This video is a reflection of a process I am going through currently; the process of knowing and believing that if my identity is in God, my identity is constant.

Growing up, I was identified by the things people liked about me. They would tell me how well I danced, how handsome I was, and ponder out loud what great things I would do when I grew up. Looking back, I realize it was damaging for someone like me; someone who strives for greatness. It caused a trauma; not an instant trauma, such as abuse or abandonment, but a slow, decaying trauma. Because I was constantly affirmed from the outside, I had no reason to affirm myself from the inside.

During college, I encountered an emptiness I had never acknowledged growing up. The praise that followed me my entire life continued - if anything, it was louder than ever before - but there were days when the outside noise would stop. I would listen carefully to my heart and hear what I had to say about myself.

What did I hear?

Nothing. Nothing at all.

Self-affirmation was a muscle I neglected my entire life.

That started the process I am on now: I am learning to love myself because God loves me. I have no need to justify how He made me, I must simply be. As His son, I do because I am; not the other way around.

This blog is a message to a neglected people. The hard-workers. The achievers. The go-getters. The victors. The excellent. Hear me: Your accomplishments are NOTHING. You are valuable because of who you ARE. If you cannot disconnect who you are from what you do. You do not own your achievements. You are a slave to them.

Your identity is always waiting for you in the arms of the Father. You are a loved child of God. Keep accomplishing. Keep achieving. Keep innovating. Do it as a loved human, not a victory machine.

Live In Motion,

-Joél Casanova