What I No Longer Chase

There was a time in my life when I chased a lot of things that didn’t actually bring peace.

I chased validation.
I chased understanding.
I chased approval, closure, recognition, and the need to be seen as “doing better.”

I thought if I could just explain myself clearly enough, people would finally get it. If I worked hard enough, healed fast enough, or proved myself enough, everything would fall into place.

It took me a long time to realize how exhausting that was.

I No Longer Chase Approval

I used to care deeply about what people thought of me—especially people who only knew me at my worst.

I wanted them to see the growth. To acknowledge the change. To validate the work I was doing.

But I’ve learned something important:

Not everyone who watched you struggle is meant to witness your healing.

Some people are committed to an old version of you because it makes them comfortable. And that’s okay. I don’t need their permission to move forward anymore.

God sees the work He’s doing in me. That’s enough.

I No Longer Chase Explanations

I used to feel the need to explain every decision.

Why I chose faith again.
Why I changed my priorities.
Why I live the way I do now.

Now I understand that people who want to understand will ask—and people who don’t won’t listen anyway.

Silence has taught me more than over-explaining ever did. Peace has replaced the need to be understood by everyone.

I No Longer Chase Chaos

There was a season where chaos felt familiar. Drama felt normal. Intensity felt like passion.

But familiar doesn’t mean healthy.

These days, if it costs me my peace, it costs too much.

I’m learning to walk away sooner.
To sit with discomfort without reacting.
To let things pass instead of pulling them closer.

That’s not weakness. That’s growth.

I No Longer Chase Perfection

I used to chase the idea of being “fixed.” Like one day I’d wake up and everything would be resolved, healed, and complete.

Now I know better.

Healing is a process.
Faith is a daily choice.
Growth is ongoing.

I don’t need to arrive—I just need to stay faithful in the process.

What I Do Chase Now

If I’m chasing anything these days, it’s simple.

I chase peace.
I chase integrity.
I chase consistency.
I chase doing the next right thing—even when it’s hard, even when no one notices.

I chase God, not outcomes.
I chase growth, not applause.
I chase faithfulness, not perfection.

And for the first time in a long time, that feels like freedom.

— Josh Bridges