“You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.”
– Woodrow Wilson
Life, in its infinite wisdom, is constantly reshaping our reality. Often, we may find ourselves yearning for change, thinking that there’s a particular outcome we must strive toward. However, true transformation doesn’t always follow the path we envision. Instead, it comes when we are least expecting it.
The Seed of a Dream
About three years ago, I had a bold vision. I dreamed of traveling the country in a converted cargo van, much like my friend who was a touring musician, and working remotely with my bandana-wearing dog by my side. It was a free-spirited idea—unconventional, adventurous, and full of possibility. At the time, I was a principal clinician in a thriving therapy practice. The thought of conducting my work remotely seemed impossible. But I let go of the how and simply held onto the feeling—the sense of expansion, freedom, and connection to Life—that the idea sparked within me.
Years later, after a global pandemic forced us all to adapt, something unexpected happened: online work became the norm. My clients, once rooted in face-to-face therapy, preferred virtual sessions. And suddenly, converted cargo vans were everywhere. What was once a far-off dream had become a reality for many, including me.
Rising from the Ashes
The name of my company, Phoenix Risen Counseling & Consulting, holds a deeply personal meaning. The Phoenix, a mythical bird known for rising from its own ashes, represents renewal and rebirth after destruction. I chose this symbol because my life had once felt like it was “burning to the ground.” But like the Phoenix, I found myself rising from the ashes, not destroyed but transformed by the fire.
However, the true essence of the Phoenix story is not just about the cycle of destruction and rebirth—it’s about what we shed in the process. What burns away isn’t our essence; it’s our beliefs, our attachments, our stories. When we let go of these limiting constructs, we allow our true selves to emerge, unburdened and free.
In many ways, this journey has mirrored the story of my grandmother, Jessie Phoenix. A woman of incredible creativity, she was forced to let go of her dreams during WW II, and in her struggle, she lost sight of the beauty that once fueled her spirit. My company, in honor of her, is about embracing the flow of life without needing to burn everything to the ground to experience rebirth. It’s about recognizing that what burns away isn’t you, but the parts of you that no longer serve your highest good.
Embracing Aliveness
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that we must stay open to the flow of life and trust in its timing. Being really alive means seeing Life as our companion. It’s easy to become fixated on specific outcomes, but the key is to stay present and embrace whatever shows up. We don’t need to get ahead of life; instead, we need to ask ourselves: “How is life asking me to elevate or expand right now?”
Elevating and expanding in life doesn’t always mean more; for some, it means doing less but appreciating more. It could be letting go of a resentment, releasing body image struggles, or allowing yourself to experience joy and comfort. When we are truly connected to our own aliveness, we can accept both discomfort and pleasure. This balance is where growth happens. Life is asking us to say “yes” to what is happening right now, and to be fully present with this moment, this you.
Aliveness isn’t just about action; it’s also about being still, noticing the beauty in the world around us, and allowing it to feed our souls. Whether it’s resting your eyes on a sunset, hearing the laughter of a child, or feeling the warmth of a loved one’s embrace, these moments are the golden threads that connect us to the essence of life.
Practicing Presence
In our busy world, it’s easy to become distracted. But what if, for just a moment, we became aware of Life all around us—the subtle movements, the small details we usually overlook? This practice of being aware of being aware is a powerful tool in connecting to our own aliveness. It doesn’t require grand gestures or dramatic changes; it just requires presence.
When we train ourselves to be present, we open ourselves to life’s infinite possibilities. We begin to see beauty in the mundane, and in doing so, we tap into the energy that fuels our hearts and minds.
The Path to Freedom
The way to freedom lies in regaining simplicity and trusting that we are much more than any story or belief we hold. Our true selves are vast, and when we honor our uniqueness and embrace our inner beauty, we experience life in its fullness.
Take time today to reconnect with your aliveness. Embrace the small, fleeting moments of beauty and allow them to guide you. Let go of any resistance, soften your body, soften your gaze and see what emerges. Trust that the unexpected changes, however challenging, are leading you to a life filled with greater meaning, connection, and joy.
