I was recently asked a question that made me pause and reflect.

“If everything you’ve ever created suddenly vanished – your books, podcast, teachings, impact – what core ideas would you rebuild first?”

It’s a powerful concept because it forced me to look at the foundation of any meaningful life – not just my own. After some thought, I realized it comes down to the answers to four essential questions:

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1. How do I feel about myself?
Before you look for validation from other people, look within. The goal should be to look in the mirror and genuinely feel proud of yourself. Not for your achievements, but for your character, your resilience, your kindness.

2. Who do I love, and who do I receive love from?
Deep, meaningful connections are an essential human need. We must be intentional about cultivating spaces where we can both give unconditional love and allow ourselves to receive it.

3. What do I do for work?
We spend so much of our lives working, so finding a job you feel aligned with is worthwhile. But what you do for work does not define your value. Your paycheck is not your worth. Your impact does not have to come from your income.

4. How can I use my gifts to serve?
When we realize that we are far more capable than we imagine, the next step isn’t to build a bigger ego. It’s to build a bigger table, and I am most fulfilled when I am using my skills, my strengths, and my gifts in service to others.

When you know who you are, who loves you, how to spend your days, and how to serve, you are never truly lost.