Stream Thinking can be a great place to wander. Without fear or judgement the nib of your writing instrument taps into a stream of consciousness that gives you permission to move toward creative caverns unseen. The opposite side of that is how others receive what you're bringing back. Other people's opinions and lack of support can instantly silence the artist. I cross the line on this episode of the podcast The Choice. It's like standing on the corner of walk and don't walk. Growing up with a very spiritual mother who made it clear "Do not ever talk about religion. It's personal. Nobody needs to know your business." Then you've got today's church leaders wanting your experiences to be used as a tool to keep others from going toward a dark dirty dug out hell that has no regret for gulping up so many innocent. Through Stream Thinking, the openness of the conversation keeps both sides in their rightful place while studying the what if's and the why nots. It's no different than a place of business. There's always the hardcore deeply dedicated going to give my life to every sacrifice in the name of success. Then there's the employee that shows up, gets the job done but doesn't lean into the idea of showing others how the accomplishment was achieved. I've run into a lot of that during these early years of podcasting. So many brilliant performers with great connections and decisions but when you ask a question its almost like talking to my mother about religion. You get the look not the reply. How do you measure the depth of your personal. Personal whatever! Where along the line did you finally give yourself permission to stop trying to be one of the most brilliant coworkers on the planet? When did being OK compared to great become the everyday norm? Measuring the depth of your personal. It has nothing to do with Mike, Tammy and Kyle. They can do the same exact thing you're doing and the experiences will never be the same. Yet we don't keep what's personal to ourselves. We make it social. Which can easily lead to the average person becoming a follower rather than being their leader identity. Not a judgement call! Awareness. Being aware of how you got here. Did the measuring of your personal get to be too much? Once pushed away just being accepted became the easier place to show up everyday. I keep a daily De-Frag journal. It's only purpose is to do nothing but measure the depth of personal. To utilize the strength of Stream Thinking to get me into the areas that need to be talked about. To be with awareness. Present with your now. Welcome to the first step of your brand new beginning. Study the path of thought. Listen to both sides of reason and season. Make yourself available for change. The challenge is never going to retreat. It works out better when you know what's defeating you.