During one of our workshop weekends, two participants had the rare and meaningful privilege of witnessing a deeply personal moment unfold in the life of a stranger.

They had been sent out with a purpose—to spend some time in the community with open hearts and a specific intention. That’s how they found themselves at a bus stop, sitting next to a woman in her 50s or 60s, holding a bag close to her side with quiet protectiveness.

Eventually, she shared—somewhat sheepishly—that inside the bag was a teddy bear.

A new one.

As she felt safe enough to continue, she explained that this bear was a replacement for the beloved childhood bear she had lost decades ago—torn in two, never to be repaired. After all this time, she had finally decided to buy a new one, spending more than $200 on a symbolic act of long-overdue healing.

Can you imagine the layers of emotion, the years of grief, the quiet ache that brought her to this point? To this decision? To this moment of closure?

In that one simple yet profound act, she had chosen prosperity.

She had chosen to create the change she needed in her own life—to gently release a pain she’d carried for far too long. In that moment of self-designed healing, this woman chose prosperity.

She was ready to move forward, to rise above the weight of what had once been. And I can’t help but wonder—why did it take so long? What joy must have been waiting for her just on the other side of this act of restoration? What beautiful experiences now lie ahead for her, untethered from that lingering childhood pain?

It was a deeply human moment, and those two participants were lucky enough to witness it. Maybe they’ll always be the only people she felt safe enough to share it with.

There are two lessons we can take from her story:

Lesson One:
Everyone you meet has a story. Everyone carries heartaches and burdens that may go back years or even decades. See people as people, not as objects or obstacles. Listen. Let them speak before offering solutions. Pay attention to where they’re coming from, to their dreams and struggles, before presenting your own agenda. When you put people first, the reward is deep, meaningful connection—whether or not anything else comes of it. That’s real prosperity.

Lesson Two:
What pivotal moment can you create for yourself right now? Transformation begins with a decision. And it’s the action taken on that decision that creates real, lasting change. This week, do one thing to bring healing to an old hurt—or to move forward with boldness and courage. Choose prosperity the way that woman at the bus stop did.

And maybe, just maybe…
Let’s all have a little more reverence for a child’s favorite teddy bear. :)

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•   To discover how to start choosing more effectively now, read The Jackrabbit Factor (FREE!)  
•   If you want more step-by-step guidance on creating the life you really want, join me in the Mindset Mastery program.
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