Take two—10/2/2025
Ideas and inspiration for a life less ordinary.
October 2, 2025
WORDS TO WONDER:
Discomfort—The Price of Wonder
“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for.”
— John A. Shedd
Perspectives to Ponder
I’m in Scotland this week—my first visit here. I was excited to come, but I knew there would be challenges too. Driving on the opposite side of the road was one. On our first day, we faced a 3.5-hour drive that turned into an unplanned detour. We relied on Google Maps, only to find ourselves hopelessly lost on narrow, winding backroads. Already tired from a long travel day from London, it felt overwhelming. At one point, I honestly wished I could turn the car around and skip Scotland altogether.
But we eventually found our way, and since then, Scotland has been breathtaking—wildly beautiful, rich in history. The ratio of good to bad is overwhelmingly stacked in favor of the good. And yet, those moments of frustration are part of the story too.
Ruins near Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scottish Highlands
It’s a healthy reminder: you don’t get the wonder without some discomfort. You don’t discover new places without the risk of getting lost. No one’s life is all good, all the time—and in our desire to avoid the difficult, we often miss the magical.
The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye, in the Scottish Highlands
The truth is, life’s most extraordinary moments often come wrapped in a little discomfort. Getting lost means you’re exploring. Struggling means you’re stretching. Frustration means you’re learning something new. If we insist on avoiding the bumps in the road, we also miss the breathtaking views along the way. The challenge and the wonder are inseparable. To live fully, we must embrace both.
LIFE LESSONS IN A LINE
Every extraordinary moment carries a hidden cost: the willingness to be uncomfortable along the way.
NOT-SO-ORDINARY FINDS
The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
Modern life is too easy—and it’s making us restless, anxious, and unfulfilled. Easter argues that embracing challenge, discomfort, and even misadventure is the key to meaning and vitality. A field guide to getting uncomfortable in all the best ways.
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
Based on Stoic wisdom, this book flips frustration on its head: the problem in front of you isn’t blocking the path—it is the path. A sharp reminder that every challenge carries the seed of opportunity.
THE PROBLEM WITH PERFECTION
Still pursuing perfection?
Perhaps you’re looking at it all wrong. I wrote about a man named Wayne whose idea of “perfect” might change how you see it too. Read the story here.
BEFORE YOU GO
The week ahead may hold its share of bumps and frustrations, but it can also offer the beauty beyond them—the discoveries that only come when you’re willing to be uncomfortable. Here’s to leaning into both, and finding wonder along the way.
Stay inspired by the life you’re living. Until next time,
Kevin
P.S. Know someone who could use a spark of inspiration for a life less ordinary? Share this newsletter and brighten their week.