Eric Stephenson

This blog uses the Monk & the Minister parable to reflect how many of us design our lives around external approval instead of our values. It explores personal agency, the hidden trades we make, and why burnout is a life design issue, not a discipline problem, inviting readers to stop “catering to kings” and begin living with authenticity, freedom, and alignment.

Every January, we return to a familiar ritual. We name our resolutions. We write lists. We promise ourselves that this year will be different. There’s something comforting about it. A sense of renewal, a collective pause where change feels possible simply because the calendar has turned. But for most people, that hope is short-lived. The pattern tends to unfold the same way each year. It begins with motivation. There’s excitement, clarity, and a surge of energy fueled by the idea of...

Holidays tend to bring out the best in us… and the drama we swore we left in 2009. This guide breaks down why chaos shows up even when the guest list didn’t include it, and how you can move through the season with more grounding, clarity, and self-trust. From identifying your emotional “hot spots” to anchoring yourself in your values, these five tools help you stay centered when family patterns get loud.