When you arrive, it's just the start

Life looked at me and said: "Hey mate, remember that beautiful 10-year plan you made? Yeah, we're gonna need to talk."

They were not, in fact, going to just talk.

Life literally showed up with a wrecking ball and a smile, like some overly enthusiastic home renovation show host.

"SURPRISE! We're doing Extreme Life Makeover: Soul Edition! Hope you weren't too attached to... well, anything!"

I was out here two years in, already picking out curtains for my metaphorical dream house, when the Universe was like, "Cute, but we're going full demolition. You can keep the foundation stones... actually, no, those are going too."

Turns out it wasn't the finale - it was halftime. And apparently I'd been playing the wrong sport this whole time.

The great unravelling began, which sounds romantic until you're the yarn ball getting unravelled by a very enthusiastic cosmic kitten.

But here's the plot twist nobody saw coming: All that falling apart? It was actually falling into place. Like the world's most expensive Jenga game where losing is actually winning.

And now? We're ready to build again. This time with actual blueprints instead of Pinterest boards and wishful thinking.

Clear vision. Aligned foundation. Lit up not by the external spotlight, but by that internal disco ball that never stops spinning.

Surrounded by the real ones - the soul squad who watched me have my very public spiritual breakdown and thought, "Yeah, this guy's onto something. Let's see where this goes."

Some didn't know how to help but brought snacks anyway. Others had their own cosmic meltdown stories and became my unofficial life coaches. ("Trust me, the crying in grocery stores phase doesn't last forever.")

This time we build like adults. Slowly. With permits. And realistic timelines that don't assume I'm superhuman.

🔥 10 Things I Learned While Getting Spiritually Demolished

1. When life says "renovation," it means "controlled explosion." Don't fight the construction crew. They know what they're doing, even when you don't.
2. Your breakdown doesn't need a standing ovation. Most people won't understand your spiritual Netflix series anyway. That's between you and the Universe.
3. Self-sabotage is just your inner child having a tantrum. Give them a juice box and a nap. Works every time.
4. You actually CAN'T do it alone, despite what every motivational poster says. Shocking revelation: Humans need other humans. Revolutionary stuff.
5. Rock bottom has excellent Wi-Fi. Great place to really get to know yourself. The amenities are terrible but the self-discovery is five-star.
6. Internal stability > external everything. Turns out a nervous system that isn't constantly having Vietnam flashbacks is actually pretty great for decision-making.
7. You'll miss your old broken self sometimes. It's okay to grieve the hot mess you used to be. They got you this far.
8. Your truth will scare some people away. Good news: This frees up space for people who aren't terrified of authenticity.
9. Success without soul satisfaction is just expensive emptiness. Like buying a Ferrari with no engine. Looks great, goes nowhere.
10. Your comeback tour doesn't need pyrotechnics. Sometimes the best resurrections happen quietly, over coffee, on a Tuesday.

💛 What I'd Do Differently (Now That I Have 20/20 Hindsight)

If I could time travel back to Past Me...

I'd still trip and fall spectacularly. Still have all the feelings. Still question everything at 3 AM.

But this time I'd pack snacks for the journey.

I'd stop trying to be the spiritual equivalent of a Navy SEAL when I was clearly more like spiritual comic relief.

I'd kiss like the world was ending (because my world WAS ending). Speak my truth even if my voice cracked. Take more naps. Way more naps. Trust my gut instead of asking seventeen people what they thought about my gut feelings.

I'd let people love me without requiring a 47-point inspection first.

I'd honor the seasons instead of trying to force summer in the middle of winter. ("Why am I not blooming?! It's clearly February in my soul right now!")

I'd lead with truth instead of trying to win personality awards.

And most importantly... I'd fall down with style and get back up with a laugh.

Because falling is just gravity doing its job. Getting back up and doing the cha-cha? That's where the magic happens.

I wouldn't try to skip the hard parts - I'd pack better snacks for them. I wouldn't try to look good doing it - I'd focus on doing it real.

And I'd remember: Life isn't about nailing the choreography. It's about dancing like nobody's watching... Even when everybody totally is.

Especially then.

P.S. The Universe has a twisted sense of humor, but excellent timing. 10/10 would get cosmically renovated again.