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Around here, spring has sprung. The trees are starting to bud. We've noticed some intrepid, early-spring flowers beginning to bloom on our morning walks. All of this has made us think about the origins of spring.

Here's the truth: nature earns her spring. You can't bloom in the spring if you don't lose your leaves in the fall and hibernate all winter. 

We must earn the right to go through a season of spring in our own lives. We can't embrace what is new and flourishing until we put down what is old and dying. We can't step into a season of blooming if we first don't go through a season of shedding.

We've seen this time and time again during our Fundamentals Program and Open Source retreats. We can't just keep adding, adding, adding. We first need to make room. We first need to subtract.

Maybe you're like many of the members of EVRYMAN, and you're realizing at this time of the year that to fully embrace this blooming spring season, you need to do some autumnal work, some winter work.

If so, check out past editions of The Blueprint here (especially this one and this one) that we sent during the fall season. They are packed with practical advice. And for those of you who have made the space to spring forward, you've earned it. Here are three questions to ask yourself.

1. What do I need to keep watering in my life right now?

2. Where am I ready for more light—and less hiding?

3. Who else needs to be invited into this season with me?

Whatever season you’re in—don’t rush it.

Growth doesn’t happen all at once.

But it does happen when you show up, stay present, and tell the truth.

— EVRYMAN

Insights

The Truth About Willpower (From a Former Navy SEAL Turned CEO). This one’s not theory. It’s lived. Jud takes you from BUD/S to burnout—and drops the hammer on why willpower alone won’t save you. If you’ve ever white-knuckled your way through life thinking “I just need to try harder,” this is required reading. Systems, self-awareness, and a shot of real talk that might just change the way you think about strength. (10 min read)

A Poet With A Sharp Sword and A Soft Heart. In 90 seconds, he drops the truth about raising boys to become dangerous men—the kind who know their power and choose to use it wisely. This one’s not just for parents. It’s for anyone who cares about the next generation of men. Watch. Listen. Let it land.

At EVRYMAN, we talk a lot about agency—your innate power to make intentional, values-driven choices. But in a world run by algorithms, that power is quietly slipping away. Zen calls it ma—the space between moments—and in that space, one question can bring you back to yourself: “Would I have made this choice on my own?” (3 min read)

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Welcome to the new members of the EVRYMAN community: Benjamin D from California, Robby E from Texas, Mike S from South Carolina, Juan B from North Carolina, Brian C from New Jersey, and Peter R from Minnesota.

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