As an internally ambitious person the idea of a "little way" repulsed me so I actively avoided my namesake’s legacy.

After reading Colleen Carroll Campbell’s book, The Heart of Perfection (yes you should read this book, yes everyone should read this) I learned that Thérèse herself toiled deeply with the internal chains of ambition. Ambition, the loss of her mother and perfectionism, are just some of the reasons, that like many of us Thérèse experienced several bouts of antagonizing depression.

In this episode I share the humiliating realization that what Thérèse left behind is far more profound than the flowery, "pious pap" (Doris Day's initial impression of Thérèse) held at the surface of her "little way."

To summarize Thérèse, there is nothing you must achieve, suffer through, fix or cure to experience or be worthy of love.

Love need not be achieved via stairs, despite your wretchedness you are worthy of the elevator. Thérèse suggests you hop in the elevator, allow your soul to transcend to the peace that lies above, and watch your supposed wretchedness, dissolve, with the purity of God's true love.