The Walk

I was standing at the foot of Croagh Patrick, a rugged mountain in Ireland where St. Patrick once fasted for 40 days. Pilgrims were climbing barefoot over sharp rocks, a powerful act of penance. I, meanwhile, was lacing up my sturdy boots, wondering what drove them to do this. This mountain, this saint, and his story all have something important to teach us—not just about faith but about how we navigate an ever-changing world. St. Patrick wasn’t even Irish. He was a kidnapped teenager, taken from what is now Scotland and enslaved in Ireland. Instead of giving in to despair, he turned to prayer, learning to listen for God’s voice in the silence. When he finally escaped and made it home, he had another vision—this time calling him back to Ireland. It made no sense. Why return to the land of his captors? And yet, he did. And that changed everything. What fascinates me is how Patrick spread the Christian faith. Not through force or fear, but through understanding, culture, and storytelling. He spoke the people's language, embraced their traditions, and built communities that would last for generations. That’s the part of Patrick’s story that feels so relevant today. We live in a time where many are retreating into fear, seeing change as a threat. But Patrick’s life proves that faith doesn’t thrive in isolation—it grows when it meets people where they are. He didn’t fight against the culture. He engaged with it. He didn’t preach from a pedestal. He walked alongside people. He didn’t see outsiders as enemies. He saw them as his mission. I think that’s something worth reflecting on today. What if, instead of fearing change, we looked for the ways God is calling us to step into it with courage? What if we saw differences not as barriers but as bridges? If this sparks something in you, I dive deeper into these ideas in this week’s episode of The Walk. We explore Patrick’s real story (not the myth), how his approach still speaks to us today, and why faith always flourishes when it embraces, rather than rejects, the world around it.

"I will take the Ring, though I do not know the way." There’s a powerful moment in The Lord of the Rings when Frodo steps forward, against all odds, to carry the burden of the Ring. He doesn’t know how he’ll succeed. He has no guarantee he’ll survive. But he takes that first step, and it changes everything. The world feels overwhelming right now—wars, political tension, economic struggles. It’s easy to feel like Frodo, staring at a monumental challenge and wondering, “What can I possibly do?” Here’s the truth: like Frodo, your small actions can have a ripple effect. In fact, they’re more powerful than you think. We often fall into two traps when faced with overwhelming challenges: Avoidance – Pretending it’s not happening, unplugging completely from the news or issues. While boundaries are important, disengaging entirely can leave the world’s problems unchecked. Outrage – Getting sucked into a constant cycle of anger and frustration. Outrage culture thrives on this, draining your energy without providing solutions. But there’s a better way: focus on what you can control. Here’s how: Take one small step. Do one good deed today, even if it feels insignificant. Small acts of kindness build up in powerful ways. Turn outrage into action. Instead of letting frustration drain you, channel it into creating something positive. Write, volunteer, or simply offer encouragement to someone in need. Find hope in the small things. Just as Frodo and Sam remind us, even the smallest people can make the biggest difference. The fate of Middle-earth didn’t rest on the mighty armies of men, elves, or dwarves. It rested on two small hobbits who took one step at a time, fueled by hope. What’s one small thing you can do today to bring a little more light into the world?

I'm recording this on the third Monday in January, and for many of us, the spark of the new year feels like it’s fading. The Christmas lights are gone, the weather is bleak, and those ambitious resolutions? They’re feeling more like distant dreams. Some call this day "Blue Monday," and I get it—it’s easy to feel stuck when the world seems gray. But here’s the thing: Blue Monday doesn’t have to stay blue. I’ve discovered a mindset shift that’s helped me push through the gloom and find a little light in the darkness. It starts with one question: What can I do right now to make things better? Here’s how I’m turning Blue Monday into something brighter: Acknowledge the feelings. Feeling down? It’s okay. Emotions are signals, not the whole story. Writing them down in a journal helps me understand what’s triggering them. Focus on what’s in your control. Whether it’s making a room warmer (even if it costs a bit more) or taking a quick walk outside, small actions can make a big difference. Be the helper. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by bad news, I look for ways to help others. Even small acts of kindness—like supporting someone in need—can shift your mood. Embrace imperfection. Didn’t stick to your New Year’s resolution? That’s fine! Start small. One healthy meal or a short walk is better than giving up entirely. Blue Monday isn’t a permanent state—it’s an opportunity to rethink, reset, and take small steps toward brighter days. So, grab a mental paintbrush and turn those blues into yellows, oranges, and golds. You’ve got more agency than you think. Curious how I’ve been practicing this myself? I unpack it all in this week’s podcast episode, including how small changes in perspective can make a big difference. Give it a listen—it might just brighten your day.

The beauty of winter in a forest becomes a metaphor for personal growth amidst loss. Changes in social media mirror the cycles of nature, highlighting that connections matter more than platforms. Genuine relationships outlast follower counts, and your message holds power beyond the medium. Embracing loss can create space for deeper connections and new opportunities. By engaging meaningfully and diversifying your outreach, you can navigate transitions and strengthen your community, transforming grief into a pathway for growth.

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