Self-improvement.

A testament often heralded but fraught with peril. Indeed, we should strive to work on ourselves, but the reflection of my soul once revealed a man I neither desired to be nor to present to the world.

Improving the frail, fearful, and broken shell I once was, projecting a façade of confidence unconsciously, was not the answer. No, that man needed to die. And die, he did.

In some cases, the situation is so dire that replacement, not repair, is the only viable option. Yet, this does not negate the principle that everything is redeemable; everyone is capable of change.

It doesn't require mastery to effect this transformation. It requires discovery.

The more VALUE you bring into the world, the less freedom you have to sabotage your life because your purpose becomes a lifeline for others. Picture this: a single drop of water falling into a still pond, creating ripples that extend far beyond its point of impact. Similarly, our actions and purpose send waves that touch lives we might never meet. This truth underscores a profound reality: as our influence grows, so does our responsibility. Our actions no longer affect just ourselves; they ripple out, impacting the lives of those who depend on our purpose, our vision, and our very being.

Meeting people is where life happens, I believe, in its purest form. At this point, I realize that just as I have been inspired and in awe of others, they, too, have been inspired and in awe of me. This mutual inspiration is the essence of human connection. We are only special in our unique ability and interest in the lives of those around us… which makes us part of something greater: purpose, legacy, movement. I am often inspired.

Yet, this dependency from others can morph into unhealthy codependency if not navigated with wisdom and discernment. Consider the overbearing parent who, in their desire to protect, stifles the growth and independence of their child. It is here that we must lead from the ROOT of autonomy. Autonomy does not imply isolation but rather a well-defined sense of self that establishes clear boundaries with everyone around us. Imagine a garden: each plant thrives best when given its own space to grow, with clear boundaries to prevent entanglement and allow each one to flourish. These boundaries are not barriers but bridges to healthier, more authentic relationships. They delineate where we end and others begin, fostering an environment where mutual respect and individual growth coexist.

This is where strong interdependence and accountability are forged. It is within this space of healthy boundaries and self-awareness that intimate life thrives. Think of a dance: two partners moving in harmony, each aware of their own steps yet perfectly in sync with the other. This thriving intimacy is not confined to romantic relationships but extends to all forms of human connection. It is the bedrock upon which trust is built and upon which transformation occurs.

For the believer, this autonomy is the ROOT of our purpose, the POWER of our being, the CONTROL of our intention, and the PLAYFULNESS found in the joy of being who we are without fear, shame, or regret. Our faith informs and enriches this autonomy, grounding it in a higher purpose and a deeper sense of belonging. Imagine a tree rooted deeply in rich soil: its stability and growth come from its roots, but it reaches out, providing shade, fruit, and shelter to the world around it.

This is the abundant life shared with others. It is a life marked by the freedom to be authentically ourselves while embracing the responsibility that comes with our influence. It is a life where joy is not a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated state of being, born out of the assurance of our place in the world and our impact on it. Picture a lighthouse standing firm on the shore: it is grounded and unwavering, providing guidance and safety to all who navigate the turbulent waters.