As we roll into this week, I’ve been thinking about how life is one wild, unpredictable ride. You never know what’s around the next corner—a new opportunity, a tough challenge, or a moment that changes everything. And you know what? That uncertainty is the joy in life. It’s the heartbeat of adventure, and it’s up to us to carry the torch through the highs and lows, letting every twist shape who we become.

Life doesn’t hand you a script. One day you’re booking a red-eye to Nashville for a StoryBrand certification (like I did a few weeks back), and the next you’re wrestling with big questions about your brand or cheering at your kid’s dance recital. Some moments lift you up, others knock the wind out of you. But here’s the truth: the difficult times—the setbacks, the doubts, the failures—are just as vital as the wins. They carve out your resilience, your grit, your story. They make you you.

I’ve had my share of curveballs. Launching my blog full-time and working with five strategic companies for content and marketing wasn’t a straight line. There were late nights, missteps, and moments I wondered if I was in over my head. But those hard patches taught me more than the easy ones. They pushed me to refine my vision, lean into my voice (like sharing my journey with you here), and keep going. Embracing the unknown—good and bad—has been the fuel for this adventure.

That’s what makes life so rich: it’s unpredictable, and that’s the point. The joy isn’t in knowing what’s next; it’s in choosing to show up anyway, torch in hand, ready to light the way. Whether it’s chasing a dream like entrepreneurship, navigating a tough season, or even speaking your truth (like we talked about last week for the 4th of July), you get to decide how to carry forward. Every step, even the shaky ones, is part of the adventure that shapes who you are.

Here’s my challenge for you this week: think of one moment in your life—tough or triumphant—that shaped who you are today. Write it down, and reflect on what it taught you. Then, pick one small action to lean into your own adventure—maybe it’s a bold move for your goals, a conversation you’ve been avoiding, or just saying yes to something new. If you’re up for it, hit reply and share your moment or your next step—I’d love to hear how you’re carrying the torch!

Life’s unpredictability is its magic. Embrace the hard stuff, celebrate the surprises, and keep moving forward. The adventure is yours to own.

With gratitude,

Justin

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PS - I have a weekly update that I will include on my dreams below, this is something I have been doing personally for more than 2 years now, and it is my guiding light for how I make decisions and decide what I want to be doing and chasing.

If you ever want to became part of what I am creating, you can sign up at www.justindcstephens.com for the Employee Empowerment Initiative.

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Justin Stephens

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