Coming Alive summary

Sarah had struggled emotionally for some time. Though she hadn’t named them, she was mindful of two opposing forces and their impact on her well-being. But she was determined to stay in control today. With each step she took on her run, Sarah drew strength from within. As the cool breeze gently caressed her skin and birdsong filled the air around her, she felt a sense of calm and inner peace. Rather than letting thoughts about her daily challenges bring her down, she confidently tackled them head-on. 

Part X, the dangerous and disruptive power, greeted Sarah when she returned home. Tempted to slump onto her sofa and dive into social media, Sarah recognized the slippery slope of distraction. She turned off her phone, resisting its pull, and picked up a book instead.

So, what’s the problem with giving in to our cravings? Nothing in and of itself. Except that Part X isn’t just passing through. It is a constant force that preys on complacency and thirsts for unhappiness. Sarah chose to exercise. While resting, she decided to read something nourishing. 

Sarah recognizes Part X's influence and prefers to feed the Life Force, embracing hope and possibility. She realizes that to grow and thrive in life, she must consistently work to improve her physical and mental health. So how can you do the same?

First, you need to figure out what your Part X is. Is it a feeling of loneliness? Or the fear of trying new things? Maybe you’re scared of starting a relationship. Part X is a formidable foe. It will always push its worldview and go to any length to get you to give up. It excels at deception. And there’s more bad news: permanently defeating Part X is impossible. Every goal has an obstacle, so this is a lifelong battle.

But the good news is, once you’ve identified Part X by name, you can fight it. And you can break its hold through the specific tools laid out in this Blink. 

If you want to increase your Life Force, you must develop a level of energy you never imagined possible. And your strength will come from the choices you make. This starts with self-control, which we’ll discuss next.