A Life Well-Lived Project
If I Could Talk to
My 25 Year Old Self
If you could sit with your 25 year old self for just five minutes, what truths about love, purpose, and happiness would you want them to know — and why?
Through this project, we invite you to share your reflections, lessons learned, and the wisdom you’ve gained over the years. Every insight helps create a space to guide and inspire others.
About Chris Ellison
Chris Ellison, BSW, MSW, MBA
Author, Speaker, Clinician, and Explorer
Author, Speaker, Clinician, and Explorer
Chris Ellison has spent over 25 years studying the architecture of the human spirit. As a seasoned therapist and trauma specialist in London, Ontario, Chris has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families navigate their most difficult seasons. However, he has always believed that a thriving life is built on more than just clinical insight—it requires the curiosity of an adventurer.
His pursuit of “a life well lived” is backed by a rigorous academic foundation, including a Master of Social Work and an MBA. This unique blend of clinical empathy and organizational leadership allows Chris to see the “recipe” for fulfillment as both a soulful journey and a structured set of principles.
“Beyond the therapy room, Chris is a Renaissance soul with the heart of a lifelong explorer. As the former publisher of Canadian Destinations Magazine, he has jumped out of airplanes, flown with the Canadian Snowbirds, and photographed grizzlies in the wild. Whether he is acting in a production, hosting talk radio, or composing his next professional recording, Chris views life’s obstacles not as barriers, but as solutions yet to be discovered. Today, he integrates his expertise in emotional intelligence with his gifts in music and storytelling to serve as a bridge between generations, gathering the truths of our ‘Seasoned Voices’ to create a roadmap for the next.”
Why This Project Matters
I am writing a book called A Life Well‑Lived, which explores the recipe for a happy, content, and thriving life. Through my research, I’ve discovered that lasting well‑being depends on several key ingredients — nurturing healthy relationships, caring for both body and mind, and growing through the challenges that shape us. I’m now reaching out to wise and experienced individuals who have lived full lives and can share the lessons they’ve learned along the way — the choices that led to fulfillment, the regrets that taught them the most, and the values that sustain true happiness. I believe the insight of older generations holds deep meaning for those still finding their path, and my hope is to bring these voices together in a book that bridges generations, offering timeless guidance for living well.
This project is a dedicated space to harvest that quiet wisdom. We are seeking the “wisdom keepers” among us—those who have lived, stumbled, and grown—to share the insights that took a lifetime to understand. Your reflections aren’t just stories; they are a map for the next generation to see further, choose more clearly, and step around the pitfalls of the past.
How will this information be used?
As a clinician and researcher, I approach every submission with the utmost respect for the contributor’s voice and experience. The content collected through this site will serve as the primary research for a forthcoming book and various editorial pieces on the ‘architecture of the human spirit.’ Upon the project’s conclusion, we will feature standout insights on www.ificoulddoitover.com, creating a living archive of wisdom. Participants whose stories are selected for long-form publication in the book will be contacted regarding credits and permissions to ensure their words are preserved with accuracy and warmth.
The Big Question
If you could sit with your 25 year old self for just five minutes, what truths about love, purpose, and happiness would you want them to know — and why?
HOW IS YOUR RESPONSE USED: Only your responses, first name, age and occupation will be shared. Your personal information is kept strictly private. You are welcome to state anonymous if you do not want your name included.
chrisellisonalifewelllived@gmail.com
Location
London, Ontario, Canada