Peeling back our layers and discovering who we are is an endless journey as we evolve through life experiences. This time last year, I dealt with unanticipated losses of connections I deeply cared about. Feeling cold, emotionless, and as though I was simply surviving, I was left to focus on myself and where I was heading.

Being afraid to speak my truth led to internalized resentment, contributing to the demise of relationships. The connections I lost lacked vulnerability either initially or towards the end. Delivering the truth, including the bits you aren’t as proud of, is the least you can do for those you care about. The more we forgive others and past versions of ourselves, the more we can heal and create a better world for future generations. After all, the assumption is that we are all trying our best going after what we think will bring us happiness.

Joy comes from within. It starts with being kind to ourselves, in the same way we would want our loved ones to be treated. Getting caught up in our worries moves us further away from appreciating the now. Practicing gratitude daily should be the standard. We are blessed to be able to take another breath. Who knows what’s next? The now is the only opportunity we have to direct our future towards where we want it to go.

We are living in an era that places highlights of our lives on display, creating a false narrative of what reality may be. Invest your time, energy, and money further into what will bring you long-term fulfillment. Listening to Michael Phelps speak at the TriNet People Force conference on September 14, 2023 was inspiring, mainly because he humanized the experience of someone who has accomplished the “impossible.” If you want to be different from everybody else, you must live differently.

Michael’s words brought me to tears when he talked about his mental health and how stigmatized it is for men to discuss their feelings. Now, he’s able to transfer his skills and knowledge over to a foundation that strives to promote healthy, active lives accompanied by emotional wellness lessons. Pivoting when things are not contributing to our purpose in life is encouraged and admirable because it’s authentic.

There is beauty in accountability, truth, and loyalty. Loyalty without truth comes across as fake. Truth is meaningless without accountability. Bare it all so people know who they’re working with. Every version of you deserves to be loved, you are never tied down to speak and act a certain way that you are familiar with. I used to yell when I felt unheard. Now, I find power in taking a step back and thinking about how I want to deliver my message before saying it. Change is the only constant of life, finding ways to adapt and evolve can prevent history from repeating itself. My mission is for you and the rest of the world to do what speaks to their soul, and do it well enough to make a lasting positive impact.

Bringing this back to who I am - I am someone who refuses to hide anything from those I love, including you. We may have never met, but my heart goes out to you because we are all connected. The truth is the only thing that will shift us towards thriving mode with a clear conscious and the ability to rest easily. Together, we can make a difference.

What change would you like to see in this world that you want to tackle?