Ever catch yourself thinking life is grand until something big happens?
Twenty-one years ago, I was living the life. I spent three months traveling abroad and then came back to find a well-paying job doing something new, fun, and exciting. With such momentum, meeting someone new, whom I started dating, added even more joy.
About six months in, he told me I didn't deserve him. I brushed it off, reinforcing that he was fun to hang out with, be around, and that he added to my life. We had a routine of spending the entire weekend together and one night during the week.
Around nine months, my work schedule got busy, and the mid-week get together slowly fell by the way side. Then, weekend plans changed. Even on a backpacking trip, he met up with us on Saturday morning instead of Friday night.
Shortly before a year hit, a mutual friend called me and said he was dating someone else, and they all had brunch together.
As if a meteor lit up a dark night sky, my stomach dropped in horror. Betrayal, I never expected or experienced before. This only revealed the problem.
We had planned a group biking trip that would start at my place with our mutual friends and go all the way into town along a river and back. He didn't know I knew, and how do I cancel biking on a beautiful 70-degree Saturday morning?
We all met at my house on Saturday morning. He was the last to arrive. I took Imodium to keep my stomach in check. after the ride was over. I took him outside the front door, and said I knew and he should leave before I tell everyone else inside.
He left. The next week, he tried to win me back and apologize. The other lady even got my number and called. I didn't care.
What I had to discover is that I missed all the signs, words, and actions that indicated something was off. This revealed a new path to take greater notice of everything around me. The subtle signs are always the most revealing.
While my life was permanently altered from intimate relationships and friendships afterwards, my true character came to the fore. I stopped assuming. I ask better questions. I notice the subtle shifts.
Unexpected surprises can suck. Yet, everything illuminated with greater clarity. A new, better path was revealed. Now I navigate shifts with ease.
On the bright side, unexpected surprises can bring amazing opportunities your way. Look for the meteors, shining bring light on what's ready to be illuminated.
© 2026. Lora Lapiz. All Rights Reserved.
