It was meant to be

connection, journey, rumi -

It was meant to be

An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break.

- Chinese Proverb

The other day, a client and I were speaking about how we were "meant to meet." At first glance, our paths crossing is a "whoa, hello universe" moment, but I've long believed there are no coincidences, only synchronicities.

During yesterday's snowstorm, I reflected on our connection, and countless others, which on the surface, were seemingly random but also meant to be.

No one is sent by accident to anyone.

People come in and out of our lives all the time. Some come for a particular reason and others for a season or two. A few last a lifetime.

They may serve as a bridge to the next point on our journeys. Others may slow us down with a challenge or a detour while some teach us a painful lesson. Hopefully, many will keep us safe and away from harm. A couple will act as our North Star to ensure we stay on our path, and with good fortune, we will have a large peloton bringing out the best in us along the way.

The challenge today is that we often don't see who pops into our lives because we have our heads down grinding, scrolling or numbing our way through life. The cost is that we miss discovering what we need to learn or share what we need to offer when we miss the gift of a new connection.

But when we slow down, we give ourselves an opportunity to meet those, even the challenging ones, who come to our guest house. As Rumi writes, "Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond."

Have you signed up for our Ripple Kindness Challenge? It's the perfect thing to do with your friends or work colleagues. It's twenty-eight days of kindness that will change your life and everyone who is touched by your ripple. Oh, if you think it's a little woo-woo, don't be fooled. It's hard as shi(f)t, and precisely what we need to create more belonging tomorrow. You can sign up by clicking KINDNESS.

And don't forget to sign up for our daily inspirational texts. Here's what people are saying about them:

  • "I needed this reminder."

  • "The timing of your messages is perfect."

  • "Just receiving the text is a reminder to breathe. Thank you."

Text "Shift" to (503) 487.5957, and I'll set you up.