Do you know the secret of a healthy relationship?

 

Relationships are in crisis. Any relationship… and when we face problems in a relationship, our first instinct is often to wait for the other person to fix it. He should apologize. She must change. They have to act first.

So, if all relationships are in crisis in the world, that means we are waiting for LOTS OF PEOPLE to apologize. To change. To act first…

Of course, I am sure, in your case, not all relationships are in crisis, and that is my case too. But this secret I want to share will work even when there are small problems, disagreements or moments of doubt, and I am sure we all have moments of illness even in the healthiest relationship.

The secret I want to share is: you don’t need to wait for the other one.

Yes, both sides matter. Yes, a relationship only works when both sides are synchronized.

But healing often begins with just one person taking the first step and it is a show of courage.

Healthy relationships are built on that particular initiative, the will to approach the other with a sincere open heart, not just when things are perfect, but particularly when things feel broken.

Reality is you can’t always fix everything, but you can create the conditions for change by choosing to be the best version of yourself, especially when you are with others.

Don’t underestimate the power of a gesture, a conversation, a moment of empathy.

Don’t think your small message to that person with whom you had a problem is just courtesy or it will be ignored.

By taking the first step, you are laying the first brick to fix a bridge between you and others, which is often enough to start, to reboot or restart a healthy relationship.

Why values are fading and why we must rescue them

 

It’s easy to get lost in today’s fast-paced world. Traffic, economic stress and social media can make anyone forget what really matters. But maybe all this chaos has a deeper cause, something quieter and more dangerous: the slow death of values.

OK, kind of dramatic, but since many years I have been observing people stopped using values at the time of taking decisions. Yes, some code of ethics remained, but it was not something like values or principles, ingrained to a person’s compass.

And we rarely stop to reflect. We move, act, react… but seldom pause to ask questions such as:

What is guiding my decisions?

What is truly important to me?

What am I using as the main element in my personal compass?

This lack of reflection on our values may be contributing to the present situation, the way we live and even the identity crisis of younger generations, the disconnection in relationships and the weariness felt by so many. We’ve traded what really matters for what matters for the moment or what feels urgent…

So, let’s ask again: Why are values important?

I give you two answers:

• Values give life meaning. They help us face crises without losing our integrity. They help us build stronger families, organizations, and societies. And they remind us that it’s not just about surviving, but living with dignity, kindness and purpose.
• Values define our actions. They help us define which actions we should make at a certain moment, particularly when there are many possibilities. And so, they are a key part of our self-leadership.
• Values are part of our compass… OK, I was talking about two answers and this was touched before, but, please, understand it that values correspond to the south of our compass and they support in a definite way our vision of the future (north). Without values as a real part of our lives, we won’t be able, or at least it will be quite difficult, to build up a fulfilling future.

The world may not change overnight.

But we can talk about values again. And keep on talking about them…

And living them more…

Religion and spirituality: preaching vs. leading the way

 

Religion and spirituality are in constant struggle, even though you don’t know it.

On one hand is the very powerful institution of religion: there are a few problems here and there, but religions all over are increasing their numbers in terms of people and temples.

On the other hand, is spirituality: the Cinderella of human spirit, with not much structure, but lots of good intentions and, yes, the number of spiritual groups and tendencies, and the number of people enrolled to them have increased a lot too.

Now, let’s look at it in a different way in which there is no struggle; spirituality is the subtle background that is the essence of religion. In fact, a very religious person is very spiritual too, and spiritual people are often associated with a religion.

But it is true that religion – the religion common people practice – is more focused on the form, that is, scriptures and rituals. On the contrary, spirituality emphasizes the practice, the BEING.

In other words, religion may be only preaching while spirituality is leading… Still, I do believe they are not opposite and here are three examples that may help

Your religion talks about being charitable and you do, from time to time. Spiritually, you can also be charitable by giving others vibrations and good wishes. Always. Both are necessary and useful.

By being religious, you have to go to your temple every week or so. By being spiritual, your practice is daily and you don’t have to go to a temple necessarily. When you go to a temple, just be spiritual; when you are spiritual, just feel like your house is a temple.

The scriptures tell stories or describe a code of life. Spirituality makes your live those stories and change your own life.

What do you think about religion and spirituality?

Finding your higher purpose

 

If you are a very conscious person, you have your purpose in life very clear. By the way, I am sure you are such a person and your purpose is totally clear!

But, as we have too many things to do (and the pile is increasing), it is possible we forget a very important purpose since each activity or group of activities has its own.

For instance, I work as a coach and business consultant. My purpose is very clear: I want people feel empowered in an organizational environment. It is a nice and practical one, present in my mind at each one of my interventions, lectures, workshops and all that I do.

However, I also like to cook; because I am not a good cook, I have to set a purpose to each of my interventions. There was a Christmas that I felt people were not so enthusiastic, so I decided to cook a shepherd pie, a VEGETARIAN shepherd pie. It was hard work, but at the end people were literally blossoming. By the way, it was delicious.

So, what is my purpose? To help people in organizations or to give them enthusiasm? Both? Neither?

Then comes what is called a higher purpose: it is the reason of life beyond profession or lifestyle. It is a subtle energy that guide us like a compass.

Noticing the two purposes I’ve mentioned, both coincide in at least one point: I want people to feel better than they are. And that is part of my higher purpose.

Why do we need a higher purpose? Let’s understand what happens when there is clarity in relation to a higher purpose: there will be clarity on the path, objectives and even the small purposes, set for actions. Besides, it will boost self-esteem and it will help during uncertainty.

If you still don’t have a clear higher purpose, it is time to do your homework.

Optimism, realism, and…

 

Many years ago, the only kind of polarization I was aware of had to do with whether someone was optimistic or pessimistic. At most, it led to light-hearted debates about the weather, a football match or the latest economic proposal.

Now, I understand those were golden days - far removed from the deep and often bitter divisions we see in today’s polarized world.

But let’s return to those personality traits. And yes, I believe they are part of who we are.

While some people are naturally more optimistic or more pessimistic, most of us carry both tendencies within. A deeply optimistic woman can still sense when she’s at risk of losing her job - and take action to seek something new. A pessimistic man still holds hope that his sick child will recover.

The key, for someone with a pessimistic inclination, is to nurture their inner optimist. Pessimism, if left unchecked, can lead to missed opportunities simply because one didn’t dare. Cultivating a bit more optimism can make the path forward feel possible, even exciting.

But what about those who are too optimistic? I’ve known people so buoyed by positivity that they seemed immune to setbacks - until a hard fall brought shock, disappointment, and sometimes, deep disillusionment. Yet it doesn’t feel right to suggest they become more pessimistic… does it?

No, there is a better alternative.

As a Capricornian, I’ve always known the strength of realism. Before my journey of self-growth began, realism was my default stance. At times, I admit, it made me a rather pessimistic young man. But once I stepped onto a spiritual path, realism became something different: a grounding force that balanced the natural optimism that emerged through inner work.

So the answer isn’t choosing between optimism or pessimism - it’s embracing a realism that is both clear-eyed and compassionate. A realism that allows an optimist to dream and take risks, while still helping stay anchored when storms arrive. In a world that pulls us toward extremes, cultivating this middle path might just be one of the most radical things we can do.

Looking Back at My Digital Journey

 

Many years ago, I started my internet life in the world of social media, as a content creator. Today, I’d like to take a moment to review that journey - not just the visible outcomes, but the quiet learnings along the way.

On a personal level, this path has been both rich and demanding. I’ve had the chance to offer light - small or great - into other people’s lives. Whether it was through reflections on present-day events, sharing about meditation, or simply exploring the many layers of spirituality, I’ve been able to speak from the heart. At the same time, I’ve been learning constantly: how to navigate the changing tides of social media, how to connect more meaningfully, and how to shape content in a way that reflects both truth and care.

Of course, it hasn’t been without challenges. The time and energy to plan, write, record and edit can be enormous. And with platforms changing their policies and algorithms, reaching people has sometimes felt like trying to speak through a thick fog. The message is there, but is it heard?

When I think of those who receive what I share, I want to believe that it brings something positive - a space to breathe, to reflect, to learn, or simply to smile. I imagine someone pausing in their day and feeling a little more grounded, some positive content enlightening their lives. That’s the quiet hope behind every post.

Yet, I can’t deny there’s a lingering silence. The absence of comments or interaction makes me wonder: Is there anyone there? Do they find what they’re looking for? It’s a strange kind of solitude, to speak so often and hear so little back.

Still, I continue - not for numbers, but for meaning. Because even if just a few people find a moment of peace, clarity, or insight through what I share, then this path has been worthwhile.

Overcoming very strange obstacles

 

We all know how to overcome obstacles. The usual kind? No problem.

But nowadays, we’re facing a new wave of very strange obstacles.

Let me explain with an example: a typical obstacle might be not having a job. A stranger obstacle could be having a job you don’t enjoy or one you lack the skills for.
And a very strange obstacle? Having a job you dislike and feeling like you have to pretend you love it - just to meet the expectations of your family or community.

For common obstacles, there are well-known steps: look for a job, talk to friends, take courses, learn new skills and so on.

But with these stranger ones… it gets more complicated.
Years ago, the advice was simple: "Don’t like your job? Just quit!"
"Missing skills? Go learn them!"
But today, things aren’t so straightforward. The job market is uncertain. The workplace is constantly shifting. And even if you learn a new skill, it might be outdated by the time you master it.

Maybe now is the time to learn how to love the job - not in a forced way, but by connecting with its purpose or seeing what it teaches you. From that sense of connection, perhaps a shift will come naturally, if that’s what’s truly best.

Maybe it’s time to focus not just on skills, but on assimilating knowledge. With real understanding, upgrading your skills becomes much easier and more organic.

And then we arrive at the very strange obstacles…
These often live in the emotional and mental layers of our challenges. In this case, the obstacle shows up in our relationships - in the struggle to be true to ourselves, especially when we are seen as role models by others.

The solution isn’t simple, but it is possible: we need to develop self-leadership.
That means gaining clarity about your future vision, your values, your purpose - and finding a balance between spirituality and practicality.
When you lead yourself, you can make decisions that might be unpopular but are right for you - like leaving a job. And you can help others understand that choice, turning it into a shared learning experience rather than a disruption.

To summarize:

• Overcoming a normal obstacle: follow the usual steps and ask for help when needed.
• Overcoming a strange obstacle: don’t rush into action. Reflect first.
• Overcoming a very strange obstacle: lead yourself with vision and integrity - and turn the challenge into growth for yourself and others.