My Ultimate Concierge explained to me long ago that nothing good happens by accident. He was right on target. Read on for our serendipitous happening!

Elsewhere is a life based on deliberate fears. It stops us from wanting to meet new people, explore new places, and gather new things. The climate in Elsewhere has forced me to push myself.

The push ignites in my mind when I begin to feel uncomfortable about my inaction. What I mean by this is that I begin to feel encumbered by my passivity. It starts with a queasy feeling in my stomach and builds. It is with me constantly, affecting my sanity ( a little overdramatic but that is me!) but you get my gist.

Elsewhere has transformed my lifestyle over the past two years. I have allowed its greyness to cloud my vision. It robs me of my love of life and of the beauty of all that is spontaneous. It has invaded my personal territory and caused my life to fill up with stress instead of an aura of peace.

A Metamorphosis: Serendipity in Most Unlikely Places

As I leave my cocoon of grey, I have concluded that I am a woman 50 + who has the power to transform anything into whatever I want. And so are you, dear readers of mine. It is a painful trip but once you ‘catch’ the desired bug and fly with it there is nothing to stop you except … you! You have the ability to recognize and embrace moments of transformation, making the most of every opportunity for change.

It is important to read my January musings because today’s story is a continuation of my awakening. This year my life journey will be based on a theme, for me it is peace. That theme of peace, instead of resolutions, will guide me in all that I do.

The metamorphosis I am experiencing began with the discovery of this New Year’s theme.

My first big task involves self-care. A planned trip spurred me into reclaiming my forgotten wardrobe and neglected body. They were taxing projects at the start but proved so worthwhile. My clothes are in order and I am reclaiming my body. Sometimes, the desire for change isn’t there at first, but it can grow over time as you become more open to new experiences and see the benefits unfold.

Personal Growth

Personal growth is not a destination, but a journey—one that invites us to step beyond the familiar and embrace the unknown. It’s about creating space in our lives for new ideas, unexpected encounters, and the kind of chance meetings that can change the course of our story. When we remain open to unforeseen circumstances and allow ourselves to explore new experiences, we unlock the potential for valuable discoveries and personal transformation.

Embracing serendipity is at the heart of this journey. Life has a way of surprising us in the most unexpected places, often when we least expect it. By welcoming these moments and being willing to leave our comfort zone, we create opportunities for growth, joy, and wonder. Each challenge we face, each new idea we entertain, and each chance encounter we experience can lead us to a deeper sense of fulfillment and meaning. So, as you continue on your own path, remember: personal growth flourishes when we embrace the unexpected and allow serendipity to lead us toward new horizons.

WE NEED PEOPLE

Over the past few years, I have missed having my normal serendipitous moments and life-changing encounters. I realize now how much I have missed out on chance encounters that often lead to unexpected joy. They’re missing because these happen when you are with people! Oh how I have missed people, all types of people. Without people, there is limited conversation, limited experiences, and limited community.

I am fortunate to have my Ultimate Concierge and my pooch America. Also, I have text messages and emails, you at HoneyGood.com, and my private Facebook group, Celebrate Life. This group of women is trending towards 3,000 in number! The conversations there warm my heart. I also have exceptional women and my co-workers, Elena, Susan, Leigh, Jules, Michelle, and Rebekah and Susan, my health gurus. They all provide me with daily doses of companionship. With these wonderful people in my life, I am not lonely. Are you? Sometimes, it’s amazing how a single moment of connection can change one’s entire outlook.

But ah I missed those serendipitous and normal meet-ups with others. Personally, I find it very hard to lead a peaceful life without a constant and continuous flow of different types of experiences. It was time to raise a smile on my face in my benign life.

THE TAILOR

The Tailor entered my life serendipitously—it all happened by chance! The need for alterations on some of my clothing in my organized closet prompted me to walk across the street from my condo-in-the-sky to a little shop. A new tailor had just taken ownership of it. Meeting him felt like a happy accident, and I realized I had stumbled upon the opportunity for a new connection. My Ultimate Concierge had visited him three times. So when I walked in and introduced myself, he said in his broken tongue, “You are Sheldon Good’s wife?”

We chatted and it was decided he would come to our condo on Sunday to do pinnings. On my short walk home I decided to serve brunch out of courtesy.

Setting a lovely table was such a pleasing experience! It had been too long since I had last entertained, something I love to do, and even for one person. I felt joy and peace as I set my table.

The Tailor arrived at noon and we sat down to brunch. Within five minutes there was spontaneous energy flowing through the conversations. Or should I say his conversation.

AMAZING TALES OF SERENDIPITOUS ENCOUNTERS FROM THE TAILOR

My new tailor, my newest friend, knows the Pope! He speaks Yiddish with him and designs and makes some of his Holiness’ clothes! On one trip to Rome, he lived in the Vatican for three weeks! The Catholic Pope and the Jewish Tailor have become fast friends!

And that is not all. He also makes Rod Blagojevich’s (the former governor of Illinois) suits. Our tailor informed us that Blagojevich will be interviewed by Tucker Carlson next week on Fox News.

My newest friend is not braggadocious. He tells his interesting stories in a charming fashion with no pretense.

I asked him, “How did the Pope learn to speak Yiddish?” He answered that the Pope grew up next door to a Jewish family who spoke Yiddish! They had a son and the two young boys were best friends. End of story.

When the Pope corresponds with the Tailor he signs his letter, Sholom.

The experience and the stories opened my eyes. It was truly an aha moment for me, as I realized how these personal connections and unexpected friendships can change one’s perspective.

Overcoming Obstacles to Growth

One of the greatest barriers to personal growth is the fear of venturing into the unknown. It’s natural to hesitate when faced with new things or unexpected challenges, but it is precisely this willingness to take risks that opens the door to serendipitous encounters and discoveries. When we choose to embrace the unknown, we invite unexpected opportunities and new ideas into our lives.

The Persian fairy tale of the three princes of Serendip beautifully illustrates this truth. As the story goes, the princes made remarkable discoveries not by following a strict plan, but by remaining open to accidents and surprises along their journey. Their adventures remind us that making discoveries often happens when we least expect it—when we are willing to explore, to try new things, and to see challenges as invitations rather than obstacles.

By nurturing a positive mindset and staying receptive to new perspectives, we can overcome the hurdles that stand in the way of personal growth. Each serendipitous encounter, each new idea, and each unexpected twist in our story has the power to lead us to a richer, more fulfilling life. So, let us embrace the spirit of the three princes and allow ourselves to be led by curiosity, courage, and the magic of serendipity.

SERENDIPITOUS BEGINNINGS

Our dining room was filled with laughter and stories. Some that came out of the mouth of the Tailor. And some from my husband who was the realtor for the Catholic Church in Chicago. The occasion was so joyful I awoke from the dead! In that moment, I realized the beauty of finding joy in the most unlikely places.

For the first time in months, I felt a positive energy rising through my veins instead of the dreaded lethargy.

The experience and the stories opened my eyes. Reflecting on it now, I recognize the good fortune of having such an unexpected discovery and meaningful encounter.

Ultimately, I had to consider a new project so I could reenter the world of community and conversation. I know a large part of self-care is mingling with old friends and new ones alike. It is sharing old and amusing experiences as well as new and enlightening ones. The importance of recognizing and embracing unexpected discoveries cannot be overstated, as they often lead to personal growth.

Because of the Tailor, I have my new planned projects in place. He opened up my eyes to living once again outside the box. He awakened in me the want to wonder again. There is a unique beauty in serendipitous moments, as they can create space for new beginnings and opportunities.

Elsewhere, a worldwide dysfunctional political system, almost succeeded in bringing me to my knees. One man, a tailor, gave me a triple dose of enthusiasm that made me want to live again! Sometimes, luck plays a role in bringing the right people into our lives at just the right time.

I hope this story gives you a triple dose of enthusiasm to jump-start your life. Please don’t let fear stop you from living your life and exploring your wonders. You are a woman 50+. It is your turn to bloom. When you bloom your family will bloom and so will others around you.

Elsewhere’s Theme for 2022: Fear = Control

My theme for 2022: Peace

What is your theme?

How can you utilize your theme for 2022 with my message to ‘never fear’ and ‘be in control, to benefit the you in you?

When you have your answer you will feel an adrenaline rush! I am anxious to hear from you.

Life does have an element of surprise. Look for serendipity in the most unlikely of places. The word ‘serendipity’ itself means an unexpected discovery of good fortune, and writing about these experiences can inspire others to recognize and appreciate such moments in their own lives.

Take a moment to reflect on how unexpected discoveries can lead to new career opportunities and open doors you never imagined.

Embracing Serendipity in Daily Life

To truly embrace serendipity in our daily lives, we must cultivate a sense of openness and curiosity. This means being willing to try new things, to take risks, and to explore ideas and perspectives that may at first seem unfamiliar. When we do, we create the conditions for unexpected encounters and valuable discoveries—moments that can lead to personal growth and unexpected opportunities.

Consider the story behind the invention of Post-it Notes—a classic example of a serendipitous encounter leading to a world-changing idea. What began as an accidental discovery became a valuable tool used by millions, simply because someone was open to exploring the possibilities. Similarly, the tale of the three princes of Serendip reminds us that some of life’s greatest wonders are found not by searching, but by stumbling upon them with an open heart and mind.

As Sandra Erdelez, a University of Missouri information scientist, suggests, becoming a “super-encounterer” is as much about mindset as it is about circumstance. Believing that you are open to serendipity—and even feeling a little lost at times—can actually increase your chances of making meaningful discoveries. So, as you go about your day, remember to embrace the unexpected, to welcome new ideas, and to let serendipity lead you toward a life filled with wonder, joy, and the magic of the unknown.

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