Getting unleashed
disillusioned Duo’s AventurA To Redemption
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
How We Make ‘think different, think better’ Concepts Memorable
Tell a visceral, relatable story of a lived experience (NOT IVORY TOWER THEORY)
Use captivating visuals to give the experience an added dimension
Summarize, inspire with a ‘call to action’
turning Serendipity into a transformative Event
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 ‘Rescue 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 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!”
Tiny dog had been abandoned for two days in an apartment. Reality is she had been emotionally abandoned her whole life. 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.”
Given our prior encounters Twinkles the dog (a 2-kg, 6-yr old chihuahua) and I were mutually indifferent towards each other. A case of differing personalities. 'Tirade Tom' vs. ‘Timid Twinkles’ and no budging.
However In certain aspects we were quite similar. Both seemed fine, but felt miserable inside. So much potential 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?”
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.
Did I waste a lifeline?
But 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.
Serendipity opened the door, now it's time for me, us, to capitalize on it.
La Aventura to Get Unleashed Begins
How did WE CAPITALIZE ON IT? A ‘South American Getaway.’ So Butch Cassidy (me) gave the Sundance Kid (Twinkles, after all the color of her red/blonde coat matches that of Redford’s beard) a manifesto on the way to Colombia. Sometimes a powerful soliloquy can have the power to convince others, and yourself!
“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’re not supposed to do.
Do things you didn’t want to do.
Do things never imagined you could do.
Our New Home is ranked the third best city in the world
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.”
Serendipity - Points to ponder
The Takeaways
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
After something serendipitous happens, pause to reflect: What did I learn? What new path might this open?
The Five Principles To Transformation
How It All Comes Together
Be Open (Serendipity) – 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.
Each of these threads run, and often intersect, through each of our chapters.
We’ve already discussed Serendipity, Lets Share some Synopsized examples of how we Examine The Other Four Be’s
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.
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 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.
Be Bold (Sparking)
The 742-Step Lesson: Regret, Resolve, and a Phobia Conquered
Shannon Alder once opined, “The things you regret most in life are the risks you didn’t take.” We take it further: “Do something you didn’t want to do every day.”
The Internal Debate
When the three of us 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 ascent.
“I’ll stay here with Twinkles, you go have your ‘Aventura.’”
Having none of that, unleashed my inner Rockne and proclaimed, ‘This is a team dammit.’
742 steps later ...
Dog emerges from backpack. Humans emerge breathless, sweaty, TRIUMPHANT! We ALL reached the top where the Colombiana finally admitted:
“I’ve always wanted to do this. But I have a fear of heights. Just needed the push!”
What We Learned (And You Can Too)
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.
Be Aware (Observing)
Head on a Swivel: A Chihuahua’s Guide to Street Smarts
The sign translated: Chihuahuas, Man’s Best Friend For Sale Here
As our fellow foreign philosopher Ted Lasso once said: “Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse — if you’re too comfortable, you’re not doing it right.”
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?”
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 a bargain mini hot dog!”
Reactions of the locals in line? Laughing harder than Dad. 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 (And You Can Too)
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.
Be Better (Improving)
learning to swim, but i don’t have fins
”And water up the nose — that’s the hardest thing.” (to 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’re 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.
getting unleashed can wash away flaws.
you’ll notice the change.
Goal Accomplished: THINK DIFFERENT, THINK BETTER!
After the three most adventurous, frustrating, fulfilling years of our lives we returned to America. ‘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), weren’t supposed 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!”