The Walk

Walking through a winter forest earlier today, I saw bare trees and fallen branches. Everything seemed lifeless.

But beneath the decay, I noticed something powerful: the forest wasn’t dying—it was preparing for new growth.

The trees had left nuts and seeds on the ground. The decaying leaves provided nourishment and protection, waiting for spring to arrive.

It made me rethink the changes happening on social media right now. TikTok bans, Meta shifts, platforms falling apart. It feels like loss.

But losing a platform doesn’t mean losing connection. Just like the forest, new life depends on what you do next.

Here’s what I’ve learned after 20 years on social media:

• Platforms come and go, but relationships last. Genuine connections outlive follower counts. Numbers don’t equal community.


• You own your message, not the medium. Diversify where and how you share. Your podcast, newsletter, or blog gives you agency.


• Be present where it matters. Go to the platforms where your audience is, but don’t rely on just one.


• Engagement beats algorithms. Talk with people, not to them. Invest in meaningful conversations.


• Loss creates space. Mourning a platform can open the door to deeper connections and new opportunities.


• Let go to grow. Holding on to what’s gone prevents you from building what’s next.

Platforms don’t define your value. Your voice and your impact do.

What’s one step you can take today to strengthen your community beyond social media?

Have you ever wished for a total reset? Not just in your calendar, but in your life? That’s exactly what the ancient concept of a Jubilee Year offers—a fresh start for individuals and communities alike, once every 25 years.

In this episode, I dig into the idea of Jubilee and why it’s more than just a historical footnote. It’s about restoration, freedom, and wiping the slate clean. Whether or not you’ve heard of it, there’s something deeply relevant here for all of us.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we cover:

• What a Jubilee Year is: Think debt forgiveness, freedom for the enslaved, and a reset for all of us.


• Why it’s still relevant: How this ancient idea connects to modern issues like burnout, inequality, and our fast-paced lives.


• The personal takeaway: How you can apply the spirit of Jubilee to your own life right now—instead of waiting another 25 years!

This episode isn’t just about history or theology. It’s about hope and the possibility of renewal. And let’s face it, who couldn’t use a little of that?

As we step into 2025, one phrase is shaping how I approach the new year: Perfect is the enemy of good.

Like many, I’ve started previous years with big resolutions, only to watch them unravel by February. Why? Because I set the bar so high that a single misstep felt like failure. This year, I’m doing things differently—focusing on small, consistent steps rather than perfection.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Big changes stick better when they’re gradual. A five-minute habit is more sustainable than a huge masterplan for something you've never done before.


• Breaking tasks into smaller steps reduces overwhelm. For my next book, it could mean writing three paragraphs a day instead of a full chapter.


• Failure isn’t the end—it’s feedback. Mistakes teach us what doesn’t work and how to adjust.

Interestingly, the Church offers a powerful reminder of this same idea at the start of each year. On January 1, we celebrate the feast of Mary, the Mother of God.

In the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a mosaic depicts Mary crowned by her Son, surrounded by stars and angels. Yet Mary’s life was anything but grandiose. Her greatness began with a single “yes” to God—one small step of trust and humility.

This is a reminder for us, too: greatness often starts small. The steps we take today, however modest, can lead to something far greater over time.

So, if you’re overwhelmed by resolutions or held back by perfectionism, take heart. Focus on progress, not perfection. Start small, and let each step build on the last.

What’s one small step you’re taking today? Let’s share and support each other as we move into the new year.

Listen to my full reflections on this in this new year's episode of The Walk!

Here’s to a year of grace, growth, and progress—one step at a time.
Happy New Year!

Fr. Roderick Vonhögen

P.S.: I am organizing a free webinar for parish members and religious organizations on how to grow your online impact and your social media following in 2025. I'll share 5 simple secrets that help me reach millions of people on social media.

The webinar is next Thursday, January 9 at 8 PM CET (that is 2 PM EST/11 AM PST). Send me a message if you're interested, or share this with someone who might be!

The other day, I woke up with a Christmas song in my head.

It wasn’t just any version—it was the Muppets and John Denver, singing 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'.

Nostalgia hit hard, reminding me of simpler, cozier moments from childhood. But here’s the thing: the world today feels far from cozy or simple.

How can we have ourselves a Merry Little Christmas when the world is on fire? Still, the story of the Nativity holds lessons that matter even more now. 

I talk about it in this week's episode of my podcast 'The Walk'. Some takeaways: 

☑ Focus on what you can control

↳ Global problems can feel overwhelming.
↳ Your local actions still create real impact.
↳ Small, consistent kindness changes lives around you.

Jesus was born as a powerless child in a world that was in turmoil. Christmas is about small beginnings that end up changing the world.

☑ Turn Worry Into Prayer

↳ Worry drains energy.
↳ Focus on gratitude for what’s going well, even amidst challenges.
↳ Set aside five minutes each morning to sit quietly and pray.

'Do not be afraid,' is the message of the angels. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

☑ Embrace small acts of kindness

↳ Find a need in your immediate circle.
↳ Commit to one action you can do today.
↳ Reflect on how it impacted you and others.

Mary wrapped her newborn son in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger. Jesus' first experience is the simple, gentle care of his mother.

Celebrating Christmas isn’t trying to escape reality. It’s about seeing the power in small actions and shared moments.

So... have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

 Christmas stress hit me hard this week.

I was sitting at my desk after hours of non-stop work when it dawned on me: Christmas Eve is less than an week away.

My brain went into overdrive. So much to do. So many obligations. How am I this far behind?

I imagined the chaos—rushing to clean the house, prepare meals, and meet commitments I’d promised without thinking.

Sound familiar?

We romanticize the holidays—lights, calm evenings, and joy. But in reality, we’re sprinting through the season.

Here’s how I’m learning to slow down, reclaim calm, and actually enjoy Christmas this year:

☑ Start with a list.

↳ Write down everything you’ve committed to.

↳ Ask: “What can I cut, postpone, or simplify?”

↳ Overcommitting helps no one—not you, not them.

☑ Create 15-minute calm moments.

↳ Light a candle. Sit in silence. Breathe.

↳ Dedicate this time to slowing down.

↳ Say, “This moment is for me and for God.”

☑ Simplify social obligations.

↳ Perfect meals? Spotless homes? Not necessary.

↳ People value your presence over perfection.

↳ Be available, not overwhelmed.

☑ Move at a human pace.

↳ Deliberately walk slower. Talk slower. Think slower.

↳ Recognize when you’re rushing and pause.

☑ Make room for God at Christmas.

↳ Attend a church service.

↳ Arrive super early and take time to slow down.

↳ Let go of all stress, take a deep breath and open your heart.

☑ React to stress with calm.

↳ Stress is contagious. Calm is, too.

↳ Choose to smile, breathe, and move forward deliberately.

The goal isn’t a stress-free life. It’s you learning to move through it differently.

Christmas isn’t a performance. It’s an invitation to slow down, unburden yourself, and make space for joy.

In this week's episode of my podcast 'The Walk', I share how I am trying to implement these tips.

What’s one small way you’ll slow down this Christmas?

A couple of weeks ago, I found myself standing on the windswept Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

During the bus ride, I had been listening to an audiobook about the life of Saint Patrick, and I was surprised to learn how dreams had played a significant role in his decision to return to Ireland. Those dreams changed the course of history.

Like many other saints that lived in Ireland, Patrick changed the world with nothing but faith and determination. I kept asking myself: How did he do it? No armies, no wealth—just stories and dreams.

That question stayed with me, and now it’s shaping how I approach my own work and goals.

Most people set goals, but many miss the deeper step: dreaming big. What if achieving your ambitions started with rediscovering your dreams?

Maybe this is why Saint Patrick made the most important decisions in his life after reflecting on the dreams he had at night.

In this episode of my podcast 'The Walk', I share how storytelling and dreaming transform how we connect with others—and ourselves.

☑ Why I traveled to Ireland for answers:
↳ The secret behind how ancient saints inspired entire nations.
↳ What their stories teach us about courage and purpose.
↳ Why their methods remain shockingly relevant today.

☑ The power of storytelling in your goals:
↳ How stories make your message unforgettable.
↳ Why data alone won’t inspire action.
↳ How I’m using storytelling to bring faith alive in a modern world.

☑ Why writing dreams down changes everything:
↳ A simple exercise to uncover what truly drives you.
↳ How visualizing your goals keeps you on track daily.
↳ Why combining prayer and planning creates unstoppable momentum.

This isn’t just about storytelling or faith—it’s about finding the "why" behind what you do. If you’ve felt stuck or uninspired lately, this episode is for you.

What’s one dream you’re ready to write down and pursue?

In this episode of The Walk, I take you along as I reflect on a small but meaningful change in my life: transforming an old coatroom into a cozy winter office.

This tiny space has become my retreat, a place to focus and create without distractions.

But the process of clearing out the clutter wasn’t just about tidying up—it became a lesson in making room for what’s really important, both in my home and in my life.

As Advent begins, I share how this season invites us to do the same: to simplify, refocus, and create space for the things that truly matter.

From letting go of distractions to carving out time for creativity, prayer, or meaningful connections, I hope this episode encourages you to look at how you can find clarity and purpose during this special time of year.

And who knows? Maybe it will inspire you to tackle a little project of your own.

Fr. Roderick

P.S. Join my online community, support my work and get access to my weekly Premium Podcast by going to https://fatherroderick.com/join

I'll admit it - I'm a bit of a digital hoarder. My internet browser is like a virtual junk drawer, with tabs upon tabs open at any given time. Why do I insist on keeping so many tabs open, even when they're just cluttering up my computer and slowing everything down? It's not just the browser either - I used to have bookshelves overflowing with tomes from my university days, and a closet full of memorabilia from my travels. Maybe it all comes down to this deep-seated fear of losing information, ideas, and memories. As the years go by, it's like I'm trying to hold onto every little thing, terrified that if I let go, I'll forget or miss out on something important. But is that really the healthiest approach? In this episode of my podcast 'The Walk', I dive into the bittersweet process of aging - the physical changes, the nostalgia, and the challenge of learning to let go. It's not all doom and gloom, though. I also explore the benefits of embracing each stage of life, and how a little gratitude can go a long way in reframing the experience of getting older. So if you, like me, find yourself drowning in a sea of open tabs and half-forgotten keepsakes, give this episode a listen. You might just find some wisdom and humor to help you navigate the journey of growing older (and wiser). After all, as they say, with age comes...well, a lot of stuff. But also the opportunity to reflect, appreciate, and move forward in a meaningful way.

In this episode of The Walk, I share with you a conversation I had with someone who was wondering what the point is of reading books when you probably have no time of life left to do anything with the knowledge you gain?

And what's the point of reading altogether?

I share why I try to read 150 books this year, how I manage to read so many books and how the reading process affects me on various important levels.

Check out my book reading challenge here: https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/50362078

👉 Join my online community, support my work and get access to my weekly Premium podcast here: https://fatherroderick.com/join

Ever notice how some days the hum of a leaf blower or other background noise can be more aggravating than others? I explore how my own tolerance for these everyday sounds can fluctuate, and how it reflects my level of sensory regulation (or disregulation and overload).

The Impact of Overstimulation

In a world filled with constant distractions, it’s easy to find ourselves overstimulated, which can lead to irritability and stress.

Growing up, I was taught to be productive every moment, a habit that led to my own state of chronic overstimulation.

During my recent trip to Ireland, I experienced this firsthand as I adapted to new surroundings daily. Even sleeping in hostels brought sensory overload, with unfamiliar sounds, background music and social interaction.

Finding Relief Through Decompression Techniques

Coming home, I focused on winding down through sensory decompression techniques. Noise-canceling headphones, calming music, and scheduled time to reset became essential.

I also found that the Pomodoro Technique, paired with realistic prioritization, helps me manage my tasks without feeling overwhelmed.

Calming Activities: Audiobooks and Low-Effort Gaming

Reading is another outlet—particularly audiobooks, which I listen to at different speeds based on what I need. I also turned to cosy, low-effort videogames, which have become valuable ways to unwind without guilt. I've learned how much relaxation is crucial for mental well-being.

The Power of Social Connection

Although I’m more introverted, being around others—even without active interaction—brings a sense of calm. My running group has been a great help in maintaining that balance.

Rational vs Irrational Thoughts

I share some ideas from a particularly insightful book I read this weekend (check out my Goodreads review). I realized how I've already been applying the method described in this book for a while now, which helped me work through strong emotional reactions and catastrophizing thoughts and replace them with rational perspectives. This shift has had a profound impact on managing emotional overwhelm and staying grounded.

I hope that by sharing these experiences and the methods that helped me, this episode can help you reclaim calm amid life’s noise as well.