Where Grit Meets Grace

Hey friend,

It’s another week, another Friday, another opportunity to look at life from a different view. With the day’s first cup of coffee in hand (Starbucks Dark Italian Roast is where it’s at!), I bring to you a quick trio of truths—one to laugh with, two to grow with.

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Life’s Nothing But a Carolina Road Trip

Who Knew Inspiration Could Come from a Traffic Jam?

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Forrest Gump taught us all that life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get. But what about the person who taught us that life is also like a road trip to North Carolina?

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Okay, maybe that was never a famous line in a blockbuster hit film, nor was it said by any world-renowned philosopher—but it was said by me. Yes, I’m staking my claim: life is like a road trip to North Carolina!

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On a recent trip up to the great state of North Carolina, we experienced both the best and the worst that travel has to offer. It was a not-so-subtle reminder of how quickly the tides can turn—both on a road trip and in life.

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What may seem like a story about traffic jams, travel snacks, and long, lonely highways is actually a fresh perspective on life.

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​If you’re up for it, catch the full story in this week’s blog.​

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The Happiness & Fulfillment Garden

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It might feel like an odd place to start, but for this life lesson, we need to take a walk in the garden. Now understand, this isn’t just any ordinary garden; this garden represents your life and serves as your guide to both happiness and fulfillment.

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In your garden, happiness appears as brilliant, colorful flowers that catch your eye and bring instant joy. These moments make you smile and lift your spirits. But there’s more than what meets the eye.

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In the same garden, fulfillment lies in the deep, sturdy roots hidden beneath the soil. Although not as flashy, these roots provide stability, nourish your growth, and ensure your garden thrives—even during the toughest storms and longest droughts.

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To fully embrace this metaphor, let me show you around the garden. If you need a bit more balance between fleeting excitement and lasting fulfillment, then this is the place to start.

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​Let’s dig in the dirt, pull some weeds, and water those flowers… You can read, listen to, or do both with this Podcast & Blog Combo!​

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The Success-Fulfillment Gap

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Have you ever reached a goal you’ve been chasing for what feels like forever—only to find that the victory didn’t taste nearly as satisfying as you had imagined? That’s the paradox many of us face. You work tirelessly, achieve that milestone, and yet something deep inside still feels missing. If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone—and what you’re about to discover might just be the ingredient that changes everything!

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​Read, listen, or do both with this Blog & Podcast Combo!​

SOMETHING JUST FOR FUN!

Next time life slams the brakes, try this:

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1. Crank up the volume to a song that makes you air drum!

2. Skip the text and call your best friend instead.

3. With all that talk about gardening, why not start your own?

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And with that, I’m out!

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Your fellow gardener & road trip warrior,
Kevin Lowe