10 years later: It’s the end of an era, you might say.

10 years ago I hit publish for the very first time on belovelive.com. I was 36, newly married, and had just completed my first 7 months of living in Norrköping, Sweden. Life was uncertain and exciting. Every moment was a new experience, a new adventure. I had no idea what the next day would bring. And I was madly in love with Lina.

me. 2011.

Now, it’s 10 years later and the end of an era. I’m 46, still blissfully married + in love, living in Uppsala, Sweden and feeling like today marks an unintentional end to a very special decade of my life. A decade of moments, memories, and medicine that has revealed to me more of who I am + how I want to live. There is an underlying current that has continually flowed within + through me throughout this decade, throughout my entire life thus far. A calling to embody the contemplative, mystic I have always been. And, now, after these past 10 years, I have settled into my soul + claimed my own wisdom. That undercurrent has risen to the surface of my life, making me one with the deep source. I am no longer just reacting and acting and riding the waves on the surface. Now, my way of living is my way of being. And my way of being is my way of living.

me. 2020/2021.

As for this being the end of an era, 10 years is an obvious marker of a certain period of time, but it just so happens that Lina and I are planning a move back to Norrköping this summer. Full circle, y’all. It feels holy + sacramental, actually. This time in my life. A shift from one era into another. Right now, during these current days, I am in the transitional portal, the rebirthing process, crossing the threshold.

As if meant to be, there is a very unique energy that I am feeling + experiencing so far in 2021. It is the energy of evolving, stepping forth, emerging, rising, new beginnings. Of course, these are also the energies of spring + of April. But, for me, it all just feels so incredibly aligned right now. And that feeling reassures me that I am flowing with the unfolding, rhythmic way of life.

I have no real idea of any special way that I want to mark + celebrate this blogging milestone and the end of this era. I think I just want to keep it simple. In the middle of a global pandemic which rages on (even though there are clear steps forward in some places) and on Maundy Thursday/in the deep throes of Holy Week, simplicity + humility feels right. All I really want to do is recognize this day and soak in whatever thoughts + reflections I may have. I just want to be deep in the quietness of my own soul.

I guess I want to share it with you as well. There’s something about knowing that you’re out there, reading my words, that gives me a sense of communal sharing of life. Even if I don’t know you, I feel you are a part. Or, maybe that it’s me that feels like I am a part of something bigger than me + my life. So, I want to celebrate these past 10 years with you, whether you’ve been around from day one or from just a few minutes ago, whether I know you personally or not.

Whoever + wherever you are, we are now closing out one era and beginning another… together. And it simply feels right to share this moment with you.

As for the future of belovelive, I have no specific plans. And that means that anything is possible. The only thing that is certain is that I am continuing to create with this space. It is part of who I am. It has transformed with me + I intend to keep posting (though these days way less infrequently than I did in the past) here.

This website has grown + changed with me throughout these past 10 years. It’s still a documentation of my life, but it has become so much more than that. It is a record and journal of my personal, professional, and most importantly, spiritual growth throughout the past decade. It has transformed + changed with me through it all. Moving with me from Norrköping, to Asheville, NC to Uppsala. Traveling with me around the US and Sweden and Europe. Celebrating the births + deaths of friends and family. And holding the space where my deepest soul’s wisdom, power, and medicine have been discovered.

But, now, it’s time to welcome a new era. The next 10 years? Maybe! Whatever amount of time it will be, this is the beginning fo a new journey, a new era. Which will be filled with whatever flows my way, whatever intentions I set, whatever dreams I dream, whatever moments arise. I am so ready to step forth and rise, to continue to follow the flow of my inner soul, to begin the next cycle of this blogging rhythm, and to share it all with you along the way.

Here’s to 10 years of belovelive! And to more communal inspiration, stories, photos, travel, slow living, and mysticism to come!

xoxo. liz.