Reimagine: The Eclipse

Welcome to Work Reimagined, the newsletter where we reimagine the way we work and live.

I’ve been feeling hungry for a transformational experience - something to get me out of the day-to-day.

I’d heard from people who went to the 2017 Eclipse that it was an inexplicable event, almost spiritual, and there was no way to understand it unless you went yourself. 

That stuck with me and I knew I wanted to try to make it to this one in 2024. 

It did not disappoint.

We made plans, adjusted our plans, and readjusted. And that was just in the weeks before going! 

The day before, the day of, (and even the day after), were all about rolling with the punches: weather, traffic, and the unknown. 

But it was amazing

Totality was beyond words. 

It was awe-some in the truest sense of the word. 

I felt like our planet is simultaneously majestic and insignificant, that I am simultaneously majestic and insignificant. It was a really complex and simple 3.5 minutes. 

But for me, the real transformation came from the journey rather than the event itself. 

I knew (hoped) I was embarking on an impactful weekend, and my senses were tuned to look for it, and surprise, surprise - I found that impact everywhere:

• I went to the funeral of a friend’s father before we left DC and it was a meaningful and inspiring service, setting a tone for me that life is fleeting

• Andy and I worked together to plan, to adjust, to encourage the kids, to sort out problems that arose. It was not without its challenges: he was on crutches (ACL replacement), I had to drive most of the time, the kids bickered, and we hit snags. But it was really fun to tackle this challenge together! (And to be successful! The weather ended up blocking a lot of people from seeing it and we were super fortunate!)

• The kids are at an age where they can manage themselves in the car, packing and unpacking, and even hit a target when they get carsick (TMI? 🙃 gotta keep it real!). I felt like we were all a team, rather than Andy and I being responsible for everything. 

• We stayed at my Mom’s on the way up and back and she shared our excitement and helped us have the various tools and supplies to make the event more fun

• There was this web of community along the way - people sharing their experience, their tips, their snacks! (the family we sat next to for the event had all these fun snacks - Eclipse Gum, Sunkist Soda, MoonPies, Sun Chips!)

All of that combined was what made the event transformational. 

Working Well and Living Well

I talk a big game about living a healthy and sustainable life - professionally and personally. But let me be clear: I am MatchPace’s first and most enduring client. 

I am doing this work because I need to be reminded how important it is to:

• enjoy the journey

• create a life that embraces opportunity

• to have enough structure AND flexibility that I can do meaningful work AND have time for my other priorities

I care enough about this that I dedicate my professional efforts to help your organization embrace this perspective. 

It is good for your employees, yes, and it’s also good for your mission and bottom line. People who have time and space for wonder and nature - who aren’t burned out - can use their positive energy on your mission.  

Please enjoy a few photos of my trip below!! 

And keep reimagining!

Elizabeth

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