I intend to be a people-pleaser but not conventionally speaking. I've spent a lot of time implementing selfish intent. I'm going to redirect my energy towards actions that, hopefully, positively affect others. Self-satisfaction has become exhausting. I plan to enter the paradoxical world of selflessness resulting in joy and inner peace rather than failed attempts at materialism, consumption, and/or ego-driven philanthropy

My release is one of a material nature. I'm choosing to let go of a closet full of props. Over the years, I have accumulated a collection of (mostly) retro movie props that I intended to use in filmmaking. It's mostly law enforcement and military gear that I began collecting when I worked on True Crime recreation/reality shows nearly 10 years ago. These props have taken up interior real estate in two different cities —they lived in a camper parked in the driveway of my Pasadena home for 4 years and moved into a basement closet in my current home here in Forest Hill for the last 6. Over the course of those 10 years, I've only sourced a few items to film one short horror/thriller film that never saw the light of day. Obviously, I did a lot more accumulating than I ever did implementing All that said, it is time to liquidate. I'm emptying the closet with no regard for vetting besides "donate" or "toss in the bin." I've come to realize that I am no longer interested in that kind of filmmaking. I have pivoted to documentary filmmaking which has more substance, artistic value, and personal appeal. I'm excited to turn the page on that chapter of my life and eliminate that morsel from the back of my mind. You may be asking yourself "Why now? What changed?" Well, I'd love to say that this prompt inspired me but, truthfully, it's because my teenage daughter wants to move into that bedroom and we're going to oblige. Sometimes it takes an intervention or act of provenance to make us realize that our selfishness inhibits the ability of our loved ones/others to grow. Hardcore humility and gratitude are at the forefront of this decision. Full stop. Thank you for reading

Frankly, gratitude is a new feeling I've been experiencing. I spent a lot of time consumed in self and blocked my ability to express gratitude towards others. It definitely didn't happen overnight. I realize it's something I have to work on for the rest of my life. Rome didn't fall in a single day. lol. Seriously though...I have to remain conscious of this incredible shortcoming and put in the work to change it. Seems like an overwhelming task but challenges like this provide the opportunity to grow. I'm down for it

For me (and I think for most), fear is the most common factor. So many of our defects as humans derive from fear. Living with limited fear is freedom

@Pete Erickson