trusting the rough road

End of summer seems like the time people should be rested up and ready for the routines of fall, but that's not the vibe I'm getting.

This morning, I got paired up on the pickleball court with Paul. I first met him in late spring when we were partners in a co-ed pickleball league. As we got to know each other, I learned that he was a teacher and coach, deeply committed to making a positive impact on his community. When he talked about his working with kids, he truly lit up.

But today, something was different. Paul was quiet, barely speaking, not even calling out the score when he served. It was clear that he wasn't himself.

During a break, I asked if he was looking forward to getting back to coaching this fall. He hesitated before responding, “I struggle to answer that.” I noticed immediately that he was upset. As he wiped away sweat, I saw tears in his eyes.

In as few words as possible, Paul explained that a new person in charge had decided not to include him in the coaching program. I could literally feel his heart breaking.

When I got home, I sent him a note.

Life can be incredibly hard to understand sometimes. We’re cruising along, then suddenly, we hit a curve, teetering on two wheels, hoping to land safely. But sometimes, we get flipped and find ourselves in a place we never wanted to be.

What I’ve learned from my own difficult times is that, more often than not, I was actually being redirected. I was on the wrong path, heading in the wrong direction, and it took a unplanned detour to help me find where I truly needed to be.

I believe Paul is being redirected by this experience because someone, somewhere, is waiting for exactly what he has to offer.

So, if you’re feeling flipped, detoured, or turned sideways, ask yourself: What am I being redirected towards? Then listen, watch, and wait for the answers—they will come, and you will see.

Be well.
Tiffany