One short story delivered every Tuesday to spark, strengthen, and support Self-discovery.
If you like what you read, please subscribe and share with a friend or two.
Today’s intention is:
To embrace.
Embrace the stubbed toe, for it may have saved you from a fall.
Embrace the lost key, for it may have saved you from an accident.
Embrace the feedback, for it may have saved you a relationship.
Today, at least for a moment, embrace life’s challenges as the opportunities they may be instead of the burdens they may not.
Out of hand and out of reach
Tracy and I cross Newport Boulevard in search of coffee and burritos. Lido Village’s Sunday crowd bustles around enjoying the summer sun. Walking up to Zinqué cafe, we stop on the marina’s dock to savor an up-close view of the Pacific. Tracy offers to head inside for our burritos so I can wait outside with our dog, Bernie. As I reach for my credit card, it slips from my hand, bounces once, then slides through a space between the wooden floorboards.
I bend down to eye my card through the crack underneath my feet. It rests a foot below the deck and just out of reach.
“You looking for something?” A friendly voice calls out.
“Yea, my credit card. It slipped through a space in the floorboard. I think it’s gone.”
“Well, I’ve got some tools. Perhaps I can help!” He shouts.
The friendly voice emerges then introduces himself as Johnny. Draped in a black, Electric Boat Rental shirt, he grabs a drill, a small toolbox, then scurries up the dock to meet us.
Johnny and I move a heavy flower box to reveal twenty screws securing the floorboards to the deck. Using his drill, he removes each screw one by one then lifts both floorboards so I can reach my credit card.
“One step at a time. That’s all it takes.” Johnny says with a smile.
Tracy and I thank him then offer a Venmo for his effort.
“No need. I was just telling my guys that every day, I try to do three things: Go outside, meditate, and do something kind for another. It’s not even noon and I’m already done. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help.”
Johnny and I exchange Instagrams while Tracy grabs the burritos.
We are not alone
Walking back to our home, I reflect on my moment with Johnny. His kind act reminds me that an intentional life plugs into the world’s supporting cast. The Universe gives and it is my responsibility to receive:
To recognize the gifts, the resources, the people, and the abundance that surround me.
To trust opportunities when they present themselves and people when they offer assistance.
To perceive challenges as a path to growth and my Self as part of something bigger.
Even though it feels like it sometimes, I am not alone.
And neither are you.
This week, how will you recognize life’s abundance?
If someone offers help, will you trust them enough to engage?
Will you perceive your challenges as growth opportunities or unfair burdens?
Consider Johnny’s advice: Go outside, meditate, and do something kind for another.
One step at a time. That’s all it takes.
Until next week,
Don’t wait. Start small. Learn as you go.
🙏🧡🤘
Feeling extra intentional? Listen to the Student of Intention Podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
We are not alone