The Power of Love: A Year-End Reflection on Leadership, Faith, and Flourishing

As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting not just on the past 12 months, but on the journey of nearly two decades that has shaped me. Early this morning, in the stillness of 5 a.m., my thoughts drifted back to where it all began: to the lessons of my upbringing, the foundations of my faith, and the love that continues to guide my life and work.

Here’s something you may not know about me: I was raised in the church. It was more than just a place of worship—it was a world of structure, song, and spirit that formed the rhythm of my childhood. One song by, Nación Santa, "Su gran amor" stays with me even now, not because of its lyrics alone, but because of what it revealed about love, faith, and connection.

Early on, I realized something that changed me: my religion is love. It’s the common thread that binds us all, the unspoken power that exists within and around us. This understanding has shaped how I live and lead.

These days, I focus on what I have rather than what I’m missing. It’s not always easy. The past few years have brought challenges—heartbreak and loss—but they’ve also delivered profound lessons and the deepest love I’ve ever known. In those experiences, I’ve come to believe that life’s hardships don’t diminish us; they illuminate the resilience and light we carry within.

Here’s the thing about faith, whether it’s spiritual or rooted in something else entirely: it’s deeply personal. It’s not about perfection or acceptance—it’s about transformation. At 19, leading youth groups, I found myself yearning to connect with the people I served, telling myself, “I want to feel what they feel.” That moment defined my approach to leadership: to lead not from above, but alongside.

Leadership, like love, is about power with people, not over them. It amazes me to think how a child shaped by life’s challenges could still hold onto a belief deeper than her wounds: that life is about more than survival. It’s about flourishing.

The love I’ve come to live by wasn’t something I found in the world—it was born within me. That inner transformation is why I so often speak of the importance of digging deep. When we explore what’s inside us, we unlock the capacity to live, lead, and connect in truly transformative ways.

As this year ends and a new one begins, I am reminded of the beauty and wonder that exist even in hardship. We don’t cultivate resilience in isolation—we do it in connection with others, through the power of love and understanding.

The greatest “religion,” the greatest guiding force, begins and endures with love. It’s this belief that helps me choose gratitude over fear, peace over anxiety, and growth over stagnation. These aren’t abstract ideas—they’re practices, and choices we make daily, especially when life challenges us most.

So, as we prepare for a new chapter, I’ll leave you with this: our revolution begins within. Whether in life or leadership, the most impactful choices we make are those led by love. And if you ever find yourself lost, remember—you can always come back home, to yourself.

Reflecting on Your Year What lessons has this year taught you? How have you grown, and where do you want to go from here? Let’s continue to cultivate lives and workspaces led by love, resilience, and connection. I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments.