We spend so much time trying to find our way alone that we sometimes forget we’re part of something much bigger. Sometimes, the person who reminds us of what we already know is simply the one we least expected to be listening.
. . .
The challenge for an artist, seeker, observer, conscious student, or activist is the very real need for solitude.
The other side of that coin is the reality of being human, and thus a social animal. We need a support structure, and those of us who have one may take it for granted.
Life can feel lonely when we isolate our efforts and imagine we must be our own motivators and inspirers, champions, supporters, and counsel.
That’s both arrogant and virtually impossible, a recipe for stalled progress and, more often than not, an empty fuel tank.
A young barista asked what my plans were for the day. I said I’d sit for a while, reading and maybe writing. See what comes up. He asked what I write about. I said I observe myself, people, and life, then share what I learn and grow through, along with what I see out there that others might resonate with.
I certainly didn’t say it with any confidence, yet he surprised me with, “Nice! I love reading that kind of stuff, and reading books in that area.”
After some more banter, some nuggets and gems emerged:
Kid: “What’s it like, making a living writing…?”
Me: “Oh, I don’t make a living writing. I’m looking for work.”
Kid: “Well, if you believe it’s your work — if you know it’s what you’re to do, things will come together for you. It’s all available for us.”
Surreal. I felt like I’d slipped into an alternate reality where I inhabited both our skins… After a breath, I snapped to and thanked him for giving me something to chew on.
And he went back to brewing coffee.
In that moment, I was humbled, inspired, awakened, and a little taken aback at this clever little shit who’d so brazenly fed me my own medicine.
In all honesty, I’m grateful. As usual, messengers, mentors, angels, and answers just show up.
But the point here is that it’s important to know that someone has your back, and that something greater than our practiced little story of reality is going on here. We need to be open to such seemingly spontaneous opportunities, awkward as they may initially feel.
And we’re always asking, whether we’re aware of it or not. The next big step is discernment and learning to receive.
Solvitur ambulando
Written by Trance Blackman. Originally published on tranceblackman.com on 28 January 2017. Revised 23 October 2026.
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