The Easy + Hard
Dear Friends,
If you asked whether I prefer easy or hard times, my answer would be simple: I prefer easy times.
I’d much rather live in a world that is steady, safe, and peaceful.
Yet hard times—toward which the world seems to be shifting—bring their own lessons. One of the most profound is this:
Hard times reveal our true values.
Do we stand for democracy only when it’s easy?
Do we defend free speech only when it’s convenient?
Do we treat people with respect only when it is popular?
It is often in difficulty that we see—both in ourselves and in our business and political leaders—what our guiding principles truly are.
The Personal and the Collective
I notice this on both a grand and personal scale. When someone does something I dislike, I catch myself thinking, "You made me angry or I responded harshly because you did first.
In these moments, I blame others and deflect responsibility. I forget the one thing I can truly control: my own state of consciousness, my own actions.
And possibly …
If we shift, society shifts … And the leaders we choose will reflect that.
So today, if you find yourself thinking, You made me … or I had to do this because you … perhaps pause and ask:
"Is this true? How might I take responsibility for my state of mind and my actions?"
I don’t know exactly where this will take us, but I have a feeling it’s important as this new chapter unfolds.
Thank you for being part of this community. Upcoming offerings are below.
Blessings,
SOREN
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Beautiful reminder, Soren.
It’s easy to uphold values when life is smooth — but hard times test the roots. Do we really believe what we say we do? Or only when it costs us nothing?
The line that hit me most: “If we shift, society shifts.”
It’s tempting to wait for leaders to rise. But maybe we become the leaders we’re looking for when we take full responsibility for our state of mind. Moment by moment. Choice by choice.
Thank you for the clarity — and the calm.
With gratitude,
—Anton
Spot on Soren!