The Journey To ‘unleashed’
A Series of Stories That Aren’t just about a rescued dog — it’s A Transformational Framework That Might Rescue You!
“A heartwarming story based in Latin America of a man and his new bestie sharing an immersive experience, embracing discomfort and relishing the unpredictability of a foreign culture.”
“They continuously sought challenges, experiences that would inspire them to ‘THINK DIFFERENT, THINK BETTER.’”
Publisher of Daily Inspired Life
“In this article, we'll explore how external stimuli fueled sustainable motivation through a personal journey of transformation.”
“Adrienne Duffy from The Strategic Coach once said, ‘Motivation requires something from the outside to activate you.’ Could that ‘force’ be a tiny lapdog? A Latin American ‘Aventura?’”
Publisher of Be Inspired Global
What’s Different About Our Story-Based Learning Approach?
Tell visceral, memorable, relatable short Stories of a lived experience. Bet ya can’t wait to hear how we got into Sacred City!
Use captivating visuals to provide an extra dimension.
Reflective. Empowering. Honest. Occasional sass. Always genuine.
Each categorized Story celebrates The Five Principles to ‘THINK DIFFERENT, THINK BETTER,’ to achieve transformation.
Summarized with insightful ‘calls to action’
Let’s Use these Authentic Life Lessons To Unleash Your Potential!
turning Serendipity into a transformative Event
Could Rescue of the ex-wife’s Tiny dog Ignite A Journey to Enlightenment?
I didn’t plan for it. I wasn’t looking for it. In a truly unfortunate yet ironic event, everything changed dramatically. What started as a reluctant ‘Rescued the Dog’ emergency became the spark that redefined my direction, purpose, and identity. And that of a canine as well. That’s the power of serendipity—but magic only happens when you’re ready to grab it with both hands. Or in this case, paws.
The Ordinary Before the Unexpected
As a divorcee and an empty nester, my life was characterized by a monotonous routine. I was checking boxes, completing tasks, and meeting expectations—but something was missing. It wasn’t dissatisfaction, but rather a quiet, persistent sense that I was living on autopilot. The days blurred together.
No joy. I had no identity and was slipping into a deep depression.
The Moment of Serendipity
That brutally cold Dallas Saturday morning changed everything.
Engaged in my ‘Saturday morning routine’ of watching English football (with a bet to keep it interesting) the ex-sister-in-law calls, panicked …
“There’s a problem with my sister (the dog’s original owner, my ex-wife) ya gotta get Twinkles, quick!”
Medical emergencydog and the dog had been abandoned for two days in an apartment.
Reality is she had been emotionally abandoned her whole life.
My ex acquired the dog long after our divorce. Canine and I had made brief, generally uncomfortable countenances in the past. We weren’t strangers. We weren’t buddies either.
Making the drive over I thought, “Who knows what went through that helpless tiny dog’s mind.” I expected the dog to be ecstatic when I entered. Nope.
Instead, she rolled her eyes and I got a look of, “Oh, no. Not this guy.”
Twinkles wasn’t doing much twinkling. The 2-kg, 6-yr old female chihuahua and I were mutually indifferent towards each other. A case of contrasting personalities. 'Tirade Tom' vs. ‘Timid Twinkles’ and no budging.
No small wonder she didn’t like me. I lived with a seemingly worsening bipolar my entire adult existence, specializing on the manic side of the ‘spectrum.’ And the ‘benefits’ of my ‘bi-polar magic’ were in a steady state of decay.
the ‘Perfect Intervention?’
At the core, Twinkles and I weren’t so different. Seemingly Ok on the outside, miserable and desperate on the inside.
Both had been emotionally isolated.
Both were desperately seeking joy but had no map to get there. They were both ‘Cornered.’
Twinkles cowers in fear, deathly afraid of “The Chinese Gang.”
Two terrifyingly lovable six-week old baby shi-tzus.
Get to the Same Place Using Two Opposite Approaches
Tom
Textbook definition of career manic. It’s a fast-burning, high-voltage existence filled with agitation, volatility, and impulsivity. Traditional therapies, medications helped in moments.
No they didn’t.
I had nobody to anchor me. Could dog be the answer to hault my swirling devolution?
A routine?
Accountability?
Positive socialization?
She didn’t come with tools or strategies. She came with presence.
Exactly what I needed. For the first time, I saw my emotional energy reflected in real time — not in a therapist’s notes or a journal entry, but in a living, breathing mirror.
Her feedback was direct, immediate and best of all wasn’t filtered, veiled or part of an agenda. Twinkles couldn’t fix me, but maybe Twinkles could give me a reason to ‘show up differently.’
Twinkles
A ‘lap dog’ literally and figuratively. For her six years of existence, she lived exclusively on the foot of Ex’s bed, complete with dog bowl and pee pads. On the rare occasion she did get outside, it was on the astroturf playground of the apartment complex.
Not fair. Problem was she had no leadership. Powerless.
Regardless of size, dogs are meant to:
Run around.
Go for an exhilerating walk to smell, explore, get some exercise.
Be part of a pack, a family.
Get attention from anybody willing to give it. (Assuming they ‘pass the sniff test.’)
Twinkles never got any of that. Sad. But deep down, I’m confident she was expecting her ‘Serendipity’ moment to occur.
Tom y Twinkles
So much potential on both sides waiting to GET UNLEASHED!
The Choice to Act
I almost brushed the serendipity off, especially when my ‘friends’ pelted me with pragmatic comments like, “The dog hates you, what are you going to do with her? Why bother Tom?” They encouraged me to ‘Say No.’
Twinkles was ‘Saying No’ too. One night I lifted her onto my bed, maybe sleeping together might work. She went right to the foot as far from me as possible.
Next morning I noticed a pee stain in that area. She wasn’t marking her territory rather sending a clear message of dissent. Clearly she wasn’t ‘Open.’ Yet.
Slowly the human/canine embargo began to soften, but it was clear an impasse remained. I hoped Twinkles’ presence alone would be the ‘external motivator’ to get my flywheel going, but that strategy wasn’t working.
I was ‘open,‘ but not really trying and the trying was certainly not effective (e.g. the bed incident.)
Did I waste a lifeline?
Good news. Serendipity was having none of this. Persisted. It kept showing up. It is rare for a typically fleeting external motivator to allow you a second chance.
I had assumed the de facto title, ‘Owner.’ Titles mean nothing to a dog. Just an entity that provides food, shelter. The basics.
But deep down, dogs crave more than just the basics and need their ’Owner’ to provide leadership in order for them to achieve their best life.
So I came to the conclusion if this was going to work, cash in the Serendipity, I needed to be an effective LEADER of the Tiny One. Make a real effort.
Taking the 4-lb dog on her first walk took REAL effort from this 220-lb dude! It was more of a drag. But can you imagine the sensory overload, shock she was feeling in that moment. Kinda like one of us being dropped in a remote locale full of wild surprises.
Equally traumatic for both of us.
But learned that making gentle progress was the key. Do it on her timetable.
I reflected on my business career, conflated that with the Twinkles bonding process and realized ‘the magic formula.’
Time + tests = trust
Exactly, It’s earned not granted. Our relationship was a bit choppy at first, then over time (six months) things got to be routine, easy, actually enjoyable. For both of us.
“Twinkles, GO FOR A WALK?”
“OK!!!” scratching at the door. Bringing me her leash/collar.
Serendipity opened the door, kept it open despite our stumblings, now we were ready. Ready with full force to capitalize on the opportunity and begin La Aventura, The Journey to Unleashed!
La Aventura, The Journey, to ‘Unleashed’ Begins
How did WE CAPITALIZE ON IT? A ‘South American Getaway’ perhaps?
Butch Cassidy (me) gave the Sundance Kid (Twinkles) a manifesto on the way to Latin America. Sometimes a powerful soliloquy can have the magic to convince others, if not yourself! Jajaja!!
Case For Change
Twinkles, in our new world you will live extraordinary life and become who you were destined to be — ‘La Princesa’ not some lap dog. You will learn to …
Do things you didn’t want to do.
Do things most dare not to do.
Do things never imagined you could do.
And TOGETHER we will do INCREDIBLE THINGS!
But our new home will be uncomfortable at times.
Filled with monumental adversity, daily.
Good days will be extraordinary, bad days pure agony.
Change is scary but can be scary good, growth begins where comfort ends.
‘Apoyo y Ayude Siempre,’ which translates to ‘help and support forever’ will be our credo.”
THEN SHE looked up at me with excitement, anticipation AND INSTEAD OF SAYING “OK,” TWINKLES declared “VAMANOS!”
Be Open, ‘expecting’
Serendipity is unpredictable, but transformation isn’t. It requires action. What felt like an accident turned out to be an invitation—but only because I said Yes.
I learned that readiness isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about staying open to the unfamiliar and trusting yourself enough to leap when something stirs. Those chance moments of unexpected opportunity—can be powerful, but only if we're primed to recognize and act on them.
1. Cultivate Awareness
Stay curious and observant. Often, serendipity looks like noise unless you're paying attention.
Ask: What’s the unexpected insight here? What can I do with this?
2. Act Quickly
Momentum matters. Don’t wait for perfect clarity—take small, bold steps.
Capture the moment in writing, voice notes, or with a quick conversation.
3. Keep an Open and Experimental Mindset
Don’t shut down ideas just because they don’t fit your current plan.
Let chance encounters challenge assumptions.
4. Connect the Dots
Serendipity often reveals connections, not complete solutions.
Look for intersections between your goals and the opportunity.
5. Build Optionality Into Your Life
Say “yes” more often to unfamiliar situations.
Leave space in your schedule, in your thinking, and in your conversations for the unexpected.
6. Reflect and Reframe … What did I do with my serendipity?
After something serendipitous happens, pause to reflect: What did I learn? What new path might this open?
Name, analyze your FIVE BEST Serendipity Stories. Think hard, thery’re containrd in the inner vaults..
Other ‘Be Open’ Stories: ‘Wanted to Hate You now I Love You,’ ‘Minding thr Gap,’ ‘Espero - Wait, Hope’ …
The Five Personal Transformation Principles of Unleashed
How It All Comes Together
Be Open (Expecting) – Say yes more often. Notice unexpected opportunities and welcome them.
Be Brave (Asking) – Put yourself out there. Ask questions, make requests, and seek insight.
Be Bold (Sparking) – Do something you didn’t want to do. Break patterns and ignite change.
Be Aware (Observing) – Harness the power of Hummingbird Eyes. See more. See differently.
Be Better (Improving) – Embrace the Infinite Loop. Improve a little every day, endlessly
Now Lets Share some Synopsized Versions of Stories that Celebrate ‘The Other’ Transformation Principles
2. Be BRave (Asking)
“It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.” —- Mark Twain
Tiny Yet Mighty
We’re getting ready for the ascent to The Sacred City, Machu Picchu. I say, “Twinkles, go pee.”
Apparently, the Twink has invaded Big Fella’s turf. This was no ordinary dog. We’re talking a beast — 20x her size, part living statue, part warlord. Same breed as ‘El Libratadore,’ Simon Bolivar’s dog.
Every tourist in sight stopped breathing. A nearby hiker nudged me: “Aren’t you worried?”
“Nope.”
Why? Because courage isn’t about size. It’s about presence, mindset, and grit. And she got all that. But rest assured, I was like a ‘Jewish Mother’ making sure nothing went pear-shaped.
Key Learnings
Presence beats size/rank. Whether you’re a small dog or a new voice in the room, your confidence and clarity can command attention
Fear shrinks when you stand your ground. From the ‘Chinese Gang’ of baby shi-tzus to Machu Picchu, Twinkles proves that courage grows with each act of defiance.
Calls to Action
Own your space. Even when you feel “smaller,” show up with your full self — cute, clever, and courageous.
Stand your ground when it counts. Trust your instincts. Speak up. Hold firm. You may be surprised how much power you carry.
Other ‘Brave Stories: ‘In a Lunatic we Trust,’ ‘Victim of A Fool’s Errand,’ ‘Looking Forward, Looking Backward’ …
3. Be Bold (Sparking)
The 742-Step Lesson: ReFUSAL, Resolve, and …
Conquering a Phobia!
Shannon Alder once opined, “The things you regret most in life are the risks you didn’t take.”
We take that concept further: “Do something you didn’t want to do every day.”
Power of the Internal Debate
As ‘The Three Amigos’ arrived at the base of La Piedra del Penol —the so-called “Greatest View in the World,” there was no turning back and this excruciating climb gonna happen.
But Twinkle’s nanny, Cloretta was having none of this. She used the “Perros Prohibido,” No dogs allowed policy as an excuse not to make the brutal ascent.
“I’ll stay here with Twinkles, you go have your ‘Aventura, Tom.’”
Having none of that.
Filled with ‘The Holy Spirit of Rockne,’ I unconsciously unleashed the greatest motivational speech of my life. It concluded with, “This is a team dammit and we’re gonna win this one for The Twinker!”
Boldness: The Reward
742 steps later ... Dog emerges from backpack. Humans emerge breathless, sweaty, TRIUMPHANT! We ALL reached the top where the ‘green in the gills’ Colombiana finally admitted:
“I’ve always wanted to do this. But I have a fear of heights. Just needed the push!” Colombiana discovered the joy of living her Life Without Limits!
She learned:
Regret is louder than fear. We rarely regret what we tried — only what we skipped.
Sometimes you need a push. Encouragement, even with a little smuggle mischief, can spark courage in others.
Call to Action
Do one thing you don’t want to do today — especially if it gets you closer to a dream.
Be someone’s ignition. You never know who just needs a nudge to climb their own 742 steps.
Celebrate BOLD Vigorously. I bought and immediately put on a shirt of her favorite soccer club, I WAS ON HER TEAM TOO!
Other Bold Stories: ‘This Culture Ain’t Flyin,’ ‘Macchu Impossible,’ ‘You’re Not Ready Yet,’ …
4. Be Aware (Observing)
Head on a Swivel: A Chihuahua’s Guide to Street Smarts
Medellin, Colombia. The sign translated: Chihuahuas, Man’s Best Friend For Sale Here
“Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse — if you’re too comfortable, you’re not doing it right.” — Ted Lasso
In Colombia, Is Twinkles on the Menu?
Venturing into a back alley, we discover a store-front food stand. The kind of place that smelled like danger and deliciousness. A swirl of grilled meat, salsa music, and Medellín's pulse.
My ‘hummingbird eyes’ were on full alert that day. Sensed the scene, identified a ‘couldn’t be helped’ photo opportunity, and pulled a risky maneuver.
Twinkles seemed to perk up as if to say, “Dad, I smell hot dogs. Can’t read the signs so good — translation, por favor?”
A Calculated Risk
I lifted her up and perched TheTiny One on the counter for a quick pic, then burst into laughter doubling over.
“Twinkle,” I said, catching my breath, “in Colombia, a Chihuahua is a man’s best friend... because you’re figuratively a bargain mini hot dog!”
“Figurative the key word puppy.”
Reactions of the locals in line? Laughing harder than me. One of them wiped away a tear. They got it — the cultural joke, the context, the comic timing. Twinkle wasn’t lunch, rather the punchline. We all were relieved, relaxed… just a little.
What We Learned
Stay Alert, Not Anxious. Growth environments feel unfamiliar — that’s a feature, not a flaw. Stay sharp, but don’t freak out.
Learn to Read the Room (or the Line at the Food Stand). Sometimes the world’s laughing with you. Lean into the joke — even if it’s at your expense. Connection lives in shared context.
Find Humor in the Heat. Stressful moments are often survivable — even hilarious — if you take a breath and look around.
Let your discomfort guide your attention — not your panic. There’s power in being calmly ready.
Other Aware Stories: ‘This Culture Ain’t Flyin,’ ‘Macchu Impossible,’ ‘Sacred City Savior, ‘Enemies Unite’ …
5. Be Better (Improving)
learning to swim, but i don’t have fins
”And water up the nose — that’s the hardest thing.” a COMEDIC paraphrase the Tom Petty classic, “Learning to Fly.”
From Lapdog to Lap-Swimmer
Wow! When I first met her, the dog was afraid to go outside. The pool wasn’t imaginable. But with time, a “Do something you didn’t want to do” attitude, she’s on her own in the ocean.
She took a leap, literally and physically.
No life vest. No floaties. Just guts. “Chihuahuas are water dogs, turns out. Sure, we lounge on laps — but we can swim them too,” she proclaimed!
“Aren’t you proud of me, Dad?”
I nodded, “Yes I am. But that’s not what matters. What matters is that YOU ARE PROUD OF YOURSELF.”
“Twinkles es jurado de Twinkles.”
She knew enough Spanish now to get it: “I’m my own judge.” I set my own bar — and try to raise it every day.”
“That’s the ‘infinite loop’ Twink!”
Calls to Action – Lessons from the Deep End
Sponsor Someone - If someone’s learning something new, don’t just cheer, walk with them. Coach. Support. Be the calm in their chaos.
Be Your Own Judge - Praise is great. But pride in yourself is priceless. Ask: Am I growing? Am I trying? Am I showing up for myself?
Slow Down to Get Clear - Clarity doesn’t come from chaos. Create stillness — even for a moment — and the next step becomes obvious.
Other Improving Stories: ‘Translating Twinkles Into Spanish',’ ‘Daddy Who’s Your Caddy?’ ‘Feliz Cumpleanos puppy!’ …
getting unleashed can wash away flaws.
you’ll notice the change.
The summit, Piedra del Penol, Guatape, Colombia
Goal Accomplished: unleashed
THINK DIFFERENT, THINK BETTER!
As we boarded the plane returning to America Norte, ‘Tirade Tom’ and ‘Timid Twinkles’ didn’t make the trip. Instead they were replaced by ‘Tranquilo Tom’ (more patient, empathetic) and ‘Twinkle La Princesa’ (more confident, intrepid.)
Twinkles and I both proclaimed, we …
“Did things we didn’t want to do (go for a dog walk), most not dare to do (get dog into Sacred City), never imagined could do (assimilate into Latin culture,) and TOGETHER we celebrated the joy of doing INCREDIBLE THINGS!"