Look what Elizabeth learned today

When I was a little girl, my mom kept a magnet on the fridge that said, “Look what Elizabeth learned today!” Sitting in the office at school earlier today, staring at the magnets on my desk, and making a mental list of all the ways I failed this week, I remembered that suddenly. And I thought how nice it was that that magnet never said, “Look what Elizabeth was perfect at today!” and better…”Look what Elizabeth totally screwed up today!” 

So in honor of my mom and that magnet, here are some things I learned (or re-learned) this week:

1. Sometimes it feels like the only thing keeping me upright are the breaths I take between things. Sometimes the breaths need to be extra-deep.

2. It can be difficult to reserve judgment about new things and new people. But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try.

3. I can look up to someone without having to become them.

4. It’s really important to be authentically, completely me.

5. I don’t have anything to prove. My worth is inherent.

6. So I can be transparent and flawed and transparent about being flawed because it’s okay for other people to see that.

7. I can give myself away without giving myself away. Know what I mean?

 

So share with me. What are you learning, re-learning, knowing in a new way as this week draws to a close?

love, elizabeth

Lessons from the Public Toilet

I bet you’re a little scared right now.

During a late dinner out last night, I walked into a restroom to find a girl fist-pumping, rocking out to whatever song was on the radio. She immediately froze when she saw me, started to apologize, and then said, “You know…it’s been a horrible week.”

To which I said, “You know, sometimes you just got to rock it out.”

I’m pretty sure she started dancing again as soon as I went into a stall.

What about you? Do you need to do some rocking out today?

love, elizabeth

Six Life Lessons from Christmas Movies

1. If you go to an inn in New England with Bing Crosby, there will be smooching.



2. No one can say ‘Merry Christmas’ with the fervor of Jimmy Stewart. No one. (see It’s a Wonderful Life, Shop Around the Corner for exhibits a and b)



3. If anyone shows up and claims to be a messenger, an angel, or a ghost of Christmas past perfect participle, listen to them.

4. Tim Allen knows it. Virginia knows it. The Supreme Court knows it. There is a Santa Claus. Don’t argue.

5. Don’t forget to hire the large ethereal-sounding choir well in advance of your life-altering transformation on Christmas Eve. They book up fast.



6. It’s okay if you burn the dinner, end up in an insane asylum or on a greyhound, fall off the roof, have no money for presents, or feel like jumping off a bridge because if it’s Christmas, there’s always hope.

What about you? What’s your favorite Christmas movie?

love, elizabeth