In the next couple of weeks, I’m going to record a podcast episode about the biggest lessons I’ve learned in 4 years of business, but today, I just want to ramble from my heart, about my morning.
If you’d rather listen to this blog than read it, please click play. Otherwise, keep reading below.
I am overflowing with gratitude, optimism and peace.
Today is my 35th birthday. It’s also Primal Potential’s 4th anniversary and the 500th episode of the Primal Potential podcast. Last night, I wrapped up the first draft of my first book.
I woke up this morning and walked to the beach. I got to the water around 4:30am. The first light of day had already broke and for a moment, I thought, “I missed it.”
I missed daybreak. I wanted to be on the sand when the first light broke through, but it had already happened. My mind raced forward into tomorrow and I wondered what time I’d have to be on the beach to be there for that moment.
“Be here now“, I told myself.
I walked. I watched. It got increasingly beautiful.
As I walked and jogged, soaking in the sunrise, I thought about my birthday. I thought about how different my life was 4 years ago on the day Primal Potential launched. I was married then, living a very different life in North Carolina.
This isn’t what I thought my life would look like at 35. If you had asked me four years ago, I’d have told you that I’d have kids now. That my book would be released into the world. I would have told you a lot of things that would have been wrong.
I started to wonder what my life will look like at 36 and at 40.
Then, I stopped. I just stopped.
I realized that I was reflecting on my life the way I had reflected on my first impression of the sunrise this morning. I was convincing myself that I had missed something.
But, in doing that, in choosing to look backwards and forwards, I was missing what was right here, right now.
If you’ll be present for it, life, like the sunrise, becomes increasingly more beautiful.
If you convince yourself you’ve missed something or use your energy imagining where you’re be later, you’ll miss what is unfolding in front of you today.
Like today, it’s increasingly beautiful, if you allow yourself to watch it unfold.
Love, love, love! Happy birthday!
Last night I was upset because I was thinking (telling myself a story) that 26 year old me would be disappointed if she knew that 36 year old me would still be single, working a job that at best she’s not thrilled about and at worst, hates, and didn’t own a home yet. I felt like I’d missed out. Reading this reminded me that I can’t change the past and my future isn’t going to be any different if I don’t keep my focus on what I CAN do today, and what is happening right now, in this moment. (Also, your beach walk reminded me that one thing that brings me JOY in my life is spending time in nature, so I’m going to make that a priority.)
Yes, Lucy! We can argue with reality or we can work with it!
Happy Birthday, Elizabeth!! Beautiful post! I feel so fortunate to have stumbled across your podcast…500th episode! Congrats! Your heartfelt desire to help people make lasting, meaningful changes in their lives is so evident in all you do! Thank you ❤
Thanks Sarah! So glad you found the podcast!!!
Very powerful EB! Love how you’re able to “see” NOW. Such a beautiful view! Hope your birthday brought to you all that you give to us!!! Blessed to be part of your community!
Thanks Kristin! I’m blessed to have you as a part of it!
This is amazingly powerful. It’s something that I will most definitely have to remember and practice continually. I feel like I’m learning so much and I’m so grateful. Thank You. Understanding that the most important moment is NOW is the key to everything for me. Funny how it’s your birthday but you’re giving us all the gifts. 🙂
Thank YOU so much for reading/listening and for your support!
Our minds are amazing machines, going places we don’t even expect, but thank god we have our breath to bring us back to the moment.
For sure.
Amazing blog EB!! Great reminder to stay where my feet are!!
Thanks for reading, Donna!
Happy Belated Birthday Elizabeth!
I ❤️❤️❤️ Your podcasts! You have and continue to inspire me! Thank you so very much for your dedication!
Excited for your book!!!
Thank you so much for listening, Mindy! Your support means so much!