The key here is perspective. By asking yourself whether something will matter in one, three or five years, you’re able to put things into context and see the bigger picture. It helps you to not sweat the small stuff and focus your energy on what truly matters in the long run - your relationships, your goals, and your overall happiness.

You see, it’s not enough to merely exist - to drift through life like a leaf in the wind, tossed this way and that by the whims of fate. No, to truly live, to embody that great consciousness of life, one must embrace life with all that uncertainty and complexities, And meet each moment with an open heart and a tireless and fearless spirit.

But memory is more than just a journey into the past. It is a transformative force that imbues the present with depth and meaning. When we allow ourselves to be fully present, to immerse ourselves in the richness of the moment, we unlock the full potential of our experiences. Every sight, every sound, every sensation becomes heightened, infused with the resonance of memories past, and the promise of memories yet to come.

“Be careful how you are talking to yourself, because you are listening” serves as a powerful reminder of the influence our inner dialogue holds over our lives. By cultivating self-awareness, practicing self-compassion, fostering, a positive mindset, and empowering ourselves, we can harness the power of self-talk for success, fulfillment and personal growth.

Do not squander this precious gift. Do not fritter away your days in idleness or indifference. Instead, seize each moment with fervor and passion, embracing life in all its splendor and chaos. Do not allow fear, or doubt to paralyze you, nor the shackles of conformity to bind you. Break free from the chains that tether you to the ordinary, and forge your own path, guided by the flame of your heart’s desire.

Think of your attention as a precious currency. Just as you wouldn’t squander your hard earned money on frivolous purchases, you shouldn’t squander your attention on things that don’t truly matter. This means learning to prioritize what is truly important to you, what aligns with your values, goals, and aspirations, and letting go of the rest. But knowing what to overlook goes beyond just prioritization. It also requires a certain level of emotional intelligence, the ability to discern between what is worth getting upset over and what is not, what is worth holding onto and what is better left behind.

This present moment is your opportunity—your only opportunity—to connect with your life. It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life, to be constantly thinking about the past or worrying about the future. But the reality is that the only moment we truly have is right now, this very instant that you are experiencing as you listen to these words.

You see, the good in you, the kindness, the compassion, the strength—it can never be taken away. It's a flame that burns eternal within your soul, a light of hope that guides you through even the darkest of nights. Yes, there may be times when you feel like it was stolen from you, like a thief in the night robbing you of your innocence, your joy, your belief in humanity. But trust me when I say this: the good in you is still there, shining brightly like a diamond amidst the rough.

I want you to ponder deeply on these words: when you look in the mirror, what do you see? Do you see the real you, or what you have been conditioned to believe is you? The two are so, so different. When you stand before that reflective surface, what gazes back at you? Is it truly the essence of your being, your souls reflection, or is it a mirror projection of the societal constructs, the labels, and limitations imposed upon you?

The world seems to be spinning faster than ever before, where every headline screams of conflict and discord, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, lost in the noise. But within this cacophony lies an opportunity—a chance to carve out your own space of tranquility, a refuge from the storms that rage around us.

When I faced my demons it’s not just that I became free of them, they lifted me up. I’ve been running away from the very pieces that I needed most. This armor is a million mistakes, a million tragedies, letdowns and lessons, friendships betrayed, rejection and disappointment but because of them my world is limitless.

When your determination changes, everything will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success.

Every day we face an array of choices and opportunities, and it is in these moments that our true selves are revealed. Whether it is a mundane chore or an ambitious project, the level of effort and enthusiasm we invest reflects our commitment to growth and self-improvement.

Apologizing for prioritizing ourselves is a behavior deeply ingrained in many of us. We feel the need to justify our decisions and actions, seeking the approval of others. There’s no need to apologize for putting ourselves first. By removing the word “sorry” from our self-prioritization equation, we reclaim the power over our choices and acknowledge that our needs are valid and worthy of consideration.

The world may beckon with its sirens of success, urging us to chase the mirage of monetary triumphs. But amid the flurry of pursuits, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Our children’s eyes hold a mirror reflecting the authenticity of our love. No number can quantify the value of quality time spent with them, nurturing their dreams, and being the pillar of strength they need.

It’s OK to look back to your past and acknowledge something beautiful happened, but don’t get stuck there. It’s no longer where you live. You live in the present and your future demands that you be there. Remember, we can do hard things. Hold onto that.

The cave will test you, challenge you, and demand your resilience, but within its depths lies the essence of your potential. It holds the strength that will push you beyond your limits, the wisdom that will guide you through obstacles, and the self-belief that will light your path even in the darkest of moments.

Today, I stand before you with a profound realization. I no longer want us to bear the weight of life’s journey alone, feeling the burden of navigating success, failure, marriage, divorce, fatherhood, sickness, and all of life’s events in silence. Together, we can break free from the chains of isolation and create a new paradigm of shared experiences.

In the depths of pain lies the potential for a profound healing. Embrace your wounds, for they are not a sign of weakness but a testament to your resilience. Let them be the catalyst for growth and transformation, guiding you towards a place of strength and empowerment.

Choosing not to quit is not a guarantee that the road will be easy. No, it will undoubtedly be filled with obstacles and setbacks. But with each challenge you overcome, you gain strength, wisdom, and the unwavering believe that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.