When the Universe Winks: Following Life's Breadcrumbs
How a song from my darkest days became an invitation to my brightest future
This Week’s Courage Newsletter
"Life is a full circle, widening until it joins the circle motions of the infinite." - Anaïs Nin
Why the universe might be trying to tell you something
Scare Your Soul Challenge: The Convergence Challenge
Bottom line: Sometimes the bravest step is following the breadcrumbs back to where you began
Dear Courageous Souls (and Life Explorers),
What is one special song that got you through a hard time?
I'm asking because something happened recently that left me speechless. A moment when the universe seemed to whisper, "I've been listening all along."
Two decades ago, my world was ALL struggle. Newly divorced, co-parenting two young children, and feeling like I was treading water in an ocean of uncertainty.
Those mornings driving Noah and Teilah to Jewish day school were both precious and painful – moments of connection floating in a sea of loss.
In those car rides, one song became a lifeline. Robbie Schaefer's cover of Lyle Lovett’s "If I Had a Boat" played so many times that my kids could sing every word. Something about those lyrics – about sailing away on a pony on a boat – spoke to our collective yearning for escape, for freedom, for a new beginning.
Fast forward 20 years … to where the universe stepped in.
This past New Years Day, I made a commitment to lean more deeply into spirituality.
Then, as if by chance, a random email appeared in my inbox from a Jewish meditation teacher about a special 3-day workshop in Virginia exploring the intersections between Jewish and Buddhist thought.
I signed up without looking at all of the details. Just a gut feeling that this was right.
Then came the moment that sent chills down my spine.
As I scanned the workshop description more carefully, one name jumped off the screen:
Rabbi Robbie Schaefer.
I blinked. Read it again.
The universe wasn't just winking at me. It was practically shouting.
The co-teacher?
Rabbi Robbie Schaefer.
Yes, THAT Robbie Schaefer—the musician whose songs had carried my family through difficult times years ago.
The same voice that had filtered through my car speakers as I drove my children to school was now a rabbi teaching at the exact intersection of traditions I'd been exploring for decades.
What are the odds that the voice that carried me through my darkest time would reappear exactly when I'm ready to explore the next chapter of my spiritual journey? And not just anywhere, but at the precise intersection of the traditions that have shaped me?
This isn't coincidence.
This is convergence.
It makes me wonder: How many breadcrumbs has the universe been dropping in your path that you might have missed?
How many full circles are waiting to close in your own life?
This week's Scare Your Soul Challenge: The Divine Breadcrumb Challenge
Notice one "breadcrumb" the universe seems to be leaving for you right now—a recurring invitation, person, theme, or coincidence that keeps appearing in your life.
Take ONE small step toward this invitation, especially if it makes you uncomfortable. Sign up. Make the call. Send the email. Show up.
That's it. Simple but powerful.
Remember: Sometimes the bravest thing isn't striking out in a completely new direction, but following the thread that leads you back to yourself.
P.S. Have you experienced your own moment of stunning synchronicity? Email me at scott@scareyoursoul.com. I'd love to hear your story of when the universe winked at you!
P.P.S. Speaking of life-changing minutes... This June, I'm co-leading an extraordinary journey to Peru's Sacred Valley with just 10 courage seekers. Every minute of this adventure is designed to help you practice courage in one of the most beautiful settings on earth. Email me at scott@scareyoursoul.com to learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime adventure (June 15-21, 2024). Some minutes change everything! ✨