Cultivating Purpose Through Everyday Encounters: The Challenge of Knowing What You Don’t Know in Everyday Encounters
What do you know that you don’t know? It’s a bit of a tongue twister, isn’t it? I’ve been reflecting on this as I continue my Be More Social Challenge, aiming for intentional living and personal growth. The more I lean into self-reflection, the clearer it becomes: awareness doesn’t always come when you expect it. Sometimes, it strikes in the quiet moments between conversations. Sometimes, it comes while you’re waiting on others — like a lawyer — to take the next step. These kinds of moments are at the heart of cultivating purpose through everyday encounters. In fact, cultivating purpose through everyday encounters is how I’ve started to find deeper meaning and direction. It’s through this ongoing process of cultivating purpose through everyday encounters that real growth happens.
Today, I want to share my experience as I’ve navigated these moments. When is the best time to focus on cultivating awareness? And when do we miss the chance?
Finding Awareness and Purpose: When Is the “Right Time” to Be Present?
Awareness often creeps in when we least expect it— during what feels like life’s most mundane moments. I had one of these moments today, as I waited to meet with a lawyer about registering our charity. It’s taken three months just to get a seat at the table. And even then, I was told it might take two more months to secure our organization’s domain.
Why does this matter so much? Because with that domain, we can move forward with solutions for the homeless community I interact with daily— people like Robo, Jono, Marco, and so many others who are just waiting for someone to see them truly. To truly know them.
That waiting period gave me time to reflect. I started noticing the little details: the frustration I felt with bureaucracy, the determination to push forward despite delays, and the people who inspired the mission in the first place.
So, when is the best time to cultivate awareness? I’d argue it’s whenever we pause long enough to observe ourselves and the world around us— in the waiting rooms, during walks, in conversation with friends and strangers alike.
My “Aha” Moments in Everyday Encounters: What Triggers Awareness?
The Walk That Sparked Cultivating Purpose Through Everyday Encounters
Earlier today, I took a two-hour walk with my dog after chatting with a few members of our local homeless community. There’s something about stepping outside and connecting— even with a simple “G’day”— that opens your eyes.
I noticed how many of them don’t ask for money. They want what we all want:
- A bed to sleep in.
- A warm shower.
- A sense of belonging.
The council offers cold showers in the park. Imagine that in winter, stripping down, shivering, exposed. That awareness hit hard. I realized that what they need isn’t charity in the form of coins, but dignity.
The Lawyer and the Expensive Signature
Then came another layer of awareness— the reality of how complicated, expensive, and slow progress can be. I’ve written documents, gathered sponsors, and lined up donors. But without the right paperwork, we’re stuck.
The lawyer’s signature? It feels like chasing an autograph— except this one costs a lot more, and it holds the power to change lives. It made me think about how many solutions are just out of reach because of red tape, not because of a lack of ideas or passion.
My Youth Hostel Lesson
I was reminded of a time in my youth, staying at a hostel in Fort Lauderdale. We’d wake at dawn, line up for day work cleaning boats, and earn what we needed. It was simple. It worked. The honor system thrived. That was awareness, too— seeing how dignity, opportunity, and community could coexist without bureaucracy.
The Worst Time to Ignore Awareness in Everyday Moments
The worst time to focus on cultivating awareness? When we’re too wrapped up in frustration, anger, or apathy. When we let ourselves believe that nothing can change, that the system is too big or too broken. I caught myself slipping into that mindset when dealing with legal delays, but the Be More Social Challenge reminded me to pause, reflect, and reframe.
I chose passion over frustration. Determination over defeat. And that shift in mindset— that tiny awareness— fueled me to keep pushing forward.
Reflections and Takeaways
Here’s what I’ve learned as I’ve cultivated awareness through this journey:
- Awareness blooms in the spaces between action. Don’t rush through the waiting.
- The simplest interactions— a “G’day” or a smile— can awaken purpose.
- Solutions exist, but we need systems (and people) willing to act faster.
- Frustration is a sign: a cue to pause, reframe, and refocus.
Call to Action: Your Turn
I invite you to take a moment today and reflect:
- When was your last true moment of awareness?
- What did it teach you?
- Who around you might be waiting to be truly seen?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s build a community that chooses awareness, connection, and action.
Final Thoughts: Simple Say G’day
Tomorrow, I’ll sharpen my focus even more as I continue this challenge. But today, I’m grateful for the moments that reminded me of what matters: dignity, belonging, and purposeful action. Simply say “G’day”. You never know what door it might open for someone else, or yourself.