Stranger Than Pulp Fiction

Great read

I hear you bro. But how do you know if you’re on that path and how do you get there if you’re not…?

Your post was amazing to me. It really hit home for me. My entire life I have had those type of things happen to me , but never understood why or what it meant . Thank you for that post . It was perfect for me to read it at this point in my life . I’m confident I’m on the right path more and more. And you solidified that for me. Thanks alot .

Hey Chris! That’s an awesome read, thanks!!

I know this is going to sound abit funky but I have been doing research and reading online lately about starting something online, being a trainer I wanted to do something in the industry but wasn’t sure if I should learn something new or not so I wasn’t really sure about what to do and then yesterday you sent me an email about your new Fitness Internet Profits hahaha so I started reading it and then i was thinking this is to much of a coincidence and today you write this up!! I’m spinning out big time man!! Hahaha

Also it’s good to hear that someone else that went through some hard times has become successful and made it in life! Thanks Big Boy!! Your a inspiration

Thanks for sharing, your post reminded me that there is the path for everyone, even though we don’t see it sometimes.

WOW! Stay on the path, you are helping people

Chris, I just recently started reading your posts- you’re a gifted writer who can span all audiences. Keep up the fantastic work!

My favorite of yours all time Chris, and you put out some good stuff. Thanks for the great read.

Thats some trippy stories.

Incredible how people have taken those coincidences/moments and created entire religions from it to start wars.

They attempt to define something that’s impossible to define. Put rules around it. Give it some human names then say, “don’t do XY and Z or this energy will be mad at you”.

Moments like the ones you wrote about are impossible to define and explain. We don’t have the instruments to measure and take tests of it because it’s intangible and invisible. We only see the result of its being present in the physical world.

But these moments help me to realize that there is a whole other force and world taking place behind the scenes. It lives in the gap.

“The Gap” is a magical place to be!

Chris, awesome read.
I always find time to read your blogs, it’s so refreshing and real. I haven’t had the hard life you have had but it hasn’t been easy non the less. You’re a huge inspiration to anyone that knows deep down that they can conquer whatever issues they’re up against and be successful. Keep it coming

Rough, rugged and raw!
Your truth is inspirational to so many and some ppl just wouldn’t get t or open their minds enough to even try.i
I have always had this firm belief :
You can only truly experience the great heights that life offers if you have experienced some of It’s lows. Not speaking from a monetary sense.
I think it’s time to write my life’s story hopes to inspire those who can be inspired through my life’s ups & downs anf back ups.
Much Respect Chris!

Proverbs 27:5
Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

Thanks Chris. I had just vowed this morning to give up trying to control situations in order to make everything go smoothly in the lives of others. I have a habit of figuring and predicting in order to prevent conflict and events from happening. I had spent the last hour deciding to give that up and let it go. I came home with the intention of finding a scripture or quote on the subject that was succinct and would remind me of my new resolution of giving up control. I opened my email, and there was your article with many great references about giving up control. Serendipity is an understatement. Thank you!

You are an outstanding writer. Respect. (Just one Pepsi!)

Awesome stuff Chris similar events have happened to me. Funny that your email arrived at the moment I was feeling like I was bein pulled out of the moment and in some what of a funk when it comes to my ongoing training and diet protocol. As a pro Natural Bodybuilder THERE IS NO OFF SEASON FOR ME.Helped me to get grounded and start the day off with a BANG.

Thanks for all you do and reciprocate

Jason

Sometimes we face adversity and there is a choice hide in fear or fight….. This blog is wake up call to the world that everyone has a choice to make regarding their own life style. Today, I chose to fight and stand up with truth about the past present and future. No longer I will be shameful for my past or background instead, I will hold my head up high… Thanks for the inspirations. keep writing.

Lenore nailed it. Another great post, Chris!

Chris,

This is the first time that I read your blog. I found it on FB. Great read! Thank you. I love this statement “The gap allows me to be open in the moment to the path being laid out in front of me.” Excellent advise. Thank you again. I am adding this to my must constantly read list. All the best and Happy New Year. Steven M.

Good read Chris, I nearly wasn’t going to read it then felt compelled to for some weird reason – I do believe in paths crossing – fate or whatever the f**k you want to call it, like you have lost the way many times in my youth with drugs and violence etc. Now the ripe young age of 52 rediscovering myself, a new path in fitness (damn hard business!!) trying to find where I fit into this crazy industry anyway I digress – I started reading the comments and saw you had replied about “The Power of Now” a book I was given years ago but didn’t really read it, but just recently a client gave it back to me out of the blue and now you mention it again – ok looks like its time to read it 🙂

Stay Strong
Elton

Awesome stuff as always. It’s really amazing how life works and some crazy “coincidences” happen. Thanks for sharing and I’m glad you’re on the right path.

Chris:
I admire your success and perseverance. I recently found your webpage and blog. I recently this year lost 52lbs by going back to the beginning to work out again and look to do some Personal Training on side. Love the fitness industry. 2012 has been a difficult year personally, and especially tough when you are an elected city official, as I am. Your blogs are so true. I also found when on the right redeeming path, things go terrific and click into place. But when travelling the wrong path, it seems God is trying to turn you around, but you have to listen and have faith. It is tough. I thank you so much for openness and sharing of experiences.

“Education comes from within; you get it by struggle and effort and thought.” Napolean Hill

I read this post on a day that I really, really needed to read it. So, your post was a good sign on my correct path. 😉 I have noticed many of the weird things you mentioned, when I was paying attention…when I allowed things to happen instead of whipping myself up into an anxious frenzy and trying to force things. I look back on my life and see the times I tried to crowbar everything, and when things just fell into place as if by some magical helping hands. This has been true not only with situations and circumstances, but with people, as well. The Universe, or God, tries to tell us, “Hey, don’t go that way” when we are on the wrong path, and a million and one obstacles materialize on that path in the forms of bad situations and even obstinate people. Interesting that as soon as you jump back on the right path and let God do the omnipotent God thing, things miraculously alter and “flow”, and even some of the same people you have always known become your allies again.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂

Outstanding Chris! People’s perceptions and interpretations of life’s happenings are very powerful and set the foundation for one’s state of mind. I like how you think now and appreciate the examples that you gave of your former way and your present way. I believe we all have the challenge of dealing with life circumstances that could potentially lead to mental turmoil if perceived a certain way. The concept of how to deal with life is a huge one and your stories and perceptions of your own life are tremendous and provide great clarity of both your before and current mind states. Thanks for the great read!

By the way, your line, “I just jump off the cliff and build my wings on the way down” is a classic!

Chris,

I signed up to receive your e-mails a few months back, and this one was the best because I have found that this way of “thinking” or “being” is how to be truly happy and on the right path. People call it different things, but I know it as the Law of Attraction. The things you think manifest everything that happens, good or bad. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

hey Chris, life is full of crazy shit sometimes, I’m with you on that mate!
I’m going through another one of those times at the moment myself but I know now it’s the times like this that push me to master me, so I can grow and move on to the bigger, next version of myself. It’s funny how I keep getting messages (signs, inspirations, coincidences, fuck I don’t what you would call them) from different source lately (now your blog to).
your a good man Chris, thank for sharing your story
J

Awesome Chris!! Love this it also makes me realise at the age of 26 I try and force success too much I just gotta let the flow happen, I sometimes get anxiety that I dont get enough work done in a day and work stupid amounts of hours and I constantly have to learn…

It’s hard for me to ‘disconnect’ from everything that’s going on and chill…

… For example I’m watching ‘the pursuit of happyness’ last night and lying in bed tapping my feet and hands getting worked up and just wanting to do work for fear of losing everything like will smith does. It’s weird but your post makes me realise that I’m still young you went through so much in your twentys!!

It’s just about enjoying the journey and in theory of course I know this it’s the detaching and chilling I find hard…

Anyway GREAT POST!!

Wow Chis that was a deep post! Great stories with great lessons and yet the perfect quotes for everything being said. Again wow

Love that blog post about coincidence. I have those every once in the while and they freak me out. I was actually going to see “Django Unchained” last night and I skipped it. After your Pulp Fiction post I think I better go today. I heard that movie is one of his best ever. Pulp Fiction is one of my favorites ever. I love how the Gold Watch is so important. I always think if not for the path that the Gold Watch travels on, Vincent Vega doesn’t get killed, Marsellus doesn’t get raped. The 2 guys in the pawn shop don’t get killed. I think about that sometimes. How 1 decision we make has such amazing ripple effects. Best Wishes for Peace and Prosperity in the New Year Chris. Your an inspiration. Take care.

All I have to say is WOW. I book marked this page. Looking forward to more.

I really enjoyed reading this Chris! I love how you write just like you speak. Shannon was my Uncle and as a nine year-old kid, I had no clue what was going on. In my heart I always felt like Uncle Shannon was on the edge of being here and not being here, almost like he was unreal (different from the rest of us). It’s hard to explain. I’ve had a lot of experiences that have freaked me out too. It’s good to know I’m not the only one moved and curious about them:)

I frickin’ LOVE THIS. I didn’t want it to end. THANK YOU for sharing . I strive EVERY day to stay on my path and I pray God continues to keep you on yours, because this is good stuff; this is your gift. Once again, thank you!

Hey Chris.

This newsletter really hit home for me. I have it saved on my iPhone to bring me back to what really matters and how I can be successful.

This goes straight to something Dave Ramsey talks about. Momentum is not luck it is time intensity focus and God that make you have momentum.

Again great post I read most of your posts and newsletters. You have given me a ton of ideas and helped my business

I am so so glad I “stumbled” this article.
I’ve had quite a few “coincidental” occurrences happen as of late. I’ve shared my musings with one friend who is of the same mind frame, but not with anyone else. From a book that someone recommended, with the same name of a restaurant I was hired for, to another book I read that has started and is still creating a trail effect. Sometimes the uncanninness is scary, because it proves how much power your thoughts have and how careful you should be with them, but mostly it’s exhilarating, knowing that you can somehow manifest your life.
Some other examples are people calling or texting me at exact moments I was thinking of doing the same (these are usually very close people). Dreaming of people I had no thoughts about, but waking up to a text message from them (mind you, my phone is located right by my head when I sleep). Stumbling upon articles or people online (even with this article) that relate to thoughts that consume a lot of my thinking time. When I think about writing a lot, I start finding great bloggers (i.e now), when I started to think, I wanted to travel or have work where I’m able to travel, people started asking me for traveling advice, when my mom suggested a certain purchase she wanted to make, the things that came into my life correlated on the same subject.
I can not reiterate how humbled I am to read this. It’s truly comforting to know I am not the only one of the same mindset. Thank you again!

So I started reading this article at around 8 in the morning right after my Pandora had frozen up on the computer. Literary as I’m reading the last line, Pandora un-freezes, and “Bittersweet Symphony” starts playing. Mind you, this is a rock/techno mix station.

The world is an amazing place man.

I came to this post from your 37 ways post. (1) “coincidences” like this happen to me frequently. Glad to know there are others. I do think that if a person is paying attention, they’ll be surprised at what they’ll see. (2) your “just one Pepsi, and she wouldnt give it to me” reference,omg 🙂 taking me back Black Flag, Suicidal Tendencies, JFA, butthole surfers…. ahhh 😀 thanks. Subscribed and shared.

A lot to think about. Don’t stop thinking or talking. Peace

This was a moving,lovely read. I am so happy that my path brought me to it.

Hey there, wonderful article… This stuff happens to me ALL the time… Some amazing, truly out there things that are just freaky….. Any way I’m writing because I got on my computer today with the intention of doing some internet research for starting up my personal training business…. Before I did that, I checked my emails which led to your article…. I enjoyed reading it so much, I liked and shared it on facebook…. Then I clicked the link to your facebook page and voila…. I scroll down and you had shared a link on your own page “Personal Trainers download your free report here”. http://www.kickbacklife.com/nfpltv/lnchpfr3h3/ This is a small coincidence but hey, I stayed in the moment, read your article and found the report I needed without even looking.
Cool stuff, thanks.

An incredible post,

The right words at the right time.
Amazing writing because its genuine.

Peace to you man.
Thanks.

Amen Brother. Thanks for the gentle reminder.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts so eloquently. At times I am fooled into thinking that I am alone in the way I see this world but then, just when I believe I will have to travel the path all by myself, I am reminded just how connected we all really are. Your article steered me back into company again.

I like the chosen verse of your tattoo as well. What else are we here to do but to learn to overcome our fear of death? Where else but in the face of true battle do we learn to relish and savor life? I will take the battles over remaining in the safe cocoon of avoiding risk.

So funny I came across this. I am in the middle of Power of Now as we speak. Your post reminded me of the message in that book. I have been through some fucked up shit myself, but am in a very good place right now in all aspects of my life. What I always realize is that no matter how bad things get, someone has been through worse and won. I am fortunate to be fed, sheltered, and employed. Great post C! Keep it up!

Without needing religion.. you pretty much just described the underlying point/instruction of all religion/spirituality.

And your post just took part in one of those freaky coincidental happenings of my own.. I knew it was gona be like that right before i read it.. cos i rarely read these things but just had the urge to do so.

Great piece.

Chris-

Thanks for such awesome inspiration Man. I am in the lowest place of my life brother and your words resonated heavily with me. Man-I would not wish my life on anyone-even my worst enemy right now. I don’t know if I will get through this period but you have at least let me know I’m not necessarily alone. Thank you…

E

I really needed that today. I’m going to check out your book “Onions to Pearls”. The book that got me on my readjusted spiritual journey or got me thinking in the mindset that you mentioned was “The Golden Key to Happiness”. Literally changed my life, but like anything, there needs to be refresher courses because we can sometimes get off track and repeat mistakes we’ve already made in the past. The important thing is to keep moving forward and when we mess up to acknowledge it and readjust.
Thanks for the post – great coincidence.

How did you come out of that rut you were in? Cause I’m having such a rad time coming out of it. Can you please give me some support and strength. I’ll truly appreciate it specially coming from someone that was walking in my shoes sorta speak.

So beginning tomorrow I will stay still and listen to my inner being, my soul and hold on to the pain my body will go through in order to get well….so what you’re saying is to pray the prayers you put there?

I’m a female from New York City, living in the Lower East Side of Manhattan which it’s also called The East Village.

Thanks for your concern nonetheless, I used my name because my friend who’s the one struggling doesn’t dare but wanted me to use my name and email using her own words. I know exactly what you went thru as I once was there also. I told her it wasn’t easy but doable and you were the encouragement she needed to begin her journey starting tomorrow. I want to thank you for your honesty as it truly helps people in so many ways. Thank you for sharing her pain and at the same time letting people know that we all have a journey in this life that nothing is impossible as long as you allow God to take over and you just follow. Once again thank you for you made a big impression on her. May God continue to bless you

Hi Bro,

Talk about coincidence, it is a coincidence that I happen to go to the post that I needed to deal with the current situation in my life.

Chief may you continue writing your blog, your words are like the light of a light house to a lost ship.

May GOD continue to bless you BIG CHRIS 🙂

I only have to think about my darling Gran, two years passed on the 1st August and I will get a butterfly cross my path.

I love that, I miss her every God damn minute of every day but it gives me peace, I know she’s with me.

I know you get a lot of love for your blogs but you straight up give me strength.

You don’t fuck with my mind, you make love to it……..

Great read..

I’m glad I’m not the only one- the Universe definitely works in weird ways. The most profound one for me was when I was a single mother, leaving my ex and trying to move from NC back to VT with my 2 little kids. I randomly called a moving company I found in the phone book, just to see how much it would be. The guy on the phone quoted me like $1200, which I said was out of my budget, but thanks anyway. He asked where I was going and said that he would make me a deal- he had to move his MIL up to CT and for $500 cash he would throw my stuff on the truck with hers and he would drive it up there and meet me in VT with it. It was a deal. I knew then, I was making the right decision. Ps- your blog is awesome, I only wish I had found it sooner.

A simple thought…
A ‘coincidence’ is two or more related incidents happening together at the same time. Co-incidents becomes a coincidence.

Chris, I am only a recent subscriber to your blog after reading your blog on how to be a badass. I must say that I am so grateful for this blog post, and for you re-sharing it with us. I have had many moments like this in my own life, and although none so great as some of yours, they speak just as loudly. I really just have to give you props on you as a person, and as a writer. Whatever made you decide to do a blog, don’t stop 🙂

Thank you for this post I could relate a lot to things happening and being able to live through them. Everyone has a different plan laid out in front of them and when you’ve bad this situations where you ask yourself why am I still here? It’s a way of your HP saying ” hey you still got a lot of service to give back!”

So cool that you are sharing this. It happens to me so much that its normal to me, but I forget not everyone feels that way.

What I’ve noticed is now that its a comfortable and regular part of my life I can actually use it to communicate with my subconscious. I give definition to something and then use it as a sort of feedback loop. Two examples: the repeating number 1 or 11 or 11:11, etc. It means “yes” to me and that I’m on the right track, and to keep going. The other is seeing birds, specifically hawks or birds of prey. They mean I am supported in my journey.

I still have fear on my journey, especially when I am trying new things or pushing into uncomfortable badass territory. But, at least these little blips on the radar help me know to keep going. And its just like you say, right in the exact moment where I am needing it the most, that signal will pop up!

I love that you write in practical, everyday terms. I come from the yoga community and a lot of people /don’t/ know how to write like that over there!

Thanks
Paisley

Chris,
Every time I read (and reread and reread) one of your posts I think that you are a more accessible Eckhart Tolle! Keep putting this message out there. Synchronicitous moments are the best life has to offer and the best feedback on our journeys.

J

Hey, you used to live near Dallas! 😉 (Parkland Hospital)

Today I found your blog, and I’ve already read a lot of your posts… thanks for your writing man, it’s really touching 🙂

You hit another home run for me. I am a huge believer in fate at times talking to you in a voice that is equivalent of a fucking bagpipe blaring in your bedroom at 5 a.m (I’m Scottish, so that’s a good way to wake up, keep in mind). The question you didn’t answer, and the one I really want to ask, is what happened when you talked to these people that crossed your path after your own consciousness kind of told you they were on their way? Did they have something to say that gave you a new perspective on the past or information that you needed to understand something that came after the meeting? I have had so many moments like that, often in dreams. My favorites are the convos with relatives that have passed that give me information that makes no sense to me, but means the world to someone I relay the conversation to (no, not claiming to be psychic or some kind of medium… I have no control over it… just happens sometimes).

The randomness in the world often sorts into a beautiful abstract pattern that is only revealed over a bit of reflection and time (or an early call to mom to figure out what the fuck Grandma was talking about – A-Ma always knows…).

Loved how you talked about this topic. And Craft Steak is just STUPID good. Keep writing, my friend!

I think you just saved me life. One of the best reads I’ve had in a while.

This came at a time when I have been contemplating moving to a new location with the small fitness studio that I have started. Only been in my space now for a few months but some classes are too busy and with the New Year coming I thought a bigger space might be better but at double the cost, not sure if it was worth it. There is also a gym close by (completely different concept and style than ours) that I wasn’t sure if it would be a conflict for them. Happened to run into them at a workshop and these people have been in business for 35 years and NEVER done any workshops and I’ve NEVER met them….all of a sudden they’re there to talk to about it. Still not convinced, I ran into a spiritual counsellor at this same place and she said that going with your gut is best and you have to get out of the comfort zone to succeed. Still wasn’t sure… came home and say this article, found an amazing place that will accept the offer I’m considering. It will mean a financial struggle in the beginning but so many things are pointing me towards it. Reading this just made me feel a little better about it. Thanks for that.

Hi Chris,

I love the way you write. I love that you are real and raw and tell it like you see it. I just started out on the coaching thing. I have had coaches over the years and I always had a nagging thing in the gut that says,”why are they always trying to tell me that I can have a zillion bucks in no time if I just follow them?” It just felt wrong and manipulative. Fast Forward 20+years and I have officially jumped in to what I have always done and love doing (coaching others) and my website/platform/niche is just a bit off! DAMN I knew it when I launched but didn’t know what was off. Turns out your blog given to me by one Paula Creevy on a coaching certification training we are both part of, showed me the error of my ways. My website it gorgeous but its only a small(maybe the smallest) part of me. I can’t maintain my Zen like happiness for more than a few days at a time….but I can help others start to get there. But I in my authentic self am more raw than that. I tell it like it is (unless you are my man and I am in fear of losing you then I clam up) to others and I tell it straight whether they want it straight and with an Fbomb or not. I am so grateful to have found you because now I am clear on what needs to happen! I am raw like you and I have to embrace that or else I can’t be of service to anyone else. So THANK YOU for the kick in the ass and the light on the path. Can’t wait to read the rest of what you do and say!

I enjoy, result in I discovered just what I used to be taking a look for.
You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man.
Have a great day. Bye

“When I’m on the path my soul wants me on, the signposts, the reminders, and the “way too coincidental” occurrences are everywhere. They’re a great reminder of how only my soul knows what’s best for me; no one else’s opinion means a fucking thing. A few years back, when I made some poor choices and made money my God, these occurrences stopped happening—I had none of them. When I got back on path, they started happening again from the very first day.”

I love reading people’s stories and hitting that point where you go AAAH MY LIFE – right there on a page. You remind me of someone very special and I hope these occurrences start up for us again soon.