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Vulnerability is a beautiful opportunity to connect with others in ways we might otherwise miss. We’re all hardwired for connection, which is why opening up can be so powerful. That said, I’m a very private person, so sharing this with you, my growing tribe, feels both new and important.
Earlier this month, I embarked on a solo journey—not a retreat or spa getaway, but more of an emotional bootcamp. It was an intense experience designed to help unpack the "stuff" that holds us back without us even realizing it. By "stuff," I mean the unexamined parts of ourselves—wounds, beliefs, or habits—that no longer serve us.
By now, most of us have lived through enough seasons of life that it can feel like we’ve experienced multiple lifetimes. When I was twenty, I went to seminary and began my adventure in vocational pastoral ministry, serving students and their families. For over 15 years, I worked at some incredible churches driven by powerful visions that inspired me to give my all. Those years brought countless beautiful memories and deep connections with amazing people. But they also left me with journals full of heartache, pain, and lessons learned through struggle.
When life gets hard, it’s easy to dive into work or distractions to avoid confronting our pain. That isn’t inherently wrong—until we neglect the need to stop, tend to our wounds, and truly heal. Prioritizing self-care, internally and externally, is essential. It means allowing ourselves the space to process emotions, listen to our hearts, and find clarity before moving forward.
During the training I attended, one of the coaches shared a story about vision that deeply resonated with me. He argued that we should focus on vision 100% of the time, rather than obsessing over the mechanics of how to achieve it.
He told the story of a man who decided to walk across his entire state backward. The man started with one foot in the ocean and began walking east—without a detailed map or plan. When a friend asked him how he intended to navigate, he simply replied, “I’ll figure it out when I get there. I’m starting with one foot in the ocean, and I’m walking east!” It was before GPS and Google Maps, so he wore out dozens of pairs of shoes, but eventually, he reached his goal. This story challenged me. I tend to focus on logistics and “the how” rather than the dream itself. But what if we flipped that perspective? What if we focused on the vision—the destination—and the path would unfold as we moved toward it?
So, I began asking myself these questions:
The beautiful truth is that each of us is responsible for creating the vision that directs our journey. That might sound overwhelming, but it’s also empowering. If we stop long enough to picture our destination, all we need to do is take the first step and start walking in that direction.
Here’s an example of a vision statement I’m working on for my family:
"Cultivating a home where every voice is heard, and every heart is cherished."
This vision reflects my heart for my daughter. I want her to feel heard and validated, even as the youngest in our family. I want her to confidently speak her truth without fear of being drowned out by the noise. The specifics of the path will shift and change as I continue parenting her, but the vision will stay the same.
As we begin this brand-new year, I encourage you to spend time creating a refreshed vision for your life. Let it guide your time, your energy, and your purpose this year.
You’ll find me walking East. 💫