Purpose Can Unfold Unexpectedly
At 30, I was touring internationally in a one-man yo-yo show, hopping from city to city to perform for audiences across the U.S., England, and Australia. It was an exhilarating yet solitary journey. Occasionally, I would overlap with other performers, sharing hotel rooms or temporary accommodations as we crisscrossed continents. However, most of the time, I traveled alone.
During those moments of solitude, I often found myself searching for ways to connect—not just with others, but with something deeper. I didn’t realize at the time that a small, seemingly trivial decision I made before one of these trips would set me on a path of spiritual exploration and discovery.
It all began in Seattle, in the New Age section of Barnes & Noble.
The Joke That Became a Journey
Before leaving a staff retreat with fellow performers, we collected some entertainment for the journey. One performer picked a book on astrology, another selected a guide to palm reading, and I opted for Tarot for Dummies. Our plan? To teach ourselves some "new age” skills to pass the time between gigs and maybe annoy our coworkers with whom we shared rooms.
At the time, the cards seemed like a joke, just a novelty. I never imagined they would evolve into something more. Still, I tossed the book and a deck into my bag and took them on the road.
To my surprise, they didn’t merely pass the time—they began to connect me with people.
In dive bars in New Orleans, coffee shops in Birmingham, or on beaches along the Gold Coast, I offered free readings to strangers. “I’m learning how to read tarot cards,” I’d say. “Would you like a free reading?” Again and again, people said yes, and each time, the cards seemed to resonate.
What shocked me was how much I enjoyed reading the cards and how often their messages resonated. Initially, I thought this might stem from my theater training—my ability to tell a story and make connections. However, over time, I realized this was more than just performance.
It was a calling.
A Change in Perspective
There was, however, a challenge: traditional tarot imagery. For some, cards like The Devil, Death, or The Tower felt intimidating and unsettling. Some recipients would tense up or hesitate when these cards appeared, even when their meanings weren’t harmful.
Around this time, I saw an advertisement for Hay House’s “I Can Do It” conference. Something about it resonated with me, so I decided to attend, unsure what to expect. One of the speakers was Doreen Virtue, who introduced a deck she had created with Radleigh Valentine called Angel Tarot. It was specifically designed to remove the fear factor from tarot by replacing the traditional imagery with softer, more approachable visual designs.
I bought the deck immediately, and it changed everything. From that moment on, I took it everywhere, using it to create a gentler, more inviting experience for the people I read for. Shortly after, I became a certified Angel Card Reader, transforming what had started as a lighthearted experiment into a meaningful practice.
The Lesson:
Reflecting on the past, I see the experiences that brought me here. I remember late nights under the stars, playing with Ouija boards in high school. In my 20s, my friend K would read tarot for us, and I was captivated by how she brought the cards to life. Yet, I viewed spiritual practices like tarot and mediumship as something only others could do—not me.
When I picked up "Tarot for Dummies," it was just for fun. However, it imparted a profound lesson to me:
Be open to the unexpected ways in which life can unveil your purpose.
Life has a way of weaving even the most minor and playful decisions into something transformative. What starts as a joke can evolve into a profound calling when you remain present and attuned to the signs around you.
Being open to the unexpected guides life to where you are meant to go.
Staying Present, Staying Open
The key to uncovering an unexpected purpose is presence. When you’re in the moment, you notice the signs: the urge to pick up a book, the attraction to a conference, the connection with a stranger in a coffee shop. These aren’t coincidences—they’re breadcrumbs from the universe.
So, follow that thread the next time you feel drawn to something just for fun. What starts as curiosity might evolve into a calling. What seems like a detour could become the main attraction path.
For me, it all began with a laugh in a bookstore and has transformed into a lifelong journey of helping others find clarity, comfort, and connection.
Are you prepared to uncover your surprising purpose?
If you’ve ever felt a tug of curiosity or wondered where your passions might lead, trust it. The universe has a way of working through you, even when you least expect it. Stay present, stay aligned, and, most importantly, remain open.
Your next chapter might be closer than you think.
How to Stay Open to Universal Guidance
Remaining present, open, and adaptable has enabled me to embrace the unexpected journey that tarot has revealed. But how can you nurture that same openness in your own life? Here are a few ways to stay attuned to universal guidance—and some behaviors to be mindful of that might hinder your awareness of your purpose.
Follow Your Curiosities
Notice what ignites your interest or excitement, even if it appears insignificant. These nudges frequently lead to unexpected opportunities.
Practice Gratitude
Consider what you are grateful for daily to elevate your vibration and connect with positive experiences.
Ask for Signs
Ask the universe for guidance and remain open to its responses—whether through conversations, synchronicities, or sudden insights.
Trust Your Intuition
Trust your instincts, even if logic or outside opinions say otherwise.
Stay Flexible
Let go of rigid expectations and welcome detours—they often lead to growth and fulfillment.
Behaviors That Keep You Blinded to Your Purpose.
Overthinking Everything
Overanalyzing or doubting yourself can drown out your intuitive guidance and keep you feeling stuck.
Clinging to the Past
Holding onto regrets or old patterns stops you from moving forward.
Overcommitting
Agreeing to everything allows no room for reflection, growth, or opportunities that align with your higher purpose.
Focusing Solely on Results
Focusing too much on outcomes can lead you to overlook the lessons and signs along the journey.
Living in Distraction
Constantly filling your downtime with scrolling or noise prevents you from noticing the subtle messages from the universe.
By remaining open, present, and curious, you can align with your highest purpose—even when it reveals itself unexpectedly. Life is filled with signs, but it’s up to you to notice and follow them. What small step will you take today to remain present and receptive?
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