I'm convinced that if you want a fulfilling, balanced life where you truly experience freedom, you need three things:
1. Your mental and physical health.
2. The resources (both time and money) to do what you want, when you want.
3. Meaningful relationships.
But here's the problem: too many people chase one of these things at the expense of the others. Maybe they make a lot of money, but their family falls apart, or their health deteriorates. I’m telling you, even if you had all the money in the world and perfect health, without meaningful relationships, your soul would wither.
We are made for connection. It’s hardwired into us.
Yet, despite living in the most “connected” time in history, loneliness is at an all-time high. People don’t know how to build and maintain genuine relationships anymore. We’ve reduced meaningful interaction to emojis and ‘like’ buttons.
Don't get me wrong—social media has its place. It’s probably how you found us. But it’s no substitute for real, shared experiences with the people you love.
And that’s why we created R40. It’s a six-week sprint to deepen and transform every relationship in your life—your relationships with others, your relationship with yourself, and ultimately, your relationship with God.
Why Shared Experiences Matter
People can be tricky, and relationships can be difficult, but I firmly believe the best part of life is experiencing the world with the people we love. Think about it—when you recall your happiest moments, what do you remember?
Maybe it’s Christmas morning as a kid, the birth of a child, a wedding, or a trip that stands out in your mind. Whatever the memory, I bet there were other people involved.
It’s been said that happiness is only real when it’s shared. I believe that.
When something funny happens on TV, what’s your instinct? To turn and share the moment with someone nearby. When I’m watching my 1-year-old do something adorable, my wife and I immediately look at each other. That shared experience connects us.
And this is the first big idea of this module: **humans connect through shared experiences.** Whether they’re good or bad, experiences—especially shared ones—bring us closer together.
Think of soldiers in a foxhole, relying on each other in a hellish situation. Their shared suffering connects them in ways nothing else could.
At the end of your life, when your health and wealth are fading, all you’ll have are your memories—your library of experiences. So are you prioritizing creating them? Are you seeking them out?
Because this takes intention.
Creating Everyday Magic
Before we dive into big trips or parties, let’s talk about the experiences you’re creating every day.
Does your family have any traditions? Do you sit together for meals and talk, or is the TV always on? Do you pray together or share how your day went? Are your weekends slipping by without a plan, or are you making time for connection?
Creating **everyday magic** doesn’t require a lot of money or effort. It could be as simple as going for a hike, grabbing ice cream, or setting up a DIY water park in the backyard with hoses and sprinklers for your kids.
The point is to break up the monotony and intentionally create moments of joy.
Here at Freedomology, we believe life is a gift. Every day is magic, so stop waiting for a special occasion to break out the fancy china. Every day is special, and you can create little moments of magic daily.
Gatherings and Get-Togethers
Beyond everyday magic, sometimes you’ll want to gather people for something special—whether it’s a BBQ, a birthday party, or a game night. These gatherings are opportunities to create connection.
If hosting feels intimidating, don’t overthink it. Here are a few simple tips to make it easier:
1. Set the vibe.
When people walk in, what’s the atmosphere like? Relaxed? Inviting? A little background music can work wonders. It fills awkward silences and helps people feel more at ease.
2. Foster connection.
Introduce people by finding common ground. “Hey Sarah, meet Jake—he loves hiking too!” Sometimes, the best connections come when you help break the ice.
3. Be flexible.
Don’t get hung up on a perfect plan. If the evening takes a different direction, roll with it. Some of the best memories come from unplanned moments.
People remember how they felt more than the specific details. Make sure they feel welcomed and seen.
Planning Memorable Trips
If you want to take connection to the next level, plan a trip—something that pulls you and your friends out of your usual environment and into something new. These trips create some of the most unforgettable moments.
Sure, it takes effort—researching, planning, booking—but it’s worth it. Whether it’s a road trip, camping, or hiking, getting out and exploring with people who matter to you deepens relationships in a way few other experiences can.
So don’t wait for someone else to plan it—take the lead. Be the one to show the people in your life that they’re important by prioritizing these experiences. As you do, your stories and lives will weave together.
The Power of Intention
At the core of R40, and all of Freedomology, is this idea of **intention**. Don’t let life just happen to you—**you** happen to life. Be intentional. Plan. Take action.
And as you do, your life will open up in ways you can’t imagine.
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