Disconnect.

Disconnect…to recharge? That is such a foreign concept to me. As an extrovert, I typically draw energy from being amongst people, my community…my tribe. At one point in my life I felt I was at my most creative, most impactful, most charged up when I was a part of or even leading a team. However, life taught me very quickly that every path has pitfalls. For me, it was dependency. Time out—I know what you’re thinking, “You, Kevin, Mr. Carrington…dependent?!” Listen, I am as Alpha and Type A as they come. But, one thing that I’ve learned as an evolving man is that life is an exchange. You can put whatever word you like on it, but anything you require, you are dependent on—just facts.

The downside to my extroverted existence was that I became so dependent on the presence, acceptance and even validation of people that I chased it like a crack-head. I even sold things like integrity, honor and discipline just to get it. I was still accomplishing and living in purpose, I just needed to find a way to evolve past my dependency.

A great friend of mine suggested I read a book, “The Courage to Be Disliked” by Ichiro Kishimi. It was a literal game changer for me. I’m not recommending that you read the book unless you are prepared to level up. It will turn your understanding of self and the world upside down.

This book set me on a path to explore the opposing forces in my life. So naturally, as an extrovert, I decided to explore the path of the introvert. At first, the silence and disconnection was maddening. I found myself drowning in what I thought was the disappointing reality of me. But a quick reminder of why I was doing this helped to readjust my thinking—and what I found was beautiful.

Within the distance created by disconnection, I found the power of presence. The ability to just be. It was beautiful. I dare you to try it and then let me know what you find.

#CarryEverything