I'm really not good at showcasing my soul online. It's an interesting dichotomy for me since I'm both very comfortable with digital technologies yet very unnatural when I'm on a Zoom camera or Google Hangouts. I feel like it strips away my humanity, and it doesn't allow me to showcase my soul.
I remember feeling so unbound when I was in Zuzalu, like a different person. The in-person connection was so vibrant, so full of life.
When I'm constrained to a screen, I'm not able to flow in the way I do in an in-person community setting. I feel like my essence, who I truly am, comes alive when I'm face-to-face with others. That's where I'm able to connect lots of dots, and it feels like the Holy Spirit is working within me in those moments.
Zoom is no replacement for in-person experiences. It's really just a means for us to coordinate so that we all get there. That's increasingly what I'm feeling.
I've come to realize that virtual interactions can never fully capture the depth and richness of personal connections. The true essence of someone can't be felt through a screen. Digital communication, as convenient as it may be, is no adequate substitute for living and working closely with my collaborators.
I'm a firm believer that great things happen when people coalesce in physical spaces, sharing ideas, feelings, and even just simple smiles. Those small but profound interactions create bonds that are deeper and more meaningful.
It's a realization that drives me both in my work and personal life. I need to live with my closest collaborators, and I need to invest in relationships that are tangible and real. I don't want to be a different person online; I want to be authentic and connected.
Virtual tools like Zoom have their place, especially in our fast-paced world. They help us bridge distances and keep projects moving. But they're just a stepping stone, a way to plan and prepare for the real connections that can only happen in person.
So, for me, the way forward is clear. I'll use Zoom when I have to, but I'll never forget that it's merely a tool to get me to the real destination, where I can truly be myself and connect with others in the most genuine way.
That's the path I want to walk, and that's the legacy I want to leave - one filled with true connections, real collaborations, and a life lived fully in the presence of great people.