In today’s Across the King's River newsletter, I shared a powerful reflection inspired by Ines Tola and a profound comment she made here in The King’s Circle about her journey of seeking approval. If you’re not on my mailing list, you can read the full post on my blog: Ines Tola: Exploring Identity, Music, and Writing Across Continents | Across the King's River There is so much wisdom in this circle. We have healers, authors, artists, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, finance professionals, AI experts, and business leaders among us. I’m truly grateful to grow alongside you. Let’s continue to lean into the depth of expertise here as we move forward — together. Reflection Question Whose gift in this circle have you not fully tapped into yet — and what might open up if you reached out? What genius is already sitting beside you here that could help you move forward faster or wiser?

When are you going to rest? Not collapse. Not burn out. Not crash. Actually rest. And enjoy it. You have limits. You have a nervous system. You have a soul that needs space — not just sleep, but silence. Not just time off. This photo of me holding a coconut was taken in Puerto Rico about three years ago. I remember feeling deeply relaxed… peaceful… present. And if I’m honest? I also felt guilty. One of my best friends was back in California, driving his taxi all day just to make ends meet. I knew so many people were struggling. Part of me wondered, Who am I to feel this good right now? But here’s what I’ve learned: We deserve a break too. The photo with the pillows was taken during one of my last nights in Nigeria. During that trip, my sisters — Chief Aikulola, Ifa Lola, and Hadiya — reminded me that comfort, even a little luxury, can belong in our spiritual retreats. Rest doesn’t make us less spiritual. Comfort doesn’t make us less committed. Peace doesn’t make us selfish. In fact, it makes us whole. And that’s the plan moving forward. So back to you… When will you rest? Not when everything is done. Not when you’ve earned it. Not when you break. Rest is not a reward. It’s part of being human. Maybe today you close the laptop 30 minutes early. Maybe you take the walk. Maybe you sit in the quiet without reaching for your phone. The world will keep spinning. And you’ll remember — you were made to be alive.

Give yourself permission to step away. Or give yourself permission to step back. Not every lesson is yours to teach. Not every outcome is yours to control. Sometimes love looks like space. Reflection Questions: Am I helping… or am I trying to control the outcome? What lesson might they need to experience without my interference? What is one situation where you know it’s time to step back?

If everything is a priority… then nothing is. Read that again. When you try to chase every opportunity, answer every message instantly, build every idea, help everyone, and say yes to everything — you dilute your power. Scattered energy = average results. Focused energy = unstoppable momentum. The question isn’t “What could I do?” The question is: What actually matters most right now? What: - Feeds your soul - Expands your skills - Moves your mission forward - Creates real value for the people you’re called to serve So today, ask yourself: 👉 If I could only move ONE thing forward this week, what would it be? 👉 What deserves my best energy? 👉 What am I saying “yes” to that’s stealing from my real priority? Protect your focus like it’s your future — because it is.

Every season demands something different. Some seasons are for healing. Some are for learning. Some are for building. This one is for focus. Get clear on: What feeds your spirit. What stabilizes your emotions. What strengthens your finances. Reflection Questions: What do I need to focus on most right now? What is distracting me from becoming who I’m called to be?