What a "C+" student taught me about living well.
A monthly reflection by Ellen Wolfe, founder of My Yoga Room Elements and creator of Life, Noticed.
The other morning I was out for a walk listening to a podcast. I often do that. Sometimes it's business because, as a small business owner, I enjoy learning from other entrepreneurs. Other days it's psychology, health, leadership or simply an interesting conversation that catches my attention.
And sometimes I don't listen to anything at all.
Some walks are just for listening to the birds, noticing the seasons changing and giving my mind permission to wander. I've learned that both are equally valuable.
On this particular morning I was listening to The Amy Porterfield Show when her guest, Callan Faulkner, described herself as a "perfect C+ student."
She laughed as she explained that her parents encouraged her to try everything.
Not because they expected her to become exceptional.
Because they wanted her to experience life.
I smiled.
Not because of the grade.
Because my first thought was...
"What a gift."
Somewhere along the way...
Have you noticed that children are remarkably willing to try almost anything?
Painting.
Dancing.
Building elaborate pillow forts that somehow become the most important project of the day.
No one asks if they're naturally talented.
They simply begin.
Somewhere between finger painting and filing tax returns, many of us quietly decide that if we're not likely to be good at something...
...perhaps we shouldn't bother.
It's an odd agreement we've made with ourselves.
And I'm not entirely sure when it happened.
What if the experience was enough?
One of the philosophies I love from yoga is approaching each practice with what is often called a beginner's mind.
Not because you're a beginner.
But because every practice is new.
Some days everything feels effortless.
Other days I'm simply celebrating the fact that I remembered where I left my car keys before I started looking for them.
Life has a wonderful way of keeping us humble.
The practice isn't about getting it perfect.
It's about paying attention.
I often wonder what would happen if we approached more of life that way.
What if we signed up for the class...
...not because we expected to become brilliant at it...
...but because we were interested in who we might become by trying?
The stories we tell ourselves
"I'm just not creative."
"I'm not a runner."
"I could never meditate."
"I'm too old to start now."
Perhaps you've heard yourself say something similar.
I know I have.
The interesting thing is that these stories often sound like facts.
But are they?
Or are they simply old conclusions we've stopped questioning?
Mindfulness begins by noticing.
Mindset begins by choosing what we do with what we've noticed.
That's where change begins.
Not in one giant leap.
In one present moment.
One new choice.
One small step.
Permission to begin
Perhaps wellbeing isn't about adding another habit to an already busy life.
Perhaps it's about giving ourselves permission to begin something without demanding perfection from ourselves.
To try.
To notice.
To learn.
To laugh when things don't unfold quite the way we imagined.
Because, if we're honest, some of life's best stories begin with:
"Well... that wasn't quite how I pictured it."
And yet they're often the stories we remember most fondly.
Before You Go...
Is there something you've quietly wanted to try?
Not because you think you'll become amazing at it.
Simply because something about it feels interesting.
Maybe this is the month you give yourself permission to begin.
Not because the outcome is guaranteed.
Because the experience might gently change your direction.
And if nothing else...
You'll have one less "what if?" waiting for you.
Welcome to Life, Noticed.
This article marks the beginning of something I've been quietly growing behind the scenes.
Each month, Life, Noticed. will explore one idea that has made me pause, smile or see everyday life a little differently.
Together we'll explore mindfulness, mindset and practical ways to create meaningful movement in our lives, one small step at a time.
Each edition may also include a Life Note—a simple, downloadable page designed to help you take one idea off the page and into your everyday life.
I'd love you to join me.
Because we can't change where we've been.
But we can gently influence where we're going through the awareness we cultivate and the choices we make today.
One noticed moment at a time.
I'm the founder of Ellen Wolfe and the voice behind Life, Noticed. I believe mindfulness and mindset aren't reserved for perfect mornings or quiet retreats—they're found in the small moments of everyday life. Through The Journal, I explore ideas that help us notice life a little differently and create meaningful movement, one small step at a time.
Continue the Conversation
If this reflection resonated with you, Life, Noticed. is where I continue exploring the small shifts, observations and everyday moments that help us live with greater intention.