Today is the first day of the rest of my life!

It’s March 3rd 2023, and today marks the first day of some very big changes.

I’ve known this day was coming. We’ve been preparing for it for awhile. As time moved on and this day quickly approached, I’ve been thinking about my journey over the course of the past several years. All the problems that I have faced, the issues that I’ve worked hard to overcome, and the realizations I’ve had along the way. The choices set before me, to change or remain the same, and the decisions that I have made… each and every little thing that I have done has led me to where I am today.

I met with my therapist this past week and, as we sat down, got comfortable and took our very first breath together, he asked me: “Where would you like to begin?”

My mind filled with “all the things”, but as I looked up and out the window to his left, at the beautiful blue sky above us, I took another deep breath, felt my pulse slow inside my chest, and replied: “I really just want to say THANK YOU.”

His eyes flickered for a moment, and then he said: “And without even knowing why, I’m simply going to say: YOU’RE WELCOME.”

I could go on to write out all the details of all the things that have lead me to this moment, but I no longer feel the need to.

I’m not trying to brag about where I am, or instruct any of you, who are reading this, on how to do the same. I do not have all the answers, nor do I know some great big secret. The truth is, I’m still learning and growing – making mistakes, sometimes reverting to hold habits and ways of thinking, then relearning the same lessons, implementing the same general wisdom, and growing all over again. I simply make the decision, each and every day, to show up for myself and choose what’s best and most congruent for me.

Life can be such a crazy ride… a delicate balancing act of highs and lows, coupled with the knowledge that no single moment, feeling, or emotion (nor any person, place, or thing) will ever last forever. My experience has been no different. As I sit here, looking back to reflect, I find it absolutely incredible now to see the difference in myself – my thoughts, my feelings, the ability to process through the deepest of emotions. My actions and insights on the very meaning of this life. My family, my friends, and our ability to love and honor the relationships that we choose to surround ourselves with. From the simplicity that I’ve implemented in my personal life, to the depths and far reaching effects that I have found in my professional work, literally everything has changed… and all in just the last five years. When it comes right down to it, I am just so grateful for the people in my life who have been here with me, through and through, throughout it all.

I am what I am today… because of all of you.

#BeyondTheBoylstonLine