For the readers here in the States, I hope you find time to rest, relax, and recharge on this Memorial Day. I hope you get to rest, relax, and recharge for your Self–take advantage of the day that most of us get off from our professional responsibilities and slow down a bit, spend time with loved ones, and appreciate all of the good in your life. While you are resting, relaxing, and recharging, be sure to find a moment to sit in gratitude for all of those in the service, past and present, who...
1 day ago • 1 min read
I hope you had a great week and are having an even better holiday weekend! I came across a cool new project by Rick Rubin that I had to share first. In The Way of Code, Rick takes on Lao Tzu, who has been quoted many times in The Daily Notes, and does so in a very cool and creative way. This "book" is online, and while I usually like physical books, the interactive visuals make this online book a unique experience in addition to a good read. A Substack called AlignedLife I recently launched a...
1 day ago • 1 min read
This weekend, I was reminded of just how cruel our minds can be. Cruel might be an exaggeration of what I experienced, but I know how my thoughts could have spiraled out of control, causing things to be much worse. Without getting into all of the details, as a part of the announcement of the rebrand from RLS Wealth to Santiago, I decided I’d send an email to a handful of people who have been positive influences on me and supportive of me over the last ten years, as I went on my personal...
2 days ago • 2 min read
Yesterday, on the tenth anniversary of the start of my journey as a business owner, I announced the rebrand of my firm, RLS Wealth, to Santiago. www.santiago.life While not necessary, this rebrand gives me the permission and freedom to align what I’ve been writing and talking about for the last couple of years in my work with clients. For whatever reason, the brand Santiago allows me to lean into bringing spirit, mind, and body to money in practice. It allows me to shift my focus to being a...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Breathe in...Look around.But look deeper.Because how you see—That’s what becomes real. Perception.Not just what hits the senses,But what your mind makes of it.A lens.A filter.A frame. It’s not what happens to you,It’s the meaning you assign. When life nudged me to pivot,I could’ve seen failure.Fear.Loss.But I saw a door.A blessing.A beginning.That shift in vision?It became Santiago.It became me. Same moment.Different mind.Perception reshaped my path—And reality followed. We don’t see the...
4 days ago • 1 min read
“Most of what we say and do is unnecessary: remove the superfluity, and you will have more time and less bother. So in every case one should prompt oneself: 'Is this, or is it not, something necessary?' And the removal of the unnecessary should apply not only to actions but to thoughts also: then no redundant actions either will follow.” - Marcus Aurelius “Is this, or is it not, something moving me closer to my authentic life?” See you tomorrow and keep pursuing, JC
5 days ago • 1 min read
If there are people in your life trying to keep you from pursuing your authentic life, taking control of your life, and following the signs from the Divine that are guiding you towards the version of your Self you were meant to be, consider their story. You may not know the truth of their story, but it is very possible they are unintentionally projecting their fears onto you. Sometimes people just don’t want you to succeed–a reflection of their unhappiness. Sometimes people just don’t want...
6 days ago • 1 min read
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." -Mahatma Gandhi Much of the Pursuit of your authentic life is focused on YOU: Connecting to your authentic Self Seeking internal confidence, happiness, and love Exploring passions Realigning values with your authentic Self Self discovery Prioritizing your alignment of spirit, mind, and body As you pursue your authentic life, remember that an important part of it is discovering how you can serve others. Connecting...
7 days ago • 1 min read
“ ‘It is you who must make the effort. The Great of the past only show the way. Those who think and follow the path become free from the bondage of Mara (delusions).’ If we all have an instinctive wish for happiness, these words taken from the Dhammapada tell us where to begin the search to fulfill it. We are our own refuge. The key to fulfilling our need for happiness lies within, not outside, us. This means that we have all we need right here, inside, without looking to external things.”...
8 days ago • 1 min read