Introduction: Why Sharing Freely Is Essential
It’s Sunday — the final day of the Be More Social Daily Challenge, and if you’ve made it this far, I just want to say thank you. To begin, let’s explore today’s theme: Why Sharing Freely Is Essential. To be honest, I didn’t fully understand the impact of this day until I lived it.
After a week of deep personal work — clarifying purpose, strengthening habits, elevating language, cultivating awareness, sharpening focus, and embracing learning — ultimately, this final step brings it all together.
Interestingly, just this morning, while sipping my coffee and doing my daily reflection, I stumbled upon something that lit a spark: the six Japanese principles of personal growth and well-being. As I dug deeper, I saw how seamlessly they aligned with each day of our challenge.
But something was missing. That seventh piece— in other words, the final link in the chain.
In that moment, that’s where “sharing freely” comes in.
In fact, that’s what today is all about.
Why Sharing Freely Is Essential
We often think growth is a personal journey. And to some extent, that’s true. However, something powerful happens when we share that journey with others.
Sharing freely has several benefits:
- First, it reinforces what you’ve learned.
- Second, it creates meaningful connections.
- Third, it inspires others to reflect and grow, too.
It’s not about being right, or profound, or even eloquent.
Rather, it’s about being honest.
This week taught me that when I speak openly about my progress — and even my struggles — others feel safe to do the same. It creates a ripple effect. Most importantly, it starts with one simple thing:
At its core, it’s about telling your truth.
The Six Japanese Principles — and How They Align with Our Challenge
That coffee-fueled moment of discovery this morning was like uncovering a secret map. These six principles from Japanese philosophy match each step of our Be More Social Challenge. So, let me walk you through them and how they connect.
1. Ikigai (生き甲斐) — Discover Your Purpose
Our Monday theme: Clarify Purpose
Ikigai means “a reason for being.”
It’s about discovering what gets you up in the morning. That burning why. We explored this deeply at the start of the week — digging into who we are and why that matters. The idea is: if you don’t start with why, how can you know where you’re going?
2. Kaizen (改善) — Embrace Continuous Improvement
Our Tuesday theme: Strengthen Habits
Building on that foundation, Kaizen teaches us to make small improvements daily. It’s not about radical overhauls — it’s about consistency. Ten minutes a day of conscious action. That’s all it takes to start rewiring your habits.
3. Wabi-Sabi (侘寂) — Find Beauty in Imperfection
Our Wednesday theme: Elevate Language
This was a big one for me. Wabi-Sabi is about embracing the imperfect. Elevating language doesn’t mean sugarcoating things — it means choosing words that build up, not break down. Ultimately, it’s appreciating progress, not perfection.
4. Shoshin (初心) — Cultivate a Beginner’s Mind
Our Thursday theme: Cultivate Awareness
Similarly, Shoshin is about seeing the world with fresh eyes — even familiar things. When we pause and become truly aware, we learn to respond— not react. We see more, feel more, and live more presently.
5. Ganbaru (頑張る) — Demonstrate Perseverance and Resilience
Our Friday theme: Sharpen Focus
To be clear, Ganbaru isn’t about always getting it right — it’s about sticking with it. Especially during difficult moments, showing up matters, even when it’s hard. Sharpening focus means staying aligned with your values and pushing forward, especially when the noise of life gets loud.
6. Shinrin-Yoku (森林浴) — Reconnect with Nature
Our Saturday theme: Embrace Learning
Finally, forest bathing is about immersing yourself in nature. That means no phones, no to-do lists— just presence. Yesterday, I did exactly that. As I slowed down, I sat still, listened to the birds, and felt clarity arise not from doing, but simply being.
The Missing Piece: Share Freely Is Essential
So far, we’ve explored six beautiful, time-honored principles.
That said, I couldn’t help but think: what happens after we learn? After we reflect, practice, and grow?
We share.
That’s why our final theme — Why Sharing Freely Is Essential — feels like the perfect addition. In doing so, it completes the circle.
Because learning locked inside you benefits no one.
But when shared, it connects, it empowers, it transforms.
Be → Do → Have: The Power of Sharing in Action
There’s a model I’ve come to love: Be → Do → Have
Typically, most people think:
“If I have more time, I’ll do the things I love, and then I’ll be happy.”
However, consider flipping that:
To shift your mindset, be someone who shares freely.
Then, do the work of expressing yourself with honesty and heart.
As a result, have the fulfillment of genuine connection, clarity, and community.
This time around, I practiced it — and I loved the result.
A Real Moment That Changed Everything
For example, one of the most unexpected moments happened mid-week.
One afternoon, I received a message from someone in the Philippines after I shared a video about self-forgiveness. The video wasn’t scripted. Just me, being real. To my surprise, they told me it helped them realize they were still holding onto something painful, and permitted them to let go.
I didn’t plan that.
Still, by sharing my experience, I created space for someone else to heal.
That’s the magic of sharing freely.
You don’t just express — you expand.
Final Reflection: Your Growth Becomes Someone Else’s Courage
So what does all this mean?
In short, it means your journey matters — not just to you, but to those around you.
As a result, when you speak from the heart, others find the courage to do the same.
This challenge reminded me:
- Growth doesn’t follow a straight path.
- Learning thrives when it’s shared.
- And above all, your voice is more powerful than you think.
Your Turn — Will You Share?
Here’s my Sunday challenge for you:
Today, take 10 minutes.
Then, reflect on one thing you’ve learned this week.
After that, share it in a message, journal, social post, or conversation.
Above all, be real, not perfect.
More importantly, you don’t need to be loud. You don’t need to be polished.
Above all else, just be you.
And if you’ve walked this challenge with me — I’d love to hear from you.
What surprised you? What stayed with you? What changed?
Drop a comment. Tag your experience.
Together, let’s keep the ripple going.
Call to Action: Keep the Momentum Going
Want to keep growing, connecting, and living with more intention?
Join the Be More Social Challenge — it’s just 10 minutes a day.
In other words, no fluff. No overwhelm. Just honest, daily reflection and connection.
Visit chooseyourchapter.com.au to start your next week.
Or replay this week’s challenge and deepen what you’ve learned
Remember:
You don’t need permission to be who you are.
You don’t need a reason to share your truth.
You just need to begin.
Be more social. Simply say, “G’day.”
