S.W.O.T —But Make It Personal

Photos full of heart by: Liat Federman

If there’s one big thing I’ve learned this past year (with lots of groundwork), it’s this:

The most important thing I can teach my kids—and myself—is self-love.

Me being me. Them being fully them.

There’s a classic concept in business called

SWOT—Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats.

It’s how businesses are taught to assess themselves in the context of their competitors.

But lately, I’ve taken that concept and made it personal. Stay with me here…

We, as people—all of us—are made of the same four elements:

Strengths – our gifts, the things we shine at.

Weaknesses – our vulnerabilities, wounds, triggers.

Opportunities – huge potential that we might miss if we’re not grounded.

Threats – the things that scare us or hold us back.

Just like in business, I believe we can turn a personal “weakness” into a strength with the right strategy.

Some of our biggest breakthroughs—inner and outer—come straight from our struggles.

Our strengths? They’re like a compass.

They point to where we’re meant to go.

And threats? They’re not the end of the story—they can be managed, like anything else.

So what am I really trying to say?

When I’m with my kids, I show up fully.

They see all of me:

My strength. My frustration. My August-level yelling. My warmth. My love. My sadness.

They see my whole SWOT—every day, for a long time now.

And I hope (and already see) that this allows them to show up fully too—with their own SWOT.

This year, I learned how important it is to just be who you are. Fully.

It’s a gift.

And the more open and vulnerable you are, the more self-love you build.

And when you feel good inside? That radiates. That helps the world.

Unconditional love means loving someone not just when they’re strong or successful.

But loving their full SWOT—all of it.

Because that’s what creates more love.

The amazing Liat Federman, who patiently and beautifully captured us in photos, said the thing that stood out most to her was the connection she felt between us.

She felt the love. Just by being in the same space.

Every year, I take these photos.

Every year, I give thanks that they’re healthy, whole, and still love being in my space.(Sometimes too much… When does August end again?)

I guess I’ve figured out a thing or two about life.

Mainly: what really matters.

L O V E.

The kind that gives you room.

The kind that doesn’t hurt.

The kind that welcomes all your SWOT—and helps you be fully, fully you.

Because let’s be real: joy can’t exist without that kind of love.

Wishing you a year full of love.

From the Rosenberg-Paz family.