It's our last week in Florence, Italy before heading back to Mallorca for most of the year. It's bittersweet, and I'll truly miss it.

Everywhere you look is art. The buildings, the streets and alleyways, and even the way Italians express their love. Not to mention, it's the birthplace of the Renaissance and the epicenter of European art.

I'm so grateful we had the chance to stay here longer than just passing through on holiday. We already knew we loved it here, but we found so much more to love as we fell deep into the culture.

We wouldn't have had this experience if we hadn't said "yes" to change two years ago and walked into the unknown, uncharted territory outside our comfort zone. I hope this inspires you to step toward change in your life and the endless possibilities that await on the other side.

Thank you for reading this week!

This mistake kept me stuck (and how I'm breaking free)

Ever since moving abroad a year ago, I've realized that in America, we're hungry to attach to an identity, most often related to our job.

We're obsessed with labeling ourselves as something singular, such as a "teacher," "salesperson," or "photographer," myself included. But anytime I've met someone in Europe, they rarely ask me what I do for work, making me wonder, who am I really?

When you choose to identify as one thing, you block yourself from experiencing your true self. You're essentially saying, "This is what I do, and therefore that's all of who I am."

While this clarity might feel nice, it's common not to allow yourself to explore other parts of yourself because they don't match the label you've chosen.

For instance, I've labeled myself as an "author" for the last five years. While that's true, it's a sliver of who I am. I also love taking photos, singing, making music, and traveling.

But I've struggled embracing some of those parts of myself (singing & music) because my identity as an "author" has become a box that traps me. I've made the mistake of becoming a prisoner of the story I've told myself.

As we think about who we want to become, we must remember that attaching to a single identity can stop us from embracing all parts of who we truly are.

Since having this realization, I've been actively reinventing myself. And if you want to join me, let go of the labels and step beyond the boxes you've created.

We're humans, after all, which might be the best label for us. We're dynamic, we're multi-hyphenate, we're ever-evolving. And I'm starting to think something magical happens when we choose to be all of who we truly are.

Book recommendation of the week

IT'S ALL IN YOUR HEAD by Russ

I'm a big Russ fan (rapper, songwriter, and producer). One of the reasons I love his work is that he's 100% independent and has created his own wave. He has a lot of wisdom to share about making things happen for yourself.

This book will remind you that everything in your life starts with YOU, to believe in yourself, and to get out of your own way. It's a very short and easy read. In fact, Russ wrote this book through being interviewed, so it sounds exactly as if he's talking to you.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is get out of our own way.

Thank you for reading. I hope to see you again next week!

Jordan Tarver
Author of ​You Deserve This Sh!t​ and ​Pursuit of Purpose​

p.s. ​Text "INSPO" to 707-289-7047​ to receive free weekly inspirational messages directly from me to your phone. Your data is always secure and kept private. I'll never charge you a penny. I'd love to have you!