Always look within.
Remember, if we are to find what we need and if we are to define our best possible life, then the answers we need to understand are the answers that come from places like our heart and our soul. Before exploring the external universe, start here first. 
Remember, our life begins with us.
This starts at the first moment of an early morning when we open our eyes and get out of bed. This grows and gains momentum when we see ourselves in the mirror for the very first time and then it ends each day when we face ourselves in the mirror with a constructive conclusion before heading to sleep.

We are social creatures.
This means we gather and we flock. We find ourselves with groups and with people who either inspire or impose.
We encounter people who will lift us up when we are down and, at the same time, there are people who will prefer us this way. So, they might look to keep us there. Down and under foot. There are times when we find ourselves in moments that are about to embrace a new change. We are about to open a new chapter, looking ahead and facing forward.

I will keep this one short to gain a burst of both inspiration and motivation.
I will also keep this impactful. So to maintain this morning’s energy, I will get right to the point.
We need that fire. We need that blast of energy.
But more, we need to be mindful.

Knowing where we are, even if where we are at is neither a good nor comfortable space is important. To understand where we are means we know what we need to do next. Yet sometimes, the task of doing what’s next or understanding what’s next can be challenging or confusing to say the least. 
Sometimes, the boundaries are set, which means doing the next right thing is intimidating. And, it’s not that we don’t know what to do. It’s not like we’re unsure of what needs to be done. It’s more of the worries and the intimidation that keep us locked in a situation where we placate the different sides because we’re too afraid to move or pull the trigger.

I know this for sure. I also know that where we are and where we are at are due to a combination of facts.
I understand this from a real-life perspective. Yes, I live a real life. Yes, I have a personal life. And no, there are parts of my life which are not fit for broadcast. While I put myself out there each day, I realize that I am equally a person in this world who is just as lost and just as afraid as anyone else.

Before I go on with this, I want to preface that the inspiration of this story takes place when I was much younger and certainly less professional and responsible. At the same time, I think that to make our rebirth of sanity and the need to create healthy boundaries relatable, I wanted to add some of my story to add some flashes of interesting color.

I was thinking about the words of Howard Beale, who was played by the actor Peter Finch in the movie Network when he said, “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore.”

Years back a friend of mine told me to learn how to build bridges, not walls.
I thought about this. I think there are reasons for walls. I think that’s what doors are created for too and inasmuch as I can tell, there are people who deserve the bridge and others who deserve the door to be closed.
I can say this with all certainty.
I can say that yes, there are people who have grown angry because they didn’t get their way.
I can say that yes, I have seen people throw tantrums or become outraged because I drew a line and yes; it is reasons like this that I am fortunate my boundaries exist.
But wait –
There’s more . . .

Before moving to the next phase and while we are still on the topic of inspirational thoughts to push us forward, we are here to seek ownership of our lives. To control our lives, we have to understand where our control begins and where this ends.

The important items in our life that we have to consider are the items that are within our control.
The reason I list this is because part of the definition of sanity is to be able to think and behave in a normal or rational manner. This means sanity is also an action which is to behave reasonably or with rational behavior. 
Okay – so, let’s discuss.

Phase Four is a simple text. This is intended to bring out the inner truths and to spark the light from within. I have had my share of darkness in the past, which I openly discuss and describe because in my experience, the fact that I have accomplished or succeeded in one direction means that I can accomplish and succeed again in a new direction as well.
I think that first and foremost, it is important and valuable to create that inner narrative. It is helpful to create that inner hero; to hear these words, perhaps in a voice that is unlike your own; as if it’s someone reading this to you in a voice with the sole intention of inspiring you and pushing you to reach your next best level.

I write this to you, tired as ever, and after a long shift at work and a sleepless night.
But as tired as I am, I write this to you as a person who made a commitment to do this; to reach out to you on a daily basis because I knew that if I give in once, it becomes easier to give in again. Next it becomes even easier to quit – which is why I go on and push myself to move in the direction of greatness.

Ante up . . .
I used to hear this at poker games.
This means the cards are on the table and it’s your turn to bet.
This means get ready to play the hand you have and be ready to gamble.
I say this here and now: Ante up.
But it’s not like you think. This isn’t a card game.
Not in the least –