Dr. Shadé Zahrai

Because of the scars that we carry.

So when someone is giving you praise, it's because your self-image doesn't feel it deserves it.

And so it doesn't internalize it.

But when someone criticizes you, criticism only hurts if you deeply, deep down, believe that about yourself.

And it all comes down to where you are on these four pillars.

So if you receive criticism and you take it personally, it's often because you have a low level of acceptance.

And deep down, you don't feel that you're worthy.

You're trying to appear a certain way or prove something.

And so what that person says hurts so much because it is cutting at that deep wound that you have.

And so again, it's this idea of, yes, as you say, how do we acknowledge more of the positive things that come through and use that to reshape our identity, reshape our self-image?

Someone once asked me, what is the one word I want people to say about me at my funeral?

And without thinking, I said that she cared.

And then I thought about it a bit more and I probably would have had all these other things.

But I think the fact that that came through so clearly for me when I didn't think about it, my purpose is to live a life where I'm caring about other people.

And that looks like me being present for them, me serving them through the work that we do, helping them through our programs through this book.

It's fundamentally because I care about people overcoming what is holding them back.

And I care about them living fulfilling and successful and meaningful lives.

And so everything I do is aligned behind that.

What about you, Jay?

How would you define your purpose in just a few words?