WHO WERE YOU BEFORE THE WORLD TOLD YOU WHO TO BE?

Tonight's Sunday Mirror Reflection from Kyle Von Stearns on horseback riding, fatherhood, fear, and taking back the reins of your own life.

I've always loved horseback riding.

There's something about sitting on an animal that powerful that teaches you a lesson without saying a word:

You cannot control everything with force.

You must become calm.

You must become centered.

You must trust yourself.

And then - you take the reins.

I taught both of my sons how to ride because I wanted them to experience that feeling for themselves. But looking back, I realize I was teaching them something much bigger:

Respect the power beneath you.

Don't allow fear to make your decisions.

Know when to lead, when to loosen your grip, and when to simply enjoy the ride.

That's life.

We spend so much time trying to control the road that we forget we were built to ride it.

So tonight, as this Sunday comes to a close, ask yourself:

Where have you surrendered the reins of your own life?

Your past doesn't hold them.

Other people's opinions don't hold them.

Fear doesn't hold them.

You do.

Take them back.

And yes... Daddy still looks pretty damn good in a cowboy hat.

Remember who you are.

- Kyle Von Stearns

The latest short-form reflection from Kyle Von Stearns inside The Mirror Room.

A recent short-form reflection from Kyle Von Stearns and the I Re-Member Me journey back to self.