No Grind, No Goodness
No Grind, No Goodness!
Hello friends,
I hope this message finds you well. I've been thinking lately about what it takes to stay on track with something meaningful—especially when it's hard.
The grind within the grind
This topic came up again yesterday while lifting weights with my workout buddy. He's an artist with exceptional talent. But like many of us, he's had difficulty being consistent and working on his craft. As an aside, he's also struggled with depression. Despite doing tons of inner work, the low moods continued to haunt him.
An unexpected surprise
Two months ago, spurred on by a persistent inner kick, he made a commitment to himself. Nothing too drastic—draw every day for an hour or two. Sixty days in, the shift is dramatic. Not just in his technique (which is getting sharper by the day) but in his mood. The depression? He reports that it's pretty much gone. Mind you, he didn't do it for the depression, but that's what's happening. Why? Because, as he puts it, art is his calling. And when he shows up for it, something in him settles and aligns.
The voice that says, 'not today'
There's a lesson in that for all of us. The grind of doing something hard, over and over, especially something that reflects our true nature, can be transformative. But first, we must face the part of us that wants to bail. The voice that says, "Eh, I think I'll skip today." That's where shadow work comes in. It helps us turn toward those parts—procrastination, resistance, doubt—and get curious. Where is that voice coming from? What's it protecting?
You can always start again
We don't need to be perfect, but if we want to level up our lives, we must return to what matters—again and again. I'm feeling that with my guitar. I didn't answer the Call when I was young. If I had, who knows? Maybe I'd be fronting a rock band today. But life offers many chances to reevaluate what's essential. Lately, I picked up the guitar again. Sure, I'm rusty. But even with the clumsy fingers, there's joy. That's the pull. That's the Call. Not because I'm trying to become anything. But because this small daily act connects me to something true. I missed it once. I'm not missing it again.
Your chance to say YES!
So here's the question: What's calling you? What would happen if you said yes to the thing that's calling you—and kept saying yes for the rest of your life?
If you're ready to explore that calling—and what's in the way—I invite you to reach out or join me for a retreat this year. We've got offerings for men, women, leaders, and seekers of all kinds. Click here to learn more.
Wishing you strength for the grind and the enjoyment of the gift it brings,
Mark
Answer the Call
If you've been feeling off track—or you’re just ready to recommit to something true—this is your nudge. Life won’t wait forever. But your calling? It’s still there. Waiting patiently. Whether it’s art, music, leadership, or healing, our retreats are designed to help you reconnect with what matters most. Click here to explore upcoming opportunities. Say yes to what’s calling you.
Questions for Reflection
Why is it so hard to stay consistent with the things that matter most?
Because what matters also challenges us. Our resistance often masks fear, past disappointments, or hidden beliefs that say we’re not enough. Shadow work helps us explore and loosen those patterns.
What if I’ve already missed my chance?
You haven’t. Life keeps handing out fresh invitations. Picking up the thread now—even imperfectly—still brings joy, growth, and alignment.
How do I know what’s truly calling me?
Often, it’s the thing that keeps tugging at your attention. It’s not always loud, but it’s persistent. Pay attention to what lights you up—even if it also scares you a little.
