09/02/2026
'Tis the season for returning to school and filling backpacks with all the wonderful tools needed to start a new school year.
I remember well getting my children ready with all the things they needed to feel organized, prepared, and ready to take on new learning experiences, new teachers, and new friends. We wanted them to have what they needed to feel comfortable and confident walking into something new.
It's helpful to be prepared and have the right tools.
But how do you prepare for the things you don't know are coming?
And what if your backpack is already filled with things you no longer need—things that are simply adding weight and making your journey harder?
Years ago, I had a dream that I was hiking the Grand Canyon with my daughter. I love water, and I was determined that I was going to have enough for the hike. So I filled my backpack with bottles of water.
My daughter told me, "Mom, if you take that much water, your backpack is going to be too heavy."
But I was determined. I wanted to make sure I had plenty.
A nice gentleman behind us overheard our conversation and told me there would be water stations all along the trail. I thanked him, but I didn't really believe him. I wanted to make sure I had enough, so off I went carrying my heavy backpack full of water.
When we reached the first water station, I was relieved to see he was right. I took one of my bottles out of my backpack and left it there in case someone else needed it.
As the hike continued, we came across more water stations. Each time, I left another bottle behind. But I still kept a few—just in case. It was exhausting carrying all that extra water when I never needed to carry it in the first place.
I was carrying the weight because I was afraid I wouldn't have enough.
How often do we do the same thing in life?
What are you carrying in your backpack because you're afraid you might need it?
Maybe it's an old hurt. A resentment. Guilt. Judgment of yourself or someone else. Fear. Someone else's pain. Or perhaps you're carrying something you can't even identify—you just know your backpack feels heavy.
Sometimes we've carried something for so long that we don't even realize it's there. And sometimes we're afraid to look inside because we don't know what we'll find—or what might happen if we finally let it go.
Life is full of the unexpected. We can't possibly pack everything we might need for every trial, test, or experience ahead of us.
Maybe being prepared isn't about carrying more.
Maybe it's about having the right tools so we can carry less.
Forgiveness is one of the most valuable tools I carry in my backpack. I use it every day. It helps me unload the things I no longer need to carry and trust that I will have what I need along the way.
If you don't have the tools of Forgiveness in your backpack yet, we'd love to help you put them there.
Our Online Forgiveness Class teaches you how to recognize what you're carrying, begin releasing it, and make your journey a little lighter. We have some special offers on our Online Forgiveness Class this month, so watch for the deals!
And perhaps today is a good day to ask yourself: What am I carrying that I no longer need?
You might be surprised by how much lighter the journey becomes when you're willing to put it down.
Love and Light,
Steve and Joyce Brinton
Click here to access The Gentle Art of Forgiveness:
https://www.muscletestingacademy.com/forgiveness
Use the coupon code FORGIVENESS through today for a $300 discount.
Upcoming Events:
MTA Basic Graduate Class @ Brinton Home
Thursday, September 3 @ 7 PM
FREE Muscle Testing Experience @ Hampton Inn
Tuesday, September 8 @ 7 PM
Tuesday, September 22 @ 7 PM
Energy Mastery Class @ Hampton Inn
Friday & Saturday, September 11-12
MTA 2-Day Muscle Testing Basic Course @ Hampton Inn
Friday & Saturday, September 18-19
Virtual Energy Clinic
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 6 PM MST
Live via Zoom
