No One I’d Rather Be (30 Lessons From 30 Years)

My first 'talking episode' and a reflection as I turn 30 years young. With each lesson, my hope is you'll reconnect with your growth, resilience, and unique path, embracing who you are today with compassion and gratitude.

This episode is a gentle reminder that every experience has shaped you, and I hope you remember there’s truly no one else you’d rather be.

Transcript

Hi my friend,

I have been recording meditations for this podcast since 2023.

I have over 200 podcast episodes,

And I've never done just a talking episode,

So here I am.

Hi,

Hello,

This is my normal talking voice.

Today is not going to be a meditation,

Although it kind of might feel like one as well.

I am turning 30 this month,

And I will release this episode on my actual birthday,

May 14th,

So wow,

Amazing.

This is past Eileen speaking in this moment,

Who is 29 years old currently,

And I am feeling very ready to turn 30.

I don't feel like I am 30,

I feel like I'm still in my early 20s,

And I feel so grateful to feel like I am truly living the reality of my dreams and entering into a decade that I know is only going to get more and more beautiful.

So thank you for being in this journey with me and for allowing me to do my heart's work.

It truly is the greatest gift of my life to be able to lead meditations and lead meditation teacher trainings,

And I know I will continue to do more and more of that in this next decade,

And wow,

I have no idea where this is going.

And I have learned to really dance with the uncertainty,

And I'm just excited and ready.

So 30 doesn't feel scary to me,

And I'm curious if it did for you.

And I think welcoming in this new decade with just so much compassion and grace,

And as I enter into my 30s,

I know I've learned so much in 30 years.

I've learned really how to love myself and respect myself,

And I've grown and evolved in so many ways,

And I've met so many different parts of myself.

There is no one I would rather be but me.

I wouldn't want to be anyone else.

And I can genuinely say I don't want to be anyone else but me.

And that is my wish for you one day,

To really believe that and really feel that.

So the beautiful thing about birthdays is that when you turn a year older,

You are also all the years that came before that year.

You're still 27,

26,

19,

13,

11,

6 years old.

You expect to feel your new age on your birthday,

But you don't.

You open your eyes,

And everything is just like yesterday.

And one day you might say something really silly,

And that part of you is still 17.

Or maybe some days you don't trust yourself,

And that's a part of you that's still 20.

And for no reason at all you might cry like a baby,

And that part of you is 2 years old.

The way we grow older is like an onion each year inside the next one.

Our birthdays are just a celebration of all the years that came before us,

And a welcoming of the next.

I guess I cannot not breathe in an episode.

And I want to read you 30 lessons from 30 years.

My hope is that these reflections and lessons that I've created will inspire you to embrace your own journey,

Wherever you are,

With just a little bit more love and compassion and acceptance.

1.

You are free from the responsibility of others.

When I let go of trying to fix or change people,

I felt relief.

2.

Do not take anything personally.

What anyone does or how someone responds to your truth has nothing to do with you,

And everything to do with them.

3.

Boundaries are kind.

I learned that boundaries are not about what the other person is going to do.

It's about what you will do.

You control your response,

And you can maintain that boundary.

And also,

I just had a friend say this the other day,

That boundaries are something that are actually intended to create a higher quality of a connection.

I thought that was so interesting.

4.

People pleasing only creates a war within yourself.

Release the fear of being judged or causing discomfort in someone else,

While creating unease within you.

It's time to release the fear of being judged or causing discomfort in someone else,

Especially if that's creating unease within you.

You matter too.

5.

Never force a workout.

Listen to what your body desires.

I have really scaled back on my exercise,

And I actually feel stronger than ever.

I move in ways that feel good,

Like lifting and hiking and walking and dancing,

And I know that I can trust my body.

Rest is essential,

And my nervous system thrives because of this.

6.

No one will know what you are offering unless you share it.

Stop hiding and release the idea that your sharing of what you're offering is annoying.

You are a gift to this world,

And there is room for you.

The right people will care.

7.

Simplicity is not about deprivation.

It's about choosing what is important.

You need less,

Not more.

That is the way to truly discover joy and contentment.

8.

The same light you see in others is shining brightly within you.

We spend so much time comparing ourselves to others,

Yet the person you're comparing to is likely doing the same thing with someone else.

The truth is,

You are already carrying the same light,

Gifts,

And beauty you admire in others.

Everyone is just a mirror.

9.

Doubt is a good sign,

And it's proof of bravery.

Whenever I'm growing,

Doubt always comes along,

Gently reminding me that I'm stepping outside of my comfort zone,

And expanding into something new.

So I've learned it's not a sign to turn back,

But rather a signal that I'm on the right path towards transformation.

Also,

This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes,

Doubt your doubts.

I'll let you take what you want with that.

10.

There is a difference between caring and carrying.

Being an empathetic person,

There's this fine line.

So we must notice this and become aware of whose thoughts we are feeling.

This will set you free,

My friend.

11.

You are more than a body.

This is a lesson I come back to over and over again.

Our body is simply a container,

Holding the energy,

Personality,

And beautiful qualities that make you who you are.

It's time to stop wasting energy trying to change or perfect it.

I refuse to look back on my life and feel that I was at war with my body.

Instead,

I choose to remember that we are on the same team,

And I am grateful to my body for holding me through it all.

12.

Uncertainty opens the door to limitless possibilities,

Where anything can unfold,

And new opportunities arise.

It's a space for growth,

Discovery,

And transformation.

I don't fear uncertainty anymore.

13.

Overthinking is underfeeling.

Overthinking is a barrier to truly feeling.

When we get caught up in our thoughts,

We disconnect from our emotions.

To free the mind of overthinking,

We gotta drop into our heart and allow ourselves to feel.

We have to feel it to free it.

14.

Confidence is simply a direct reflection of your ability to be your authentic self.

I'm gonna say that one again.

Confidence is simply a direct reflection of your ability to be your authentic self.

When you honor who you truly are,

It radiates outward,

Creating a sense of self-assurance.

15.

Do not be afraid to be seen trying.

Let others witness your journey,

Not just your success.

Step outside of your comfort zone by trying new activities and hobbies.

You never know what you're capable of until you give it a chance.

16.

Failure is not the end.

It's simply a redirection.

When things don't go as planned,

It's an opportunity to learn,

Grow,

And discover a new path that aligns more closely with your vision.

Trust that what is meant for you will never pass you by.

17.

If others cannot understand how you live your life,

That's a good thing.

It means you're living authentically,

And guess what?

They don't have to live your life.

Only you do.

Whew!

That one gets me going.

18.

You are never truly behind in life.

You are exactly where you're meant to be.

And I know it's easy to think you should be further along or have accomplished more,

But remember,

You get to set the pace of your life.

Everything unfolds in divine timing.

Trust that where you are right now is guiding you to where you need to be.

Keep finding joy and peace in the process.

19.

Be kind to your mind.

You're doing your best.

Every thought you think is heard by your body shaping your reality.

Choose thoughts that nurture and empower you.

20.

Pause often and check in with the story you are telling yourself.

We're often caught in creating narratives in our minds filled with assumptions that lead to unnecessary suffering.

So take a moment,

Take many moments,

To notice where your mind is and rewrite the story in a way that serves you.

21.

Less screen time will make you happier.

Without a doubt.

I want to scream this one,

And it's something I'm really working on.

When I leave my phone in the other room and simply allow myself to be rather than scroll,

My heart and my mind instantly feel lighter.

Without the unconscious comparison,

The anxiety or doubt creeping in,

I am free and I am fully present with my life beyond the screen.

22.

Arts and crafts are a beautiful and meaningful way to practice mindfulness.

This past year I dove into scrapbooking and different projects and it's been incredibly healing for my inner child.

And it's such a fun,

Fulfilling way to spend my time.

Allowing creativity to flow and bringing so much joy into my day.

23.

Vulnerability is your superpower.

There's this quote that says,

Shame dies when stories are told in safe places.

This keeps coming up in my meditation teacher training.

I've learned that there is always someone who feels the way you do,

If not the exact same way.

And so when you share your feelings,

You create deeper connections with others and in doing so,

You open up space for healing.

24.

No one resonates with perfection.

Yeah,

I'm going to leave that pause there so it can really sink in.

No one resonates with perfection.

Let yourself be seen.

Let yourself mess up.

It's the imperfections where we can truly let people in and feel that genuine connection.

Embrace the beauty of being human.

Allowing yourself to show up as you are,

Flaws and all.

25.

Fear of judgment from others means there is a judgment within.

When we fear being criticized,

It often points to the areas where we are hard on ourselves.

So let go of your own self-judgment and strive to embrace all parts of you.

26.

Music is a love language and you should dance often.

Share music with your friends.

Create a playlist.

One of my best friends and I,

We create a playlist for our birthdays.

So I'm looking forward to that playlist today.

Listen to the lyrics.

Dance.

Sing.

Dancing and music,

It has the power to connect us,

To allow us to express emotions,

And it brings so much joy into our lives.

27.

Your intuition is your greatest friend.

And it's that quiet inner voice guiding you toward what feels right.

Trust it,

Because it knows what your mind sometimes cannot see.

It's a powerful tool that leads you back to your true path always.

Helping you make decisions that align with your authentic self.

28.

Marriage takes work,

But with the right person,

It can actually feel very effortless.

When you're aligned with someone who truly understands and supports you,

Challenges become opportunities for growth.

But with the right person,

Even the tough moments feel lighter because together,

You are stronger as a team.

I almost started crying there.

I love you so much,

Chad.

29.

Your parents are human too.

It's their first time navigating life as well.

They are figuring out things just like you,

Learning from their own experiences,

And continuing to engage with their life.

As we grow older,

We are gifted with the opportunity to truly see them,

And respect them,

And love them in a whole new way.

This shift allows us to really love them with a deep understanding,

Compassion,

And gratitude.

I love you so much,

Mom and Dad.

30.

There is no perfect time for anything.

Whether it's having kids,

Leaving van life,

Changing careers,

Letting go of something,

Or making any big decision,

We often wait for the right moment,

But life doesn't come with a perfect timeline.

The truth is,

The right time is only when you fully trust yourself,

And when you take the leap.

As I step into my 30s,

I am reminded that life is meant to be lived in the present,

Not postponed for when everything is perfect.

Each year,

Each moment is a chance to embrace,

Change,

And celebrate growth,

And live my lightest,

Freest,

Fullest life.

Will you join me on this journey?

Take a breath with me.

Inhale.

Exhale.

I am celebrating you today.

I am celebrating me today.

I am celebrating this life.

What a gift it is to be you in this moment.

From my heart to yours,

Always.

Thanks for listening.

Reviews

Thank you sister. It's inspiring to hear you share the wisdom you've gained along your journey. Yes, I will join you!

Beautiful talk. I just celebrated my 70th birthday. So much wisdom you shared resonated with me. I am so grateful for the tree rings of life experience that embrace each other and are with me always. You seem like a lovely person. Very awake.

This was so good and lovely! I turned 30 too this year. I appreciated your reflections! Wishing you the best decade of your life! :)

Happy 30th birthday 🎈🎂 Eileen. For me turning 30(am now 38) was great. The older I got ,the more I love my life.

Amazing. I will come back and listen to it again and again and again for sure.
🌸🙏🏻💕