KEEP THE FAITH
Ello Ello,
It’s pretty amazing how many thoughts we have in a single day.
They arrive when we wake in the middle of the night, stay with us in the morning, and follow us all day long. Sometimes, they move so fast we can hardly keep track — flowing in from every direction, without pause.
Today, that compulsive urge to think has only been amplified by our constant attachment to our phones. Remember leaving voicemails? Writing letters? Waiting to see someone — planning a time to meet up?
We think — but what, and who, is shaping those thoughts now?
I’ve been with my wife for nearly a decade, and we can both attest: our phones have changed us. In some ways, it feels like we’ve gotten lazier — dulled in the brain. We used to sit and draw together, sip wine, and people-watch during our midday wanderings. Our minds were focused on growth, on creation.
Today, so much of that quiet freedom has been snagged by immediate gratification — by the inability to truly be alone.
KEEP THE FAITH
Remember this: humans are resilient. We are not to be taken lightly, even in our darkest hour. We hold an astonishing ability to flourish when everything seems stacked against us — even when we feel hollowed out.
Trust that some of us are doing the deeper work, even while battling “lazy brain” or navigating both inner and outer darkness.
Trust that these times are a powerful teacher — for young and old alike.
Trust that with everything, there is always a reaction.
As we spiral from summer into fall, take heed: you are not the result of a random life.
Your ancestors, you — all of us — have been walking this shared path for centuries. We are responsible for our own lives, and for those we hold in our hearts.
The world, however, is not yours to carry. That ancient unknown belongs to its own order. Social media and a 24-hour news cycle may have convinced you otherwise, but I promise — it is not your burden to bear.
The best way to contribute to the world?
Tend to the inner care of self.
Self-care holds the quiet power to shift not only your own world, but the lives of those who love and support you — your family, your community, and your destiny.
With care,
Matthew Schildkret
Founder, Creator, & Humble Guide
Late Sunday Afternoon
