I am full. Everything else is just abundance.
Change is an inevitability, an undeniable constant in the equation of life. The world does change, and perhaps in the age of a global pandemic, it has altered more drastically than many of us have ever anticipated. But how often do we take a step back to evaluate the nuances of this shift within the contours of our worlds?
The Catalyst of Identity Reevaluation
Before COVID-19 engulfed the world, my identity was like a well-oiled machine—functioning, but perhaps not evolving.
Not growing.
Not living.
The pandemic presented a seismic shift that compelled me to interrogate my own identity. It's as though the virus itself was a mirror held up to society, reflecting our vulnerabilities and shortcomings. I took this as an invitation to reconsider my philosophy, my approach to others, and my sense of self.
A Paradigm Shift in Influence
I used to invest heavily in pulling people towards change, almost as if I were a gravitational force with an agenda. However, I have learned that the art of change is less about coercion and more about facilitation. Now, I prioritize providing resources and making myself available for others when they are ready to change. This recalibration reflects respect for individual autonomy and the unique timelines on which people operate.
Learning to live among those who don’t want to is a difficult lesson.
The New Currency: Empathy and Compassion
Empathy is no longer a buzzword; it’s become my life’s currency. Where chaos once reigned, empathy has cultivated compassion. I have learned that by aligning myself emotionally with others, I can foster a sense of shared humanity that transcends divisive societal norms and ego-driven conflicts.
Yet my empathy is a fuel toward fulfillment instead of a fire toward failure.
Living in a changed mindset about what it means to love others is freedom. I want to write more about this and tell stories. I’m just not sure I can… yet.
Connectivity in the Age of Digital Domination
We are in the midst of a digital revolution, but ironically, the pixels and data packets can’t translate the richness of human connection. Recent neurological studies show that digital-only interactions limit the brain’s ability to form robust emotional bonds. We must complement digital interfaces with genuine, face-to-face connections to fulfill our intricate emotional and psychological needs.
Using technology as a resource for organic connection is vital.
Twenty years ago I said, “The internet will be a place where people live rather than a tool that they use.” Now I hope it goes the other way.
For me, it is. (And I am not a Luddite)
The Unity of Ideological Differences
In today's hyper-polarized landscape, it is awe-inspiring to meet individuals from different ideological backgrounds who navigate the world with open hearts. Emotional maturity empowers us to engage with a world that is often radically different from our perspectives, thereby paving the way for unity and true intimacy.
The Freedom of Interdependence
Freedom and agency, two words often misunderstood and misused, have found new meaning for me. Through the interdependence that characterizes our communal existence, we find a superior kind of freedom—a liberation not from each other, but with each other.
The Future: A Symphony of Hope and Goodness
Here’s a shiny dime…
A change that has engulfed my soul that most people don’t share: Life is fundamentally good, and the future radiates with hope.
There's an almost symphonic quality to the collective struggles we face. Each battle, each sorrow, each moment of despair comprises a note in a larger composition. When these are arranged not randomly, but with intentionality and purpose, they create a harmonious melody of satisfaction and joy. The lens through which we view our trials and tribulations defines not just our experiences but our lives. It's about finding beauty in the dissonance, courage in the struggle, and satisfaction in the perseverance. This is the grand tapestry of life, one that is woven with threads of hope and embroidered with motifs of endless possibilities.
I stand here today, grateful for the journey, cherishing the wisdom harvested from the stormy seasons, and eager for the opportunities that lie ahead. My world has indeed changed, but in its metamorphosis, it has unfurled a path laden with richness, layered with understanding, and teeming with potential. So, let's navigate this intricate, beautiful labyrinth of life with purpose and passion, for on the other side lies a world not just endured but truly lived.
In my journey, the contours of spirituality weave through my personal and professional experiences like golden threads in a tapestry. The teachings and mysteries of Christ serve as a gentle undertone, enriching each moment and decision with an added layer of divine profundity.
As I reconsidered my identity, the doctrine of renewal and rebirth in Christ subtly echoed, reminding me of the continual process of self-examination and spiritual growth. When I transitioned from compelling others to facilitating their growth, it mirrored Christ's own compassionate ministry—nurturing, patient, and accepting of each individual’s unique journey. My renewed emphasis on empathy resonates with the Christ-like compassion of 'loving thy neighbor,' a cornerstone of emotional and spiritual maturity.
However, the focal point isn’t just the religious narrative of Christ; it's the transformative power of perspective and mindfulness that a faith journey can bring. In an increasingly polarized world, my faith in the divine mysteries of Christ has anchored me. It has taught me to love unconditionally, to serve without expecting anything in return, and to always strive for a balance between freedom and interdependence, and most of all, to understand what it means to live with true purpose and legacy.
Embracing these spiritual threads has not replaced my core values or perspectives but enriched them, offering a fuller, more nuanced picture of life's complexities. It's like listening to a well-known song and discovering a new instrument in the background; it doesn't change the song, but it adds another layer of richness and complexity.
I am full. Everything else is just abundance.