s how I coach others too.

Nicola Lake, a lifestyle coach feeling empowered as she practices yoga in nature.

I teach people how to do the things they dream of doing—now—without throwing the future under the bus. How to spend your time with intention. How to build things not for validation, but because creating feels good. How to balance ambition with rest, and freedom with financial clarity. How to stay connected to what truly matters: love, family, and community.

"Stay connected to what matters: love, family, and community."

And when you have moved away from home, that last part hits even harder. When your people are an ocean away, you need to learn how to build a second family—wherever you are. You need the tools to create belonging, and the flexibility to go home when it counts—and stay longer when you do.

This is the work I live and breathe. 

Because you don’t get to choose how much time you have—but you do get to choose how you use it.

Life is Precious. Live it Fully.

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Your Coach,  

Nicola Lake

Lifestyle Coach

Freedom to live life on your terms.