WOW by Char ~ Die to Self

Die to Self

The road to new life is the journey less traveled

By Chardonnay Beaver – chardonnaybeaver.com

Disclaimer: Please recognize that the death referenced in this article is not literal. In no way am I promoting self-harm.

There comes a point in your life when you crave something different, something new. At first, our cravings push us to chase more: more followers, more stuff, more relationships, more money.

While abundance can be beautiful, too much of the wrong things becomes destructive. Cravings leave us with surface-level satisfaction—unfulfilled, unsatisfied, and sometimes worse off than before.

Here’s what I discovered: that craving is a soul issue, not a pleasure issue. Many of us run to pleasure, chasing a dopamine hit. Dopamine is a brain chemical that makes you feel motivated, excited, or happy. A dopamine hit is the quick rush we get from moments of pleasure. For example, everyone at Grandma’s house on Thanksgiving is on a dopamine high when she brings out their favorite dishes.

But here’s the problem: dopamine hits are temporary. Chasing emotional cravings doesn’t address the deepest craving of your soul—that “new thing” you’ve been desiring. What if I told you that new thing requires you to come to the end of yourself? That it starts within?

This is the journey of dying to self.

Dying to self isn’t mainstream. It’s the furthest thing from sexy. But it’s exactly what you need to restore your family, heal your broken heart, and get unstuck. You have to die to self daily. This death isn’t passive—it requires total commitment.

Die to pride and control—the need to always be right, to have your way, to perfect everything.

Die to unforgiveness—the need to cling to offense, which hardens your heart and blocks healthy connection.

Die to unhealthy impulses—the need to lash out, to give in to rage, envy, and greed.

Before this year ends, something in you has to die so something new can come alive. For some, that means putting to rest the version of yourself you keep punishing for past mistakes.

Recently, I was struck by this thought: many of us have wrestled with the same issues and traumas for decades. Enough is enough. Wrestle no more. It’s time for a new beginning—and it requires your participation.

Words of Wisdom by Char of the Week: Dying to self transforms every area of life. It clears out what sabotages you and makes space for true peace, growth, and life. Often, relationships “don’t work” because you haven’t changed—yet expect everyone else to. That’s pride. The next generation will thank you for choosing differently. Do the work. No more excuses. Please realize that I’m preaching to myself too! Luke 9:23-25

Chardonnay Beaver

Influential Speaker & Author

Founder | Words of Wisdom by Char (WOWbyChar)