12 insights I loved from my interview series in 2024

Such beautiful life wisdom from an intimate series on life's big questions.

In 2024, I began uncovering what a journey towards living a life of fulfilment might mean to different people. This is what the series title Embarking on Eudaimonia signifies.

"Eudaimonia" is a Greek term often translated as "happiness" or "flourishing." In philosophy, particularly in Aristotle's ethics, eudaimonia refers to the state of living well, achieving one's full potential, and experiencing a sense of fulfilment and thriving in life.

When I wanted to explore this topic, it was quickly evident that it was an exploration of research. I began reaching out to others, asking big life questions, such as what life philosophy they live by, what transformative experience challenged their perceptions about who they are, and what pivotal experience brought their art/writing into their lives.

I loved how this series flourished with depth and breadth, as each interview highlighted the beauty in our human journey and our deep desire to lift each other up. It is with great honour that I was able to share each magnificent interview, trusted with deeply personal experiences. I have revelled in reviewing them to bring you some of my favourite insights from the 2024 season before I head into the 2025 season (so much is yet to come!).

In no particular order, drawn out of a hat, because I absolutely loved every single interview, here are the words that took my breath away…

From Cassie Wilkins of Making Lemonade: ‘learning to love the questions’ (Interview link)

‘I love Rilke's quote on learning to love the questions in Letters to a Young Poet. It honestly changed my life in the best possible way. We can never have all the answers, and life would be boring if we did. I've just learned to embrace that the unknown has as much to teach us as the known.’

Beth Kempton author of SoulStack, took us on a journey from the thirteenth century to this very moment, reminding us here, now is all we ever have. (Interview link)

‘I encountered an interpretation of Zen Master Eihei Dōgen’s thirteenth century teachings which said, ‘Life is what I am making it, and I am what life is making me.’

I was shocked and thrilled that they were so similar. It is only since I have been battered about by midlife that I have noticed the second part of Dōgen’s sentence, which was missing from my yearbook quote, and which I had conveniently ignored until now: I am what life is making me.

We have agency, but we are not in control. We have to take risks, and love deeply, and soak up the sweetness of life wherever we can, because we never know how long we have.’

We know self-care is important, but Jamal Robinson author of Found Notes, reminded me why when he pointed out that the more we understand and love ourselves, the more we can do the same for others. (Interview link)

‘I believe self-discovery is the key to leading a fulfilling life. The more we see, understand and love ourselves, the more we are able to do the same for others. Each of these is at the heart of what I find fulfilling – whether it’s writing, playing or enjoying the company of loved ones.’

Natalie Eslick of The Wild Forgotten, so lovingly highlighted that no-one can love your body the way you can. (Interview link)

‘…you are a human animal - you are not a machine. You have a beautiful body that is striving their very best to provide you with safety and homeostasis and love. And like all animal bodies there are things happen or that we are born with that can make living in this world more difficult than it may be for others, but no-one can love your body the way that you can, and you both deserve, and are worthy of, taking care of your human animal self.’

Melissa, The Sleepy Wildflower, over at The Art and Life of a Wildflower, gave me the perfect tip to curb that feeling of things needing to be perfect: (Interview link)

‘I haphazardly create marks and scribbles to “rough” it up as an invitation for more imperfections. I then allow the pastels to lead the way and something beautiful slowly unfolds before my eyes.’

Sandra, who writes Sandrapop, left me looking out the window, contemplating how sometimes to go forward, it takes a step back. (Interview link)

‘Stepping back was honestly one of the smartest moves I’ve ever made, setting me up to leap forward again. Sometimes, you have to take one step back to take two steps forward.’

Helen C Stark of The Time Foragers’ Club, spoke gently to my busy mind, noting that when uncertainty takes hold we can simply focus on the next right thing. (Interview link)

‘Taking one step at a time has always been helpful when facing uncertainty in my life. Doing the next right thing is sometimes all we can do.’

The beauty of ordinary days, and the magic that we find when we pay attention to the details of our lives, was like a warm friend guiding me back in the right direction, from Laura Pashby who writes Small Stories. I couldn’t help but also include these words she thinks about, which I do too now. (Interview link)

I don’t tend to offer advice, but I often think about these words from the end of the novel Fleishman’s in Trouble (by Taffy Brodesser-Akner):

‘You were only at risk for not remembering that this was as good as it would get, in every single moment—that you are right now as young as you’ll ever be again. And now. And now. And now and now and now.’

Amanda Saint, who writes "The Mindful Writer" and "The Tao of Storytelling," provides this guidance to her writing students, but I really felt it as a reminder that sometimes we need plans and other times we can be open to what is unfolding. (Interview link)

‘To follow their instincts and let the story unfold rather than plan everything out at the start.’

Sovereign author Laura Durban, brought me back to the journey within, reminding me the more I let go of control, the more I can expand. (Interview link)

‘But control is not based on stable foundations, it makes us believe in false illusions such as constructed safety and stability. When life is neither nor. The more I let go of control, the more I can expand. In trust, love, creativity. And therefore become more safe. Not necessarily in the outside world, but within myself. That’s why I think it is meaningful to surrender to the Unknown whilst simultaneously practising acceptance.’

Aidan Jones who has the Substack Philosobites discussed recognising our capacities. (Interview link)

‘I also believe that it's important to recognize our capacities and to work within a frame that, while still challenging us and pushing our comfort zones a little, isn't going to drain our batteries more than is fair to ourselves, and to the people who tune in to acknowledge our work.’

Fran Tyrell’s beautiful reminder to tell ourselves, ‘I love you’. Fran writes Trust your Instincts Live Your Truth. (Interview link)

‘Telling myself ‘I love you’ for the very first time. I had been listening to Louise Hay for a while, but this simple expression sent me on a huge path of healing and transformation.’

It is such a beautiful collection of words. I sincerely thank each guest I was honoured to host in 2024. You all were so generous with your time and wisdom.

Which one of these wisdom notes on life stands out the most for you today?

Are you interested in getting started with interviews?

Follow the below link for my comprehensive course:

Unlock the Power of Interviews: Grow your platform through collaboration

This course is designed to take you from an idea to a successfully conducted and published interview.

I’ve put amongst each step of the process all the tips that make a big difference—from reaching out to guests to crafting meaningful discussions and sharing them in a way that uplifts both you and your interviewee.

If you want further guidance or one-on-one support, I also offer Coaching Calls.

Thanks for joining me,

Ta