A Hollow Existence
Hello, my name is Joshua Ball, and I used to be a zombie. Okay, not an actual zombie, but I certainly felt like one. Each morning, I awoke with dread at the thought of going to work. My days were long, filled with tasks that brought me no joy. Constant fatigue was my companion, leaving me no time for those who mattered most: my family and friends. They suffered the most at the hands of my exhaustion. I neglected my prayers. I had no energy left for my wife. I would often doze off while reading bedtime stories to my children. I never got to see any of my friends. Every day I had off was spent catching up on sleep. After a decade of this hollow existence, I felt dead inside, devoid of purpose, meaning, or hope, and I knew I needed to find an escape.
A Pleasant Tragedy
Opportunity knocked in the form of a pleasant tragedy. There was a strike! I was effectively out of a Job. It was an involuntary un-paid vacation. Initially I felt dread. Anxiety washed over me like a tsunami. Many scary thoughts entered my mind. How was I going to survive? How was I going to take care of my family? Who was I without my work? These questions kept me up at night. However, after a few days of reading my bible, going for walks with my family, and getting a regular night's sleep. I loved every minute of it. Now that I was finally enjoying my life again, I needed a permanent change. I couldn't go back to my old life. I began to make those changes. A few years earlier I worked to get out of debt, with no payments there was no rush to find work. The strike ended but my desire for a better life remained. I used the time off to educate myself in the areas of finance that lead to a peaceful life.
Recalled to Life
I discovered that much of our social and emotional distress is linked to our relationship with money. During this journey, I encountered a group of individuals who, like me, faced various struggles. I realized I had the ability to guide others toward their goals. As they began to hit goals they struggled with for years, I received a sense of joy. I was rejuvenated, I felt as though I had been recalled to life. The insights they gained while we worked together gave me hope. I can now share my insights and help others reach their own. I've found my purpose, and through ‘River of Insight’, others can be recalled to life.
A Prosperous Tree
The concept of "River of Insight" emerged from the significant role faith plays in my life. Whenever I contemplate any form of prosperity, Psalm 1:3 springs to mind: "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.", and "Whatever he does shall prosper." In my interactions, a consistent theme emerged: people would commend the insightfulness of my words after listening to me speak. The Bible has been the wellspring of insight in my life. One day, while driving, I prayed for God to guide me about my coaching practice. He didn't take long to bring everything into focus. This imagery of the tree has often made me reflect on its connection to my family, considering that a tree will perish without water. The river flowing from the heart of God has brought life and prosperity to my family. With his continued guidance, "River of Insight" will pay it forward and create many more prosperous family trees.