Life Update (A Treacherous Story)
I’m writing to you from my new home in Eugene, Oregon.
After 8 years of living in my hometown of Nutley, NJ, my wife and I packed up and made our way westward.
We’re grateful to be in a place closer to nature and with an aligned community. There is more to say about the transition, but today, I want to share a story from our road trip.
We knew the challenges that might come with driving in winter, but it couldn’t prepare us for what happened.
Day 4: Miles City, Montana to Twin Falls, Idaho
After an already intense day of driving over ice sheets, nearly losing control of the vehicle twice, facing highway closures, and driving past overturned tractor-trailers, we white knucked our way to safety—at least we thought.
At 5:30 pm we rolled into Pocatello, Idaho, two hours from our destination. The sun had set, but the roads were clear. A part of me felt we should find a place to stay in Pocatello and not push our luck. It had already been a grueling day.
However, since I already paid for the Airbnb in Twin Falls, we continued.
How hard could it be?
Thirty minutes into the drive, I noticed light snow flurries. What happened next seemed like it took place instantly. My wife checked the weather app and said a heavy snowstorm was coming. Before I could respond, it was already upon us, and just like that, we lost visibility.
Wind was gusting at us, making it feel like the car was floating in still air. Snow was piercing the windshield, and I couldn’t see the road. High beams only lit the snowflakes and made it worse.
I’m generally calm in the car—but I panicked. I needed to get off the highway, but there was no shoulder. I felt a mix of terror and shock as I trudged slowly, fearing I was going to run the car off the road or worse.
There was an exit in 1 mile, which, in those conditions, felt like an eternity. We luckily made it off the exit and pulled over.
I immediately went into self-blame. “We should have just stayed in Pocatello, you idiot!" I let myself wallow momentarily and returned to the situation—stuck in a snowstorm on a rural Idaho road.
At least we were safe. We had a full tank of gas, plenty of food, and sleeping bags in the car. We were prepared to hunker down and wait it out.
We were only there about 45 minutes when a car rolled up next to us. It was a family of three. They asked if we were ok. They said they were heading to Pocatello for their daughter’s cheer competition but decided to turn back when they hit the snow.
They asked where we were going. When we told them, they said they were heading in that direction and asked if we wanted to follow them.
I was confused. I thought heading in that direction would be going into the worst of it, but they said it got better. The husband could tell we were scared and assured us he would go slow and that he had chains to pull us out of a ditch if we skidded off the road.
His confidence and encouragement made us confident. We went from complete shutdown to, “Ok we can do this,” and followed his car on the highway.
Sure enough, after 40 minutes, the snow died down until we hit dry land—no snow in sight. The storm must have come from the north.
In backpacking, hikers talk of “Trail Angels”. This was our Road Trip Angel—coming out of nowhere, helping us overcome fear, and getting us to where we were going.
I didn’t get their names, but you can bet they're part of my metta practice.
We got to our Airbnb after 14 treacherous hours, thanked God, indulged in Chick Fil A, and hoped never to have a day like that again.
Confidence to go into the unknown
What stood out about this experience was that moments before he arrived, I thought I was stuck. I didn’t see a way out. Proceeding felt unsafe, and I had zero confidence to try.
I needed someone to say, “I’ve been there. It’s safe. I’ll guide you each step (or mile) of the way.”
That gave me the courage to trust his guidance and the confidence to get moving. Once the momentum started and I got to dry land, he left, and I was on my way again.
I couldn’t help but connect this to coaching.
Often we get stuck in fear and uncertainty, which leads us to do nothing. It takes someone who has walked the path to help instill in us the confidence to take the next step.
Once we do, momentum takes over, and we are on our way.
If you’re stuck on how you can grow your work, Meraki Mastermind can be your Trail Angel. It is here for you to take the next step in your purpose.
It also pulls you back up when you skid off the road (Fail) or get caught in a storm. (Fear)
The uncertainty and isolation you face? I’ve been there. I’ve walked the path you’re on. I can be your guide to help you get to where you want to go.
I couldn’t have gotten to Twin Falls alone. Having another by my side made all the difference.
The same is true for your soul’s calling. It’s scary alone, but when you’re doing it alongside others, it will help get you to where you're going faster and more enjoyably.
We start January 29th.
If you’re interested in joining, shoot me an email.
Know that wherever you are, Angels are guiding you home. ✨
I hope you find the guidance you need to support your soul's unfolding. 🙏
Wishing you so much love, joy, and fulfillment.