Take Two—9/18/2025
Ideas and inspiration for a life less ordinary.
September 18, 2025
Words to Wonder—The Pieces That Shape Us
“I am pieces of all the places I have been, and the people I have loved. I’ve been stitched together by song lyrics, book quotes, adventure, late-night conversations, moonlight, and the smell of coffee.”
— Brooke Hampton, author
Perspectives to Ponder
I was reading a book this morning where the author reminisced about his time in law school, living in a tiny apartment. It was rundown—only one burner on the stove worked, which hardly mattered since he had just one pot to cook his meals (usually pasta). Though broke and living in less-than-ideal conditions, he looked back on those days with fondness.
It reminded me of when I lived with four other guys in a dilapidated old house with just two bedrooms and one bathroom. The neighborhood wasn't much better. We had rats in the house and no heat. On cold winter nights, we’d turn on the oven, open the door, and huddle around it for warmth. It was by far the worst place I’ve lived, yet I stayed for years and made many wonderful memories.
Looking back, those moments didn’t feel remarkable at the time. They were messy, uncomfortable, and far from easy. But stitched together, they’ve become some of the richest parts of my story. That’s what Brooke Hampton’s words remind us: we aren’t shaped only by the highlights, but by the whole collection—the people, the places, and yes, even the pain.
What forgotten fragments—messy, ordinary, or joyful—have shaped who you are today? Nothing in your past was wasted. Every piece has added depth and color. This week, don’t just chase new moments—remember the old ones that made you who you are.
Life Lessons in a Line
Regret whispers, "If only," while Courage shouts, "What if."
Not-So-Ordinary Finds
Try Something New for 30 Days – Matt Cutts
(TED Talk, 3 minutes)
A quick, witty reminder that small experiments can spark big change.
👉 Watch the TED Talk here
One Day, Two Wonders
While in Kauai a couple of weeks ago, I set out to watch both the sunrise and the sunset in the same day. Experiencing its bookends—its beginning and end—changed how I held the hours in between. It reminded me that each day is complete in itself, and worth noticing.
👉 Try it sometime: choose one day this month to catch both, and see how it changes the way you appreciate the hours in between.
Before You Go
While reading this week, I came across the word numinous. I had to look it up—it means a feeling of awe and wonder in the presence of something greater, filled with a sense of the divine.
After a week in Kauai—hiking rugged mountains and canyons, swimming in an ocean alive with fish, and watching sunsets set the sky on fire—I was reminded just how numinous the world can be, despite the struggles and disappointments. My hope is that you, too, find numinous moments in the days ahead.
Stay inspired by the life you’re living. Until next time,
Kevin