Elle Macpherson "I Started Over & Found My Worth At 60!" How I Got Back Up After Hitting Rock Bottom
Added: Jan 23, 2025
In this podcast episode, Elle Macpherson shares her journey of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of inner strength and self-love.
The Power of Choice and Reinvention
Macpherson begins by addressing the societal conditioning that often leads women to feel powerless. She emphasizes that life is meaningful and purposeful, and that we have the power to choose our paths at any moment. Drawing on the metaphor of "eating an elephant one bite at a time," she encourages women to focus on what they love and desire, rather than what they fear or lack. This mindset shift is crucial for anyone looking to reinvent themselves and reclaim their lives.
Early Career Challenges
Reflecting on her early modeling days, Macpherson recounts a particularly hurtful moment when a photographer dismissed her because of her brown eyes. Instead of allowing this comment to cripple her, she chose to focus on her goals and the independence that modeling provided. This resilience became a cornerstone of her career, as she learned to prioritize her own aspirations over external validation.
Macpherson shares a pivotal story from her early career when she impulsively left a modeling job to join a famous musician on his private plane. While this decision seemed whimsical at the time, it taught her a valuable lesson about professionalism and the importance of not letting others' opinions dictate her actions. This experience reinforced her commitment to self-respect and reliability, which ultimately contributed to her long-lasting career.
The Importance of Self-Reflection
Throughout the conversation, Macpherson emphasizes the significance of self-reflection and understanding one's motivations. She introduces the concept of the "Four A's": approval, agreement, acceptance, and allegiance. By recognizing when we act out of a desire for external validation, we can better align our actions with our true selves. This self-awareness is essential for making confident decisions and fostering healthy relationships.
Navigating Relationships and Self-Love
Macpherson delves into the complexities of love and relationships, highlighting the difference between attraction and connection. She explains that true love allows for individuality and growth, while control stifles both partners. Macpherson encourages women to evaluate their relationships based on how they feel about themselves when they are with their partners. If a relationship diminishes one's self-worth, it may be time to reassess its value.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Macpherson acknowledges that many women lose themselves in relationships, prioritizing their partner's needs over their own. She emphasizes that relationships should be mirrors reflecting our self-worth and authenticity. Through her journey, Macpherson learned that love is not just about romantic partnerships; it encompasses self-love and the love we share with others.
Overcoming Alcoholism
Macpherson candidly shares her struggle with alcoholism, describing it as a coping mechanism that ultimately hindered her ability to be present in her life. She recounts the moment she realized she needed help, which led her to seek treatment and embrace sobriety. With 21 years of sobriety under her belt, Macpherson emphasizes the importance of self-empowerment and the courage to confront one's demons.
Her journey to sobriety was not just about abstaining from alcohol; it was about reclaiming her life and becoming the best version of herself. Macpherson encourages others to recognize that they do not need to hit rock bottom to seek help. Instead, they can choose to make changes before reaching that point, emphasizing that the path to healing is always available.
Facing Cancer with Courage
The conversation takes a poignant turn as Macpherson discusses her cancer diagnosis. She reflects on the fear and uncertainty that accompanied the news, as well as the overwhelming influx of opinions and advice from others. In this challenging time, Macpherson learned the importance of tuning out the noise and connecting with her inner self to make informed decisions about her health.
Macpherson's approach to her diagnosis was methodical and research-driven. She sought multiple opinions from specialists and created a spreadsheet to weigh her options. Ultimately, she emphasized the need to trust one's intuition and make choices that resonate with one's values and desires. This experience reinforced her belief in the power of self-advocacy and the importance of prioritizing one's well-being.
Embracing Aging and Wellness
As Macpherson reflects on her journey, she acknowledges the societal pressures surrounding aging, particularly for women. She emphasizes that aging is a natural part of life, and instead of fearing it, we should embrace it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Macpherson shares her own experiences with wellness, highlighting the importance of nourishing the body and mind.
Her journey into wellness led her to create Welco, a nutritional company aimed at helping others achieve optimal health. Macpherson's commitment to self-care and holistic well-being serves as an inspiration for women seeking to reclaim their vitality and confidence as they age.
