Elizabeth Blake Thomas shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Elizabeth, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My life changed suddenly 16 weeks ago when I lost my four legged best friend and partner in crime, so the “normal day” is a very different experience to what I’m used to. It currently consists of a lot of self care. My nervous system has been heightened and so I have to work hard at calming myself and feeling that I can begin my day in a peaceful and healthy place. Each morning I allow my body to wake whenever it feels like it, generally between 7am-8am. I have 3 glasses of water and then a lemon and hot water. Each day has been planned on the Sunday before the week begins. So Monday is Soho House West Hollywood, Tuesday Home, Wednesday somewhere out, Thursday home, Friday Malibu, and then the weekend takes its own journey. I eat very cleanly because I’m plant based, so lots of tea and water throughout the day. I split the day up with tasks that are urgent, and ones I’m working through. I write lists and have a physical calendar to mark things off. I’m currently working on several different types of projects so sometimes I’m writing, other times reading, other times reaching out for new business and other times being solely creative. I have reduced many activities and am a huge believer in “slow living”. This means I may not get as many things done, but the quality and my focus on that one task is totally present. It’s quality over quantity.
I always do my stretches and go for a 3 mile walk as well. So each day consists of ensuring my health takes priority.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am currently working on my 2nd wave in life. Aged 47, I’m now half way though my “Levels”. It’s a very exciting time with a lot of changes happening. I am learning more and more about myself each day which is enabling me to be a conduit for other peoples self learning.
My recent adult autism diagnosis and the loss of my four legged best friend and partner in crime has enhanced what I already do and has begun opening up a world that had previously been hidden from me.
I write articles, children’s books, deliver TED talks and keynote speeches and run creativity classes all based around my methodology “Medicine with Words”
Words we have been told, the ones we tell ourselves, the ones we hear, and the ones we say are all so powerful. I encourage people to question these. To reconsider their thought patterning and make those changes at anytime, no matter stage or level they are at in life.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
“I’m too sensitive” and “I’m not good enough”, “I’m different and I don’t fit in”. These were just a few. The crazy thing that I’ve learned is that these are all correct. Except, being sensitive is a positive thing. It’s wonderful that I have double empathy and can connect with so many people on so many levels.
I want to learn more everyday, I want to improve and become a better person. If I wasn’t different then I would have been brave enough to take the different route growing up. To take chances at major life junctions. I recognized I couldn’t do what everyone else did. Finally I am so pleased I don’t fit in to the box that is created by society. This has meant I have forged new friendships, I have recognized unique and unusual qualities in myself and other people.
It’s about reframing what we have been told and once you understand yourself better, maybe those things were actually just signs all along that your path is different to other peoples.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would give my younger self a hug and say it’s all going to be ok. It doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy, but worrying and trying to do what you think you should do, isn’t necessarily right for you. Listen to your gut more and be brave. It is going to be a difficult journey but that’s ok. The choices you’re making that might not feel the same as everyone else are ok. Keep going and believe in yourself.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think they would say that putting good into the world matters to me. Whether that’s from my own actions, teaching and educating other people about this, or writing, creating something that gets people understanding the consequences of our actions.
As a vegan, minimalist, slow living advocate, mental health practitioner, and mother, I practice what I preach.
I believe in the ripple effect and if I can have even the smallest impact in my day that could help create a better world, then I will.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
I love this question because I actually do something that causes you to think about this regularly without actually achieving it. It’s a pre-emptive concept. For example, say I’m a film director and I’ve just won my academy award. Now what? Sure that night was amazing, I met some brilliant people, I might have been given my next film to direct. However I would also believe I am not sure what I would be working towards next. The Academy award is thought of as the highest accolade, so am I now hoping to get 2 or 3? Am I going to feel like I’m a failure if I don’t win again? So using this as a metaphor, what is your academy award?
My daughter is my personal highest achievement and I am so proud of her and what she continues to achieve and become. I got my books published, I’ve directed over 20 movies, I’ve moved 6000 miles across the pond from the UK to LA knowing no one. In order for all of these things to be achieved and give me the feeling of reaching my goals, as well as being aware that I want to continue to strive, my “academy award” becomes my own goal, my own personal award. As long as Im achieving that then I can never be unsatisfied.
Contact Info:
- Website: www,elizabethblakethomas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_b_t/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethblakethomas/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
