Tobi Elbel

Welcome!

I am excited and grateful to have you join me here! This space grew out of a journey decades old, but one whose shape became recognizable to me only earlier this year.  It is multi-faceted and defies a single label - just like me! Back in June, my son asked what the best experience of my life has been. The question was quickly qualified by a smile and “Besides having me”, as that is something often repeated to him over the years. I responded that it was difficult to answer, as every single experience of my life has led me here. How could I choose when every event was a critical piece in the puzzle of my life?

The answer landed in my mind…. “Heartbreaks”, I said to my son’s obvious surprise. After clearing up his displeasure at my heart being broken, I explained why it was THE answer. My heartbreaks were, as everyone’s are, terribly painful, challenging, and sparked some tough changes.  They also offered me new beginnings, opportunities to truly see my value, an appreciation for my creative gifts, and a direction for service to others.  The truth revealed to me through heartbreak is this: if you want to experience the best this life has to offer, you must be willing to leap into the joy AND drop into the hurt.

I’ve been deep in the shadow – suffered emotional and physical trauma, played a supporting role in my own life, and made incredibly tough changes to heal and become the starring lead. All my deep lows, as painful and even debilitating as they were, led me to the path I walk now. In a quest to heal, to live free from the weight of those wounds, the self-doubt, the fears; to live a life of joy and light; I discovered gifts within me, the tools to heal myself, and a calling to share this knowledge to help others on the path back to themselves. The irony of happiness is that it requires us to make the most difficult choices to reach it. Until we make decisions that prioritize our peace, our emotional and physical wellness, our healing, our growth, and our self-love, any happiness we have will be based in external factors and therefore unsustainable. The only real control we have is in how we choose to live every day, and the energy we choose to bring to any given situation.

We each have many layers, our own stories, our own beliefs, and our own gifts.  Yet in our individuality lie commonalities.  I find the utmost peace and awe in the beauty of nature, and comfort in sharing words inspired by the ebb and flow of life. It is my hope that the images and art shared in this space bring similar joy, encourage reflection, and offer clarity for you. If you feel called to work with me, please check out my services page for details. I would love to hear your story, and to help guide you.  However you choose to connect with me, I am honored to be a part of your journey.

When we create commUnity within, we build a foundation for commUnity with others.

With love, light, and huge gratitude,

Tobi