$pent Millennial

Dear Reader,

I almost missed it.

Somewhere in my effort to slow down — to recenter myself, to realign, to choose presence over achievement — I found myself sliding right back into that instinct to push, to chase, to strive: that familiar urge to reach for what’s next.

And the wild part? I genuinely believe life is not measured in titles, awards, salaries, or accolades. I know it’s measured in moments. Presence. Peace. Joy. The things no résumé can hold.

But turning off that old instinct is harder than I ever expected. And my Achiever protector part has been quite noisy in the sudden shift of focus. 

For so long, growing my bank account — through higher salaries, better benefits, stability built paycheck by paycheck — wasn’t just a goal. It was survival. And when that’s been your story, it’s incredibly hard to quiet that voice once you finally reach stable ground.

So here I am — intentionally stepping back from titles and ladders — choosing reconnection instead of climbing, returning to the joy and purpose that set me on this path to begin with.

And yet… a part of me has still been treating this season like a layover. A pause. A temporary holding pattern on the way to something “bigger,” something that puts me “back on track” with a salary and benefits package to match.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting that. Truly. And if an opportunity comes along that aligns with my values, lets me be myself, and feels grounded and right — I’m open.

But this step back has never been a consolation prize. It’s been intentional. It’s been healing. And it’s been a chance to build in a different way — slowly, deliberately, authentically. A way that doesn’t fit anyone’s predictable trajectory, but still moves me forward.

Growth isn’t always linear. The best stories rarely are.

And yet, even knowing all that, I’ve still caught myself missing it — missing this. The joy, the meaning, the aliveness of right now. So focused on what the future might hold that I’ve been looking right past what my present is offering.

But these moments — these simple, ordinary, extraordinary moments — are the whole point.

Playing cards with kids at the community center. Tutoring students and bonding over a shared love for stubborn math problems. Feeling myself soften into the quieter parts of my life. If this is what my days are made of… then this is a life I’m proud of. This is a life that’s not just “worth it,” but deeply, quietly fulfilling. 

What a shame to be so distracted by the “competition” to miss out on all that you have already “won”. 

I don’t think I’m alone. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in appearances, highlight reels, achievement bingo, the comparison carousel — especially this time of year. 

Somehow, a season meant for slowing down, reconnecting, remembering what matters… has become a rush of pressure, perfection, and performance.

So this holiday season, I want to invite you to join me in choosing something different.

To notice the small things. To breathe a little deeper. To honor the moments right in front of us — the ones that will stack up to become our lives.

These are the days.

These are the moments.

Let’s not miss them.

Until next week — take care,

Everett