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I don't have a single bullet point typed out for today's episode because honestly, I just want to speak from my heart to all of you. Because mid October of 2021, I just realized mark the one year anniversary of the podcast launch. How did this happen? Like there has been 31 episodes over the past 12 months that I've created. And it was just really cool to reflect upon that, because this was once a dream. And I am now living in what was formerly a dream. And that is so cool to me. And I have realized that I am super passionate about podcasting, and having these meaningful conversations that build us. And over the past year, through all the great conversations I've been able to have, I've been able to narrow it down to a certain tagline that I want to focus on. And that's I want to help people build relational wealth, like monetary wealth comes and goes. But relational wealth is absolute gold, whether its relationship with God, relationships with family relationships with friends, dating relationships, like all of it, I want to build a tribe of people that are passionate about building relational wealth, because my goodness, it has brought so much profound, unshakable joy to my life, the relationships that I have across the board. And I know that, especially coming out of the pandemic, making friendships and building any new relationships is a little bit harder than it used to be, it takes a little bit more work, because we got into a habit of not needing to write. And so it's just been so cool to reflect over the past year of all these awesome conversations I've been able to have and, and hopefully you've enjoyed every single one, as well. And before I go any further, I just want to thank you, because I cannot believe that 1000s of people have downloaded the podcast episode. Over the past year, I had no idea that anyone would listen at all other than my mom, and my best friend, shout out to mom and Brooke. But seriously, I am so grateful that you bring me along in your own life, whether it's putting me in your earbuds, putting the conversations that we have on your car, and all of it, I am so thankful for you and how you consistently show up, because I want to continue consistently showing up for you, as well. Because even if I don't know your name, I consider every single listener a friend, because you've done this journey with me. And it would not be the same. Without you. I've learned a lot of things about myself and about podcasting over the past year. And one of those things is that, wow, podcasting takes a lot more time than anyone anticipates. And to be candid with you guys, because I know that a lot of people have actually asked me, Hey, what does it all entail? To do a podcast, so I just want to openly share it here. I mean, if I film an episode, record and film an episode, because I do this on a YouTube channel as well, that account that is that's a day right there have to schedule block with a guest. And then it takes anywhere from four to six hours to edit the episode afterwards, get all the promo ready, get a real ready for Instagram, et cetera. So it has become a labor of love, and is absolutely a passion project for me. But I share all of that with you. Because it's so easy to be in this headspace of Oh man, this is my dream. And once I do it, it's gonna snap and that's gonna be it and it's gonna be awesome. Not realizing what's actually consistently going to need to go into making that product that dream a reality continuously. And honestly, I don't consider myself a very disciplined person. And if you listen to the episode I did with my friend Jay Lee, on this very topic, you heard me admit that. And, you know, I just realized, I've consistently been disciplined in dropping an episode every two weeks for the past year. And you guys have consistently shown up and I'm so grateful for that. And it's taught me a lot about myself too, because I am capable of being disciplined. And listen, you're capable of it too. You got to find something you're passionate about, because that's where your discipline will thrive. And over this past year, because I've been doing so much for the podcast, and in my previous job, I have realized that I have such a deep love for content creation. I love the creative aspect behind it. I love thinking and dreaming and then seeing it come to life. I mean just seeing a finished product. go out and be shipped quote unquote, as Seth Godin would say into the world is super rewarding. And over the past year I have followed this principle called Gitmo, which was actually coined by Pastor Craig Groeschel, it's good enough to move on. Because if I waited for every podcast episode to be perfect, there wouldn't be any podcast episodes. Because this entire time I've been committed to having unscripted, authentic, genuine conversations. So there should be mistakes, because real conversations have, you know, bumps in them along the way. And, and that's just natural. And I want it to be a comfortable environment where you feel like you're in on the conversation, too. And so you can't do that if you're going to edit everything out. So it's made me a lot more confident. And just being able to put myself out there, even if it doesn't look the best. And even if it's not super polished, because that is me. And because of the conversations I've been able to have. And because you as the audience have brought topics to my attention, which Please continue to do, by the way, because I want to make sure I'm bringing these conversations that people wish there were more talks about to the table. Anyways, because I've been able to have those conversations, I've realized how much I just love creating content. And there's a couple live updates that I want to share with all of you because you have been along for the ride with me. And I think it was November in December of last year, I dropped a two part series with my friend Lew Phillips on singleness. And how to be content in your singleness, etc. And we had a riveting two part conversation. And those two episodes have far and away been the most downloaded episodes on the podcast. And it's so cool to see that something that I thought, you know, I was just feeling at the time was actually resonating with 1000s of people. So it was just so cool to get that feedback and know that people were resonating with it, and that none of us really are alone. And that we're so much better together by having the conversations even if they're hard, even if they're difficult, challenging, and uncomfortable. It's worth having the conversations. And for those of you that follow me on Instagram at XO Asher, then you already know this, but if you don't, then I have a life update. And that's well at the time of this recording. I've now been in a relationship for three and a half months. And his name is Jared. He's been amazing. And it's just been a really good experience. I've enjoyed every single second. So super grateful for him. And well actually the best part is that he was a listener of accidentally intentional before we even met. So I guess I date my fans. Know what you'll hear the story later. Because you bet your bottom dollar, his behind is going to be in the accidentally intentional Hot Seat coming to an episode near you. But here's the thing, right is that I had this conversation about singleness. And the goal isn't isn't a relationship with another person as much as having a relationship with God, all the way through having a relationship with God be the central relationship in your life. Because from that relationship, everything else will flow. And that is the source of joy. He is a source of joy. And he is the source of contentment. Because if we have God, then we have literally everything. Because he is the prince of peace. He is our provider. And it has been so cool to just lean on God and rely on Him and be honestly forced in some ways to trust him more than I ever have before. And how he just has consistently showed up and showed off in my life. And so I'm so I'm just so grateful for all the trials that I've gone through this year, because there's definitely been those two. And so I'm sharing all this because along with all these great things, there's there's things I'm in the middle of too and because I'm committed to having meaningful conversations. I want to be transparent with you guys. And and in July of this year, I actually quit my job. And it was a really hard decision to make. Because of pride, I think is what it came down to like, What will people think of me if they heard that I quit my job and you know, I've found that and I also know I'm not alone in this but there's a lot of people out there that just want to do meaningful work, and what to feel like they're contributing and bring value to the table. And, you know, I got to briefly touch on this in an episode I did with my brother Quaid on work life balance, but we were talking about how I fully believe that we are created in order to work, like working is what gives us purpose in life. And whenever you feel like, you're no longer serving a purpose, in your work, man does it wear on your soul, I mean, a war on my soapbox, I can just speak from, from personal experience and, and I just want to do work that matters and help people and, and have conversations that matter and, and live a life on purpose for a purpose. Now, I ultimately consider my purpose to be living as a Christ follower. And sharing the good news that is his love with everyone around me. But when you spend so much time, which is in a job, right, and you feel like you're lacking purpose, or, or have nothing to do all day, I mean, I've heard conversations with people, where they're just like, man in my job right now, I'm doing nothing and I'm anxious. And it seems a little backwards, right? Because you would think, why are you so anxious when you're doing nothing? But I truly believe it's because we all want to do something that matters and, and do a job that has a purpose. And so I wanted to just be transparent about this and have this conversation because I want us to be able to talk about it more. In fact, I actually read that there was a study that was released in August by Bankrate, I think, and it revealed that 55% of the American adult workforce plans on switching jobs within the next couple years. 55%. So that being said, I can tell that I am not alone, right now. And so that means 55% of the audience may feel this way, too. And so here's what I actually want to say is that if you feel like you're reaching burnout in your job, or you're just like, I don't know what my purpose is, I want to live a life where I'm passionate about the work that I do. And it doesn't need to be like your job fulfills you, right? I mean, I don't think that's necessarily the goal. But we want to feel like we're not a number. We're a contributor. And I want to come alongside you in that journey. Now, I am literally in the same spot. I am currently on the job hunt, which I would love to talk to you if you think I would be a good fit for your company. I'm all ears right now. But really, guys, what I want to, to just extend is an invitation for us to walk this road together. And so if you have an Instagram, then I'd love if you just DM to me and say hey, like, I'm feeling the same way. And I would like to commit to FaceTiming. Or what figuring out a way to have a video chat with every single one of you. And just pray with you over that and just pray that God is able to provide all of us with jobs that serve a purpose, and do work that's meaningful and work that matters. And if you don't have an Instagram, but you listen to the podcast, then please email the podcast at accidentally intentional podcast@gmail.com and say the same thing. And I want to link up with you too. I mean, I want I want this podcast to stir up conversations, right? If it's just for listening, then I'm doing something wrong. I want us to engage in conversations with one another. And I want you to feel like you're not alone. I have just walked with so many friends through the past couple years through this exact situation when it comes to work. And and then feeling burnt out and wanting a work life balance but feeling like they need to be on call all the time. Or it's just a myriad of situations and I want to hear yours. I want to specifically hear what you're going through now. So that you know you're not alone. And I want to walk beside you. And I think one of the things that makes it hard for me is because I consider myself such a creative person that I'm typically one of those people that's just like, I'm not built for a normal job and maybe you feel like me and that makes it super frustrating, right? Because I mean even conversations I've had with friends with like, I don't know what to type in the search bar. I really don't. And, you know, sometimes I'd become overwhelmed with imposter syndrome. As I'm looking for jobs. Because I'm like app can't do that. Can't do that instead of just applying and letting the company decide If I'm capable of it, and if you're feeling any of the examples that just shared or one that I didn't even, but just are feeling turmoil at work or feeling anxiety or feeling depressed with regards to work, then you're not alone. And it's also okay that you're feeling that, and it's going to get better. And on the flip side of that, I think that almost all of us have witnessed in some respect in the past 18 months that there, it's or else it's become very clear that there is a leadership crisis in America. And I'm super passionate about that. Because it doesn't have to be that way. And so this is like kind of a call to action to as if you're a leader in a business or company or of any sphere, I want to challenge you to lean into your employees, you can never encourage encouraged an employee enough, you can never affirm them enough. Now, that's not to discourage you, but rather encourage you that there is an opportunity is like, people need words of affirmation, your employees need affirmed in what they're doing well, right. Now, they may need special attention to make sure they're able to stay focused and do the best that they can. And that it's worse having those conversations with them. Because, you know, I heard this, I heard this, quote one time, and it said, people don't quit companies, they quit bosses. And it's like making all of this come together for me that 55% of people want to switch jobs. Well, it's not just because of the job, and what can we leaders, in businesses in in companies do to improve the livelihood of our employees. And I'll tell you, it's not just monetary, for people, it's not just PTO for people, people want to feel valued, respected, and also affirmed in the workplace. And I can share this from personal experience. And also being a leader in a company where I didn't do that nearly enough and a bit me in the butt. And I had to learn my lesson the hard way. I just want to see all of us rise to the occasion that is at hand. I mean, obviously the pandemic shook up a lot of things for everybody, to some degree, everyone was impacted. And we don't need to keep talking about it, right? Because we know this, but what can we do moving forward to create amazing work cultures, and have jobs where we feel like we're thriving, and we're able to work hard and have a goal and have fun and feel like we are serving a purpose. That's what I want for all of us. And, and it all has to start with us in order to get there. And so I wanted to just share my heart with you guys, I don't even know if there's necessarily a goal to all this, other than to let you know that if you're experiencing anything I've mentioned, hey, you're not alone. And I'm here to be listening here and pray with you and walk alongside you. And whatever degree I can, while I'm going through this journey, too. And I think it's important to share about the middle moments because, you know, it's hard to hear about like, oh, this just happened. And it's like a bummer. People are like, I don't know what to do with that, like, I'm so sorry. But then it's a different thing to hear about, like, Oh, this is a win, right. And I'm the type of person who like my highs are really high. My lows are really low. There's no in between. I mean, there's zero, or 100 Ask anybody in my life. But the middle is just important, because that's where you get to learn the greatest lessons. And we have the biggest opportunity to lean on God and trust that just as one of my favorite Maverick city songs says God will work it out. And I'm praying this over a lot of areas in my life right now. And I want to invite you to join me in that prayer. as well. Guys, I thank you so much for listening, I hope some of you feel feel seen and feel like you actually are enough. I just want to walk alongside you in it. And I want you to know that I care for you. And I also just need to close by like thanking all of the people who are in my circle in my life and my family. Because they have walked alongside me through so much this year. And I'm so grateful for it. But I just want to thank the people that have been here since the beginning and are still here at the foundation of it being built because you guys are amazing. I'm so grateful for you. I'm so grateful for the support the feedback and for your love as well because I truly feel I truly feel loved every time I do one of these episodes. And lastly, if you listen to the podcast and you have never reached out to me before seriously, like reach out to me because whenever you do a podcast you can always see numbers, and you aren't a number. And I want to know who you are and the name of the face behind that number. So I'd love to meet you. I really just wanted this to be like a hey, let's have a conversation. Let's break the fourth wall. So that you're not just listening, but we can actually chat because I love you. And God loves you even more so. Hey, happy one year pod aversary To all you accidentally intentional listeners. We did it to the moon like Dogecoin as they say, lol, Okay, it's time for me to go. Bye, guys. I love you