“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
— C.S. Lewis
Intro Letter by Chris Ruch
I have always been fascinated by “Rube Goldberg” style contraptions and domino sculptures—the complex kinetic motion is mesmerizing—but perhaps equally as interesting is the process behind the creation. From concept through design and construction, testing, repeated failures, finally landing at the completed project, and then showing it to the world.
That process feels a bit familiar to our own stories—such as in our relationships, education, and work. There are constantly situations where we discover something, overcome a challenge, accomplish a goal and enjoy the fruits of our labor.
There’s always a driving force behind the forward motion of our lives—be it gravity, physics, time, finances, needs, hopes and dreams. CHANGE.
OOF. That last one can be quite a doozy— both in good and uncomfortable ways. One of my friends has a catchphrase which, while very fitting for ALL the situations she uses it for, can be quite irritating to hear in the moment: “Well that was another character-building experience!” she exclaims with a sarcastic grin. And everyone wants to punch her. But she’s sooo right, dangit.
We need change, but we don’t like it. We blossom in it. It forces us to move forward when we otherwise would stagnate. It’s growing pains. PAINS. But also growth. And we’re better for it, ultimately.
What might our lives look like if we were determined to face every change and challenge with determination, grit, and a sense of adventure? If we can’t avoid change, why fight against it? Embracing it seems like the only logical conclusion. And we might find that our new path forward, even if initially difficult, is far more rewarding than the one we were on.
In these posts, videos & podcasts — you will discover some of your neighbors who have grown through their various complicated and fascinating experiences. Our hope is that these stories will leave you feeling inspired and more prepared for your own big kinetic adventure.
We’d love to hear about it! Click #whatsyourstory?
Music by Blacksheep
Browse Issue 05
Issue 05 Articles (Read / Watch / Listen)
WARNING: Some interviews may include adult language and/or content. Discretion is advised.