Take Two—11/20/2025
Ideas and inspiration for a more intentional, extraordinary life.
November 20, 2025
Words to Wonder:
When the Ordinary Becomes Extraordinary
“Life is a matter of contrast. If you only had good things, you wouldn’t notice them.”
— Alan Watts, British philosopher and writer
Perspectives to Ponder
For many years, I traveled to Mexico to help build homes for families who had almost nothing. The conditions were harsh. Even being there for a week stretched me—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
When we finished building the house, we handed the family the keys, said our goodbyes, and began the long drive home. We had a tradition of stopping at Disneyland for the day after crossing the border. The contrast was jarring. After a week in dirt, dust, and scarcity, the place felt impossibly pristine—almost unreal.
It’s not the rides I remember, or even the magical atmosphere—it was the food.
We ate at the Plaza Inn and ordered turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy. It tasted amazing, better than a Michelin-star meal. Of course it wasn’t, but after a week of rice and beans, it felt luxurious.
I’ve felt the same thing after backpacking trips. After days in the wilderness, a simple Coke from McDonald's became an indescribable treat of bubbly deliciousness—like nothing I'd ever experienced.
But the lesson isn’t about food.
It’s about contrast.
Ordinary things become extraordinary when contrast brings their beauty into focus.
A change of environment, a break in routine, a shift in perspective—these small contrasts can wake up your senses and bring your life back into vivid color.
We don’t need dramatic changes to feel more alive.
We need contrasting experiences that make the familiar feel new again.
If you’ve been living on autopilot, maybe what you need isn’t more effort or more discipline—it’s simply something different. A change of scenery. A new challenge. A break in the pattern.
Contrast is the secret sauce of life. Add a little, and the extraordinary begins to shine again.
THINGS WORTH THINKING ABOUT
Approximately 160,000 people die each day around the world—that’s more than 58 million every year.
Of this total, about 4.4 million deaths each year stem from injuries and violence (accidents, traffic crashes, homicide). That's nearly 1 in 12 of all deaths. (World Health Organization)
Two take-aways:
If you’re reading this, be grateful you weren’t one of yesterday’s 160,000.
With millions of unexpected deaths each year, tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone.
What will you do today to live more intentionally and appreciate your one wild and precious life?
THINGS WORTH TRYING
Where has familiarity dulled your sense of wonder and appreciation?
Here are a few simple ways to restore excitement to your days:
Do something for the first time.
Novelty is pure contrast. Try a new restaurant, a new flavor, or a new route home. First-time experiences wake up your senses.
Expand your circle.
Talk with people you don’t normally interact with. New faces bring new stories—and new stories bring fresh energy into your life.
Add one small moment of discomfort.
Take a cold shower, park in the farthest spot, or tackle a task you usually hand off. A touch of discomfort sharpens your appreciation for everything else.
Change your inputs.
Swap your usual media for a podcast, book, or playlist outside your typical preferences. New ideas create new energy.
BEFORE YOU GO
Sometimes it’s good to experience less-than-ideal conditions—they remind us how much we have and how much we often take for granted. I hope you find at least one moment this week that feels exciting and new.
Stay inspired by the life you’re living,
Kevin