This is as RAW and REAL as it gets…

Dear Tribe.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and share something very deep, personal, vulnerable, and authentic to me. I didn’t censor, edit, or hold-back here. Feel free to leave your comments at the end, if you’re called…

–

It’s Friday night and I am once again feeling the urge to stay in and hibernate from the world.

Since coming back from Asia after my month long adventure, I have felt different…

…Disengaged.

…Distant.

…Restless.

There is no reason for these feelings, because life is good. Business is great. In fact, it’s more than great. It’s thriving.

But that’s not the issue. What’s happening inside of me is the issue.

You see, while I was traveling the world, I became aware of many of my deepest fears and ugliest shadows, around money, sex, love, freedom, purpose, happiness, truth, authenticity, and being.

Because as I traveled from place to place, I discovered that SO MANY people in other parts of the world just don’t have the opportunities, the freedom, the money, the choices, or the education that we do.

It made me see how fortunate we really are.

And as I met these people, connected with these people, and was so warmly welcomed into their homes and hearts by these people, I couldn’t help but think about how selfish, greedy, indulgent, and egocentric I have been at times.

…And because that reflection doesn’t feel good, I’m taking a deep hard look at what needs to shift inside of myself so that these patterns doesn’t repeat again.

Insights are coming….but slowly. And this process is uncomfortable.

Oh, if you’re wondering what I mean by “a shadow”, it’s an energy or a thought that exists within you that you don’t want to acknowledge, because you’re embarrassed or ashamed about it…

…And everyone has them (whether you choose to admit it or not). I became acutely aware of many of mine on this trip.

Then, to drive the nail a little deeper, I arrive home to many of my closest friends expressing their feelings of sadness, anger, and disappointment (to me) that I didn’t connect with them sooner, pay closer attention to their needs, or handle previous interactions with more consideration, care, or sensitivity.

And I have no defense.

Because when they share their side, I can stand in their shoes, and feel their pain, and know that there is some truth to what they say.

And it hurts both of us.

So if you’re wondering WHY I’m opening up this inner dialogue to you, first and foremost, it’s because I want to let you know that I’m just like you.

I have moments of doubts, fears, and considerations. I make mistakes. I hurt people’s feelings. And I definitely have more work to do on myself.

So please feel free to honor and respect my accomplishments in business (because I am one hell of a good entrepreneur and coach)…

…but please take me off of any pedestal, because I’m human, just like you.

Secondly, I share this with you because as a cherished member of this tribe, I am committed to your growth and evolution. So I want to let you know how I’m dealing with this current experience, because I think it will be useful to you.

Mostly because many have been telling me that they are going through something similar…

…In that you might feel disconnected, sad, frustrated, confused, or flat out broken down by this whole game of life and business.

So let me ask you a question about my story that might help you see a different perspective.

Do you think that something is wrong with me? No.

Do you feel like I’m a bad person? No.

Do you get a sense that this will last? No.

As an outsider looking in, I’m sure that it’s easy for you to come to the same conclusion as I have – that everything is fine and this is just a phase.

In fact, I’m reminded of one of my favorite quotes: “This too shall pass.”

Because it will (and always does).

So if you’re struggling these days, start by acknowledging this very same wisdom for yourself. You’re in a phase, and it will pass.

Each day, I feel a little stronger, clearer, and more focused. It hasn’t been a quick recovery…but that just means it’s a deep transformation.

Next, understand that your inward practices are of the utmost importance right now. Growing up, my mom used to always say the same thing over and over again when I was feeling depressed:

“Go back to the self. Go back to the self. Go back to the self.”

Which means spend more time inside, do less, and focus on taking great care of yourself.

Good advice. I’ve stepped up my yoga practice and added on an additional meditation per day. It would probably serve you to do the same.

Lastly, if your phase is lasting longer than a few weeks, it’s time to get help. You see, people are often surprised by the amount of personal development and business events, seminars, and programs I attend / buy.

Because I’ve learned that getting into the energy of growth, evolution, and possibility keeps you moving forward instead of remaining stuck…and isn’t that the game?

So if your business is feeling stuck, come to our next event on Feb 18-21 in Corona, CA. There is no better retreat on the planet that will give you the clarity, focus, tools, and support to thrive right now. I guarantee that.

If you need personal support, spiritual support, energetic support, health support, or any other kind of support…

Leave a comment below with what you need and either someone in the tribe or myself will likely have a good solution for you.

And thank you for being a part of my life, accepting all parts of me, allowing me to be open, human and vulnerable, and for participating in these conversations with me (and the rest of the tribe).

It means so much to me to have this forum to share with you, and I hope that you receive tremendous value from these notes. As long as you keep showing up, I’ll do the same.

As always, I welcome and appreciate your thoughts.

Much love,

Max