Embracing Light on the Broken Road
Over the past few weeks, I have witnessed so much—both as a coach and as a human being. I have walked alongside those struggling in deep darkness, navigating grief, uncertainty, and profound heartache. I have listened to stories of pain, loss, and disconnection. And yet, amidst these broken roads, I have also seen glimpses of healing, resilience, and the quiet but persistent call toward something greater: love.
A beautiful message was shared at my church recently—a vision of a world rooted in compassion, freedom, inclusivity, and justice. We were invited to overcome the darkness we may feel and to begin recognizing ourselves in one another, seeing each of us as part of humanity’s portrait—a human tapestry of many colors, patterns, and textures. It was a reminder that the Golden Rule, loving our neighbors as ourselves, is only possible when we truly learn to love ourselves, imperfections and all.
This idea—the transformative power of self-love and compassion—was the very impetus for the Embrace and Empower Circle that I co-lead with my dear friend and coaching collaborator, Jennifer Reece. We have found that when our clients begin to see the miracle in their own existence, they start to recognize the miracle of all existence. They begin to understand that love and light are inherent in each of us. From this place, compassion naturally swells—among family members, colleagues, and entire communities. And in that compassion, we are reminded that we do not stand alone; we are part of something bigger, something profoundly beautiful and sacred.
So I invite us all to challenge ourselves: To be the light and the love we wish to see in the world. To see ourselves in every being. To open our hearts—to those who suffer, to those who walk different paths, and even to the parts of ourselves we have struggled to embrace.
Here’s what this can look like:
Practice Daily Self-Compassion – Take a moment each day to acknowledge your struggles with kindness rather than criticism. Whether through journaling, affirmations, or simply pausing to breathe, remind yourself that imperfection is part of being human.
Extend a Gesture of Connection – Reach out to someone who may be struggling—send a kind message, offer to listen without judgment, or extend an invitation for coffee. Small acts of care can be powerful reminders that no one walks alone.
Engage in a Community of Support – Join or create a space where people can share openly, such as a Circle, support group, or volunteer organization. When we cultivate spaces of trust and belonging, we contribute to the healing and resilience of all.
Just as we care for every aspect of our health to live a long and fulfilling life, we must also care for every aspect of humanity—to become who love calls us to be.
