Stranger Than Pulp Fiction - Chris McCombs
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Stranger Than Pulp Fiction

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“Whether or not what we experienced was an ‘According to Hoyle’ miracle is irrelevant.

What is relevant is that I felt the touch of God. God got involved.”

Jules Winnfield

You know the saying about how real life is stranger than fiction?

Well I’ve had some strange shit happen in my day…REAL FUCKING STRANGE.

Stuff that…

1. Reminds me there’s more to this deal called life than we know or see.

2. Lets me know when I’m on the right path.

3. Constantly shows me proof that we get what we focus on.

4. Made me a better man.

5. Taught me about acceptance and forgiveness.

6. Reminds me that we’re all connected.

7. Straight up trips me the fuck out.

Now, keep in mind, some of this stuff may seem pretty out there, and it is.

But the fact that we even exist…that consciousnesses, humans, animals, the planet, the stars, and cute little rainbows even came to be is pretty out there as well.

Diehard Atheists as well as Dogmatic Holier-Than-Thou Know-It-Alls may dispute what I’m about to tell you.

Living-in-the-Ether “Woo-Woo” New-Agers with their Stepford Wife Smiles and butterflies floating out of their butts all the way from here to “La-La-Land” and back may say it’s all because of some Inter-Galactic Cosmic Law of The Universe Called “Law of Whatever The Fuck.”

Now, nothing against any of these groups—to each their own. I have friends into all kinds of stuff, and some are like the people I just mentioned…

But if anyone claims to have Life, God, and the secrets of the Universe all figured out, I’m calling bullshit.

“I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now.”

Bob Dylan

I’m not here to tell you what to believe…I’m just telling you what I experienced, and what I personally learned from it.

Make of it what you will.

Some of these are small, tiny things and some were pretty damn profound.

I’m only gonna list a few here, because neither of us have time to go through them all.

“Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn’t.”

Mark Twain

I’ll start out with a few from the lower end of the funky-weirdness scale before getting into the heavy stuff, like the one involving a murder, drugs, and a blues guitar player…

Strange Story #1:

I woke up one day and thought about a dude I hadn’t seen or thought about for a solid ten years…and about an hour later I see him riding a bike down the street.

Strange Story #2:

There’s another dude I went to high school with who I hadn’t seen in about 12 years, let’s call him Ed.

After high school in the late 80s and early 90s, Ed had built up a little gang associated with the punk band Suicidal Tendencies (a band I had loved for a long time)…and ended up on a pretty bad path, fueled by massive amounts of methamphetamine. The gang assaulted a lot of innocent people…it was a bad scene for all involved. I kept my distance.

While trying to break up a fight at a kegger party, one of my little brother’s “Straight A Student” best friends got stabbed by Ed, less than an inch from his spinal cord. (Fortunately the kid survived and is OK today.)

Last I heard, Ed was doing a well-deserved stretch in state prison.

I had thought about Ed maybe 4 or 5 times over the years for a passing moment with the thought of, “Wonder if that dude is still in prison?”

Fast forward over a decade…

New Year’s Eve, around 2004, I’m in a bar and a Suicidal Tendencies song comes on the jukebox…so I tell my “then” girlfriend about Ed, the band, the gang, the whole story.

The next day on the way to the movies, I tell her more about Ed and all the bullshit that went down in my home town because of him…then we get in the ticket line, and there he is standing right next to us.

Hadn’t thought or talked about him for a long damn time. Then I do, and there he is.

“Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.”

Albert Einstein

Screen Shot 2012-12-27 at 11.26.26 PMStrange Story #3:

In my 20s I used to stress out about things. (At least I did when I was sober…which is part of the reason I was rarely sober.)

December 2000, stone sober and before I had a cellphone, I was driving from Texas to California in my 7- or 8-year-old Ford Explorer…

I was moving back to Cali to start a new life…it had been a rough 15 years.

While trucking my way through the New Mexico desert at about 3am, in what seemed the middle of nowhere, I started stressing about what I should do if the check engine light came on. (I told you I used to stress a lot.)

Do I pull over and check the engine? I have no idea how to do that. Do I keep driving? What do I do if it comes on? Does it mean anything of urgent importance?

I obsessively stressed out about it it for about 30 minutes.

Keep in mind, the light had NEVER come on before.

But that fucking thing came on, stayed on about 30 seconds, went off, and never came on again as long as I owned the car.

“The moment one gives close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.”

Henry Miller

Strange Story #4:

In April of 2000, I was sick and tired of being hooked on massive amounts of benzos and opiates, but saw no way out.

The rotation of daily appointments with shady doctors and suspicious pharmacists, withdrawals, and a plain shitty life had taken its toll.

I was straight up suicidal…I felt I should go to a hospital where they could lock me away from the painkillers long enough to sober up.

I had no vehicle, the hospital that would take me was like 45 minutes from where I lived, and I didn’t have money for a cab—so I figured that, while an ambulance would be more expensive, I wouldn’t have to pay today (‘cuz I had no money), and they would just bill me and I could deal with it later.

So, here I was: For about a day I was obsessing about taking an ambulance to the hospital for “suicidal thoughts” and hoping maybe they would keep me for a few weeks, or at least long enough to 3CDB6A22-1F5B-4533-8746-40367AF2F6DFget that damn craving for opioids out of my system, and I could just chill and figure it out…

… All I wanted was a Pepsi…just a Pepsi, and she wouldn’t give it to me…wait, where was I?

Oh yeah…Texas…

I obsess and obsess about making this call.

I was hungry, so I figured I’d eat first.

I start heating up some oil in a pan so I could fry up some tortillas into nice crispy taco shells…and I used to put soooo much oil in the pan…I liked my shells GREASY.

As the oil is warming up I figure I’ll take a super-quick shower, and when I get out, the oil should be ready.

While in the shower I can hear a scream, so I come running out and the pan has massive flames coming up about 3-4 feet high, actually burning up the cabinets high up above it.

Knowing nothing about fire, I pick up the pan, run to the door, and throw it outside, suffering 2nd and 3rd degree burns on 15% of my body.

The skin on my hand, where I had grabbed the handle, was literally hanging off my body like melted goo.

The person I was with called 911.

I lived about 75 yards from a fire station and could hear the sirens start up they drove the less-than-football-field-length drive straight to my front door.

Before I knew it, I was in an ambulance on my way to the exact hospital I had been thinking about going to.

After 12 days in the Parkland Hospital Burn Unit, I ended up with multiple skin grafts—and a bigger painkiller problem than I’d had 12 days before.

I got my ambulance ride to the hospital, just not the way I had planned it.

“What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow: Our life is the creation of our mind.”

Buddha

Check out the scar on my hand…I love it. It makes me look like I’ve walked a hard road, sort of like my own personal Mickey Rourke hand.

685E2729-3FEA-4C69-BB26-6309C0CAF0CE

Strange Story #5:

I once had a personal client named Steve Rhee. I trained him in Irvine, California, in Orange County, which is where we both lived.

Turns out our mutual favorite restaurant was Craft Steak, a few hundred miles away in the MGM Grand in Vegas.

Eventually I stopped training people, and I hadn’t talked to or thought of Steve for years.

And then one day I was in Las Vegas, which I went to probably twice a year. I’m eating at Craft Steak and, for the first time in years, think about Steve.

After eating, I walk out of the restaurant, and who’s walking by?

Fucking Steve.

He wasn’t even coming to eat—he was just walking by.

“Every single moment is a coincidence.”

Doug Coupland

Strange Story #6:

On May 22, 1993, a VERY close friend of mine was murdered across the street from me. His name was Shannon, and he was only 22 years old when we lost him.

Shannon was a great guy…misguided like all my friends at the time, but he had a huge heart and would do anything for his friends. If he found out you were moving, he was always the first to show up and help.

He lived probably 100 feet or so from me across the way…we were great friends and did all kinds of cool and crazy stuff together. We grew weed, lifted weights, played D & D, and even traveled to Europe together to smuggle steroids back into the U.S. (At the time, fake counterfeit stuff was everywhere and Bill Phillips said the European stuff was better than the stuff we were smuggling out of Mexico…and I had already gotten caught down there anyways, so Europe it was.)

Shannon was also a BIG marijuana trafficker…moving close to 1000 pounds a month. Yup, you read that right, close to 1000 pounds a month.

I remember one time I was at his house and he pulled out this duffle bag full of money and asked me to help him count it. I about had a panic attack…the only other times I had seen that much money was in the movies or on the news.

(I actually have another close friend, Big Mike, who’s a regular on the show “Weeds” and who used to fly 500 pounds a week into the U.S. from Canada in helicopters. He’s legit now and owns a business that did $52 million last year selling hydroponic nutrients to marijuana growers…now that dude has some stories to tell.)

Anyway, back to Shannon…

The weed was brought in from Mexico, dropped at a stash house Shannon had under a fake name just north of the border, and then he had other guys fly it all over the county for him ( this was pre-9/11 ).

Unfortunately the lifestyle caught up to him and he was murdered by a so-called “friend” over money, territory, and revenge. The guy who did it is doing a 20-something-year prison sentence today.

The morning after it happened, homicide detectives were at my house at 4am; those dudes are intense.

For a long time I was PISSED…he was one of my best 2 or 3 friends in the world.

After a decade of being extremely confused and angry over Shannon’s death, and holding a resentment towards not only Jason (the guy who had murdered Shannon) but also a resentment towards God that was tearing at my soul (“WHY?” I thought, “How could you do this to him? He was just a kid in over his head!”)…

Something Incredible Happened

I read a book called “Onions to Pearls” by an ex-ecstasy dealer named Satyam Nadeen.

97A2379D-6CF8-446D-8EA6-A1EE8B06FAA5Satyam’s take on Consciousness is that it’s like the ocean, and when we’re alive we’re like a bubble on the ocean—we temporarily take a separate form, but just as the bubble is still part of the ocean and connected to it, we’re still connected to The Source of Our Being.

And when the bubble pops, it just goes back to being ocean and loses its separate form…just like when we die, we go back to our Source.

At the this really resonated with me.

So the next day I’m driving to a dentist appointment in San Juan Capistrano, and I thought about the whole ocean/Consciousness thing—and for the first time I thought about how Shannon probably accepted his situation as he died; once he hit a certain point in the process, he was probably OK with it.

Sure, I’m sure there was resistance to a point…but I thought about how that probably faded away and he eventually just allowed and accepted the whole thing.

I remembered how I had spun my car out of control and off the road one rainy day and how, when I realized I had no more control of where the car was going to go, I was filled with a deep sense of peace and everything was in slow motion.

I imagine Shannon probably had a similar experience after he was shot, although it was probably much more profound.

For the the first time in a decade, I was finally OK with his death. I finally accepted it…and I felt so light and free of the hatred toward the killer and free of my anger towards God.

Shannon’s time came when he was 22.

And at that moment, on the rock station on the radio, the following words from the George Thorogood song “Who Do You Love” came through the FM airwaves and straight into my car….

“I’m Just 22 And I Don’t Mind Dying.”

After 10 years of being in a bad way over the death of my friend, who was 22 when he was killed, I finally accept his death—and at that moment of acceptance, George Thorogood sings, “I’m just 22 and I don’t mind dying” on the radio I’m listening to.

Make of it what you will, to me, the message was all too clear…

Acceptance is key. Shannon did it, and now it was my turn.

“Happiness can exist only in acceptance.”

George Orwell

What Does All The Weirdness Mean?

I could go on and on and on…I’ve literally had HUNDREDS of experiences like these happen…WHEN I’m on the right path.

Things just seem to kind of line up and the answers come.

There’s a flow to things.

Occurrences which seem highly improbable, close to impossible, seem to be the norm.

I don’t talk about these things often, but I love when they happen, especially when it’s clear why it happened.

When there’s a lesson.

When there’s healing.

When I become a better man.

“If evolution is outlawed, only outlaws will evolve.”

Jello Biafra

Sometimes it’s as small as the right call or person or place or thing at the right moment…just perfectly as needed to take me along my journey.C88DE743-622E-449E-AEAF-0F904F6BA260

Not always the journey I thought I was on, but the journey my Soul wants me on.

In the 80s and 90s, when I was off my path and doing drugs for 15 years, the only serendipitous thing in my life that seemed to happen was that I would run into this enemy of mine all over the place. It was crazy how often we ran into each other, and sometimes not even in the areas where we lived or hung out…I used to really trip on that.

I now realize we were so focused on our mutual hatred of each other that we were like magnets of hate, pulling each other in.

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.

Today, I do my best to let the path be laid out in front of me, let the answers come to me, and give up control.

I have goals, but don’t worry too much about the “how”…don’t have to.

I just jump off the cliff and build my wings on the way down…doing my best to enjoy the now and every step of the ever-windy path that my soul wants me on.

And guess what? The result is 100 times better than when I try to figure everything out myself and control life.

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.”

Joseph Campbell

The path is mysterious.

Acceptance is the way home.

I’m not a religious person, and I’m not here to tell you what to believe. In fact, I have an extremely low tolerance of people who try to push their beliefs on others…whether it’s a particular religion…an MLM scheme…whatever…

I’m just here to tell you about my experience as I go and what’s been working for me.

And what works is staying in the moment as often as possible and living in the gap between the thoughts with the openness of a baby…a beginner’s mind.

It’s a moment-to-moment thing, because the mind LOVES to take hold and get me to believe all kinds of stories, judgments, and limitations.

The gap is a much better place to live.

The gap allows me to be open in the moment to the path being laid out in front of me.

It’s a place of “Thy Will, Not Mine, Be Done.”

I do my best to return to that place as often as possible.

Giving up control, accepting “What is,” and moving forward in faith that the path will be revealed as I go—and when I do that, it always ends up what’s best for me and everyone else, even when it doesn’t seem like it at the time.

Live Boldly.

Live your TRUTH.

If you liked this post, I’d be stone-cold honored if you would push some of those social media sharing buttons up top

…like the Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and Google Plus buttons at the top of this post…and share it with your friends…but only if you really dig it, OK?

And if you’d like to get more awesome posts like this one, as I write ’em, subscribe to ChrisMcCombs.Net here…

Talk soon,
Big Chris

“The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure.”

Joseph Campbell

AB2428AE-1B98-4985-8925-3B9A75ED1BE5

I’d love to hear your comments below… and if you’ve ever had these kinds of experiences I’d love to hear about ’em.

I do my best to respond to all comments. Comment Policy is that flaming will not be tolerated. Comments are moderated, so yours might not show up immediately.

 

Written by Chris McCombs

Just put your primary email in here and I’ll be sure to hook you up ( I hate spam too so I promise to keep it private and never share it with anyone) … I’ll see you on the other side

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137 comments
Andrea says December 29, 2012

Great read

Reply
    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Thanks Andrea ! (=

    Reply
mik says December 29, 2012

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…?

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    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Great question

    And I can only speak from my personal experience, I don’t know what it’s like to walk in anyone else’s shoes

    When I’m not on the path, I’m full of fear, worries, resentments and am always living in the past or future, in my head that is

    Never fully alive

    A lack of conscious contact with my Creator seems to be the root of all of my troubles

    Like I got into at the end of the post there…

    What works for me is staying in the moment as often as possible and living in the gap between the thoughts with the mind open mind of a baby… a beginners mind

    It’s a moment to moment thing, the mind LOVES to take hold and get me to believe all kinds stories, judgments and limitations

    The gap is a much better place to live

    The gap allows me to be open in the moment to the path being laid out in front of me

    It’s a place of “Thy Will, Not Mine, Be Done”

    I do my best to return to that place as often as possible

    Giving up control, accepting “What is” and moving forward in faith that the path will be revealed as I go, and when I do that… it always ends up what’s best for me and everyone else, even when it doesn’t seem like it at the time

    A book that changed my life many years ago and I’ve read over and over, as well as listening to his audios over and over is Eckhart Tolle’s “The Power of Now”

    That, and I start and every day on my knees’ with a simple little prayer ( not here to tell you what God is or how you should believe )

    It’s basically an expansion of “Thy Will Not Mine Be Done”

    “God, I offer myself to Thee-
    To build with me
    and to do with me as Thou wilt.
    Relieve me of the bondage of self,
    that I may better do Thy will.
    Take away my difficulties,
    that victory over them may bear witness
    to those I would help of Thy Power,
    Thy Love, and Thy Way of life.
    May I do Thy will always!”

    Another one that helps, which I don’t say as often is …

    Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

    Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
    Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
    where there is injury,pardon;
    where there is doubt, faith;
    where there is despair, hope;
    where there is darkness, light;
    and where there is sadness, joy.

    O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
    to be consoled as to console;
    to be understood as to understand;
    to be loved as to love.
    For it is in giving that we receive;
    it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
    and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen”

    In my experience Mik, this is the stuff the works

    The first time I started doing this stuff I had profound experiences, out of this world type stuff

    It’s not like that for everyone, but for some reason it was for me

    Dude, this is what brought me out of a 15 year poly-drug addiction… I don’t question it anymore, I just fucking roll with it … and question everything else (=

    Reply
      Wayne says December 29, 2012

      Dude, this is what brought me out of a 15 year poly-drug addiction… I don’t question it anymore, I just fucking roll with it … and question everything else

      100% right on!

      Reply
        Chris McCombs says December 30, 2012

        “Right on” back at ya bro

        Reply
Freddie Barnes says December 29, 2012

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 .

Reply
Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

Right on Freddie, I love when those things happen

Glad to hear you’ve been having your own version of it going on in your life

so awesome man, so awesome

Reply
Almir Haseljic says December 29, 2012

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

Reply
Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

Love it!!!!

Thanks a ton Amir, super cool

Reply
Alex says December 29, 2012

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

Reply
    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Thanks Alex, yeah man sometimes it IS hard to see

    Reply
Rick says December 29, 2012

WOW! Stay on the path, you are helping people

Reply
    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Thanks Brother!

    Reply
Marc says December 29, 2012

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

Reply
    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Thanks Man, always wanted to be a writer, so happy it’s resonating with some people

    Reply
JR says December 29, 2012

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

Reply
    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Awesome, thanks a ton JR, I wasn’t sure how well this one would be received as it deals with some heavy stuff, plus it gets a little “out there” at moments

    Reply
Jaiya Figueras says December 29, 2012

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!

Reply
    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Jaiya !

    Thanks man, I remember me and you talking about this stuff 7 or 8 years ago

    The Gap truly is a magical place, like your own personal DisneyWorld (=

    Reply
Justin says December 29, 2012

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

Reply
    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Thanks Justin

    this:

    “You’re a huge inspiration to anyone that knows deep down that they can conquer whatever issues they’re up against and be successful”

    means a ton to me brother, thank you so much for compliment

    Reply
alan says December 29, 2012

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!

Reply
    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Right on Alan, yeah if you enjoy writing, write that shit down, start a blog, whatever, get it out there, it will help you and others

    You said:

    “You can only truly experience the great heights that life offers if you have experienced some of It’s lows.”

    I find that to be true as well

    Reply
lenore says December 29, 2012

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

Reply
    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Lenore … one word

    WORD

    Reply
Nicole says December 29, 2012

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!

Reply
    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Serendipity is definitely an understatement

    LOVE IT

    thanks Nicole, stoked on your new outlook (=

    Reply
Frank Kern says December 29, 2012

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

Reply
    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Thanks Frank

    Just trying to write as well as you do when I grow up

    Glad someone got the pepsi reference

    I thought to myself, if one person gets this, sticking it in here is all worth while

    Reply
Jason says December 29, 2012

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

Reply
    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Thanks Jason

    I love it when stuff arrives at the perfect moment, that’s pretty much what this whole post is about

    Glad it helped you start the day with a BANG

    (=

    Reply
lenore says December 29, 2012

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.

Reply
    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Lenore thanks a ton

    The fact that you just said “This blog is wake up call to the world that everyone has a choice to make regarding their own life style” officially makes you one of my favorite people in the world (=

    Reply
Marc says December 29, 2012

Lenore nailed it. Another great post, Chris!

Reply
    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    She sure did

    Thanks Marc!

    Reply
Steven Mosley says December 29, 2012

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.

Reply
    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Steven it’s an honor to be added to your “must constantly read list”

    Reply
Elton Young says December 29, 2012

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

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    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Hey thanks Elton

    That book changed my life, every sentence felt true down deep in my soul

    It’s a great read

    Reply
      Elton Young says January 1, 2013

      Found it this morning buried deep among the cobwebs – starting today!! Thanks Chris

      Reply
        Chris McCombs says January 2, 2013

        Right on Elton

        Reply
Mark Greenwood says December 29, 2012

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.

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    Chris McCombs says December 29, 2012

    Hey Thanks Mark!

    Proud of you man and all the ass you’re kicking these days

    Reply
Ed says December 29, 2012

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

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    Chris McCombs says December 30, 2012

    True words my friend

    Congrats on the weight loss

    Not sure if you’ve read my free ebook thingy, but lots of people find it helpful in the training industry

    http://www.kickbacklife.com/free-gift-2/

    Reply
Holly Byram says December 30, 2012

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. 🙂

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Chris McCombs says December 30, 2012

Hey thanks Holly, very well said (=

Glad you’ve had a similar experience

“when I tried to crowbar everything”

Damn that is a great metaphor, I’ve never heard that before

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Ron says December 30, 2012

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!

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    Chris McCombs says December 30, 2012

    Hey thanks Ron, I heard Jay Mohr use a line that went something like that during a stand up routine, thought it was brilliant

    Appreciate your kind words

    You’re definitely right, the meaning we give something is more important than the meaning itself

    Reply
Johnny T says December 30, 2012

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.

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    Chris McCombs says December 30, 2012

    Hey thanks Johnny, that’s been my experience too (=

    Reply
Jason says December 30, 2012

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

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    Chris McCombs says December 30, 2012

    That’s awesome man, the dark and tough times can make us stronger or weaken us and destroy us

    So cool you’re getting the signs too

    I love it when that stuff happens

    Reply
Chris Brown says December 30, 2012

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!!

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    Chris McCombs says December 30, 2012

    Hey Chris,

    I have the same problem when watching movies, even if it’s a Fri or Sat evening, I feel I should be working

    But when I take a break and breathe, I get ideas that help me work smarter and on more important things, when it does come time to work again

    RE: “It’s hard for me to ‘disconnect’ from everything that’s going on and chill”

    I know the feeling my man

    Thanks Chris

    Reply
Shawn says December 30, 2012

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

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    Chris McCombs says December 30, 2012

    Hey thanks Shawn, yeah I fun looking for quotes (=

    Reply
Joe says December 30, 2012

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.

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Chris McCombs says December 30, 2012

Hey Joe, thanks man

and yeah, pretty crazy about the gold watch huh?

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Sam Bakhtiar says December 31, 2012

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

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Chris McCombs says December 31, 2012

Hey Sam, thanks brother, it’s an honor to be bookmarked my man, seriously (=

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Risa Cantu C'DeBaca says January 3, 2013

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:)

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    Chris McCombs says January 4, 2013

    Yeah Risa, to this day that’s a profound experience I will never forget, had other weird stuff happen too

    Reply
SHondelle says January 4, 2013

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!

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    Chris McCombs says January 4, 2013

    Hey thanks SHondelle, I can feel your enthusiasm for the good stuff (=

    Reply
Chris says January 11, 2013

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

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    Chris McCombs says January 11, 2013

    Hey thanks Chris

    That Dave Ramsey is a bad ass isn’t he?

    Gone through some of his business stuff before

    Reply
Elly Zhilyak says May 2, 2013

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!

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    Chris McCombs says May 2, 2013

    AWESOME Elly

    thanks for sharing

    I’ve been having a ton of them again lately, don’t ya just love it

    I’ve been writing them down for times when I forget

    I get sooooo juiced when they happy

    happy to hear you’ve been enjoying them as well (=

    Reply
      Elly Zhilyak says May 2, 2013

      Writing them down is a good idea, I just may have to start doing that, myself!

      Reply
Kyle Moschetto says May 6, 2013

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.

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    Chris McCombs says May 7, 2013

    Ha ha kyle, I love when that stuff happens

    so cool

    Reply
wendeeB says May 7, 2013

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.

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    Chris McCombs says May 7, 2013

    I was in my room and I was just like staring at the wall thinking about everything.
    But then again I was thinking about nothing
    And then my mom came in and I didn’t even know she was there.
    She called my name and I didn’t hear her and then she started screaming: MIKE! MIKE!
    And I go:
    What, what’s the matter?
    She goes:
    What’s the matter with you?
    I go:
    There’s nothing wrong mom.
    She’s all:
    Don’t tell me that, you’re on drugs!
    I go:
    No mom I’m not on drugs I’m okay, I was just thinking you know, why don’t you get me a Pepsi.
    She goes:
    NO you’re on drugs!
    I go:
    Mom I’m okay, I’m just thinking.
    She goes:
    No you’re not thinking, you’re on drugs! Normal people don’t be acting that way!
    I go:
    Mom just get me a Pepsi, please
    All I want is a Pepsi, and she wouldn’t give it to me
    All I wanted was a Pepsi, just one Pepsi, and she wouldn’t give it to me.
    Just a Pepsi.

    A classic

    thx for sharing Wendee

    Reply
Jim RCA says June 9, 2013

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

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    Chris McCombs says June 10, 2013

    I’ll keep at it Jimbo, I got this (=

    Reply
Donna says June 9, 2013

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

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    Chris McCombs says June 10, 2013

    Right on Donna, stokes me out when someone is moved by my words, I can;t tell you how much

    Reply
Alessia says June 9, 2013

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.

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Tristan says June 9, 2013

An incredible post,

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

Peace to you man.
Thanks.

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    Chris McCombs says June 10, 2013

    Thanks Tristan ( great name man, that name alone must get you chicks )

    Peace back at you brother

    Reply
Craig says June 9, 2013

Amen Brother. Thanks for the gentle reminder.

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    Chris McCombs says June 10, 2013

    Anytime Craig

    Reply
Mel says June 9, 2013

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.

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    Chris McCombs says June 10, 2013

    Yes Yes Yes

    Sooooooo well said Mel

    And yeah man, It’s CRAZY just how connected we all are

    One Love

    Reply
Aric Lee says June 9, 2013

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!

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    Chris McCombs says June 10, 2013

    Yes Yes Yes Eric

    and that book is BAD ASS btw

    It was a big turning point for me, and actually, when I was going through it the first time is when a lot of these strange little coincidences started happening

    Game changers

    I listen to Eckhart on audio all the time, my fave is called “Living a Life or Inner Peace”

    a lot of people have a hard time getting into his audio though, cuz it’s MELLOOOOOWWWWWWWWW

    Reply
Jason says June 9, 2013

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.

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    Chris McCombs says June 10, 2013

    Awesome Jason, appreciate your words

    yeah man, I LOVE when that shit happens man, LOVE IT

    Reply
Erik says June 9, 2013

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

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    Chris McCombs says June 10, 2013

    Hey brother, sorry to here about your troubles, but man, there’s reasons for this stuff and lessons to learn, and this will make you fucking stronger

    “Scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue. Realize the strength, move on.” – Henry Rollins

    I know those dark places

    Just ride it out man and hold on with everything we’ve fucking got, because after the dark nights, the days will be more beautiful than ever before

    My two cents

    You may ( or may not ) find these helpful:

    https://chrismccombs.net/35-reasons-your-life-kicks-ass/

    https://chrismccombs.net/hardcore-happiness/

    http://youtu.be/V6xLYt265ZM

    For whatever it’s worth bro

    Reply
      Erik says June 15, 2013

      Hey Chris-just finished reading your links and all I can say is wow man-WOW!!
      I even got The Power of Now and am listening to it at the pool right now. My problem is my thinking and now I truly know I-ME have been my own worst enemy with my thought patterns which I consciously stop now. I’m still new at it man but this shit really works!! Just accept the “Pain Body” but don’t give it thought, stay present and just be an observer and then let it go. In time I believe I will infinitely happier than I have ever been even going through the most pain in my life this past year. I owe much of this to you Brother and I send you much peace, love and happiness.

      E

      Reply
        Chris McCombs says June 15, 2013

        How wow Eric, so cool of you to share this with me

        It sounds like you’re on a great journey my friend

        Reply
Marcela says June 10, 2013

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.

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    Chris McCombs says June 10, 2013

    Right on Marcela

    Great book

    Yeah, half the reason I write these posts is for the constant reminders

    Reply
Nydza says June 18, 2013

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.

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    Chris McCombs says June 18, 2013

    Hey Nyzda, man, to be honest, I got on my knees and prayed, in tears, “I have NO IDEA what you are, but please help me”

    and i meant it with every cell of my being because I was in enough pain, that whole hit bottom thing you know

    that prayer lead me the way, it all started there

    Reply
Nydza says June 18, 2013

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?

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    Chris McCombs says June 19, 2013

    Actually I’m just saying to surrender to whatever spiritual path you believe in or can conceive of

    “Thy will, not my will, be done” sorta thing in earnest

    I honestly don’t know what’s best for anyone us, but it sure worked for me… sometimes the path is slower than we want to be, it’s gonna take what it takes

    For me, it’s a spiritual solution

    there’s lots of good info all over this blog as well

    Not sure if this is relevant, but it may be useful http://zenhabits.net/get-off-your-butt-16-ways-to-get-motivated-when-youre-in-a-slump/

    Also, they might wanna see professional help

    everyone is different, I can only speak of my experience

    hope this helps

    Reply
Nydza says June 18, 2013

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

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    Chris McCombs says June 19, 2013

    Also, the book the Power of Now changed everything for me, I read it over and over

    Reply
Nydza says June 19, 2013

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

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    Chris McCombs says June 19, 2013

    also, check my comment above

    Reply
Dabral says June 25, 2013

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 🙂

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    Chris McCombs says June 25, 2013

    hey thanks Dabral

    just love those coincidences

    I am happy this post helps (=

    Reply
Sorcha says July 5, 2013

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……..

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    Chris McCombs says July 8, 2013

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

    THAT IS AWESOME

    love that

    and the butterfly thing, so cool (=

    Reply
Jim Lamp says July 5, 2013

Great read..

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    Chris McCombs says July 8, 2013

    thanks Jim!

    Reply
charity says July 5, 2013

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.

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Matt says July 6, 2013

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

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    Chris McCombs says July 8, 2013

    ahhhh

    yes!

    Reply
Melissa Mead says July 6, 2013

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 🙂

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    Chris McCombs says July 8, 2013

    hey thanks Melissa, means a lot

    I just love those things that speak to us (=

    Reply
Mark St. Peter says July 7, 2013

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!”

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    Chris McCombs says July 8, 2013

    Yes Mark, well said

    Service is the answer for so many things

    thanks for sharing here man

    Reply
Paisley Anne says July 8, 2013

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

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    Chris McCombs says July 8, 2013

    Hey thanks for sharing this Paisley

    Funny, when you were talking about the birds I was thinking that I should look em like that too, especially since we have a ton of hawks here

    just as i thought that, a big lizard climbed up the screen right where I’m working

    I wonder what the little bugger is trying to tell me?

    Maybe that i should do the bird thing you talked about

    so cool (=

    Reply
      Paisley Anne says July 31, 2013

      That’s awesome Chris! Maybe the lizard is your totem animal?

      In Native American & Aboriginal lore the lizard represents dreaming. Specifically towards daydreaming/creating a future by using your mind to look forwards and visualize where you want to be. Sometimes, then when you get to your dream, you feel like you’ve already been there or a sense of deja vu.

      The lizard can also point to needing to daydream more or to let go of the things that are keeping you from seeing or moving towards your dream. You know, like to look at your shadow where both your power and dreams lie, but also sides of yourself that are difficult to look at or see.

      love it!

      Reply
        Chris McCombs says August 5, 2013

        oh wow I never heart of that about the lizard

        super cool

        I was even a reptile freak as a kid (=

        Reply
Jamie Baldwin says July 8, 2013

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

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    Chris McCombs says July 8, 2013

    Hey Jaime, thank you so much for that awesome compliment

    in a way, that’s kind of what I was actually going for (=

    Reply
Brigitte says July 20, 2013

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

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    Chris McCombs says July 22, 2013

    yep, lived in Cedar Hill, drove a cab in Dallas (=

    Reply
Marcelo says August 7, 2013

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

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    Chris McCombs says August 7, 2013

    hey thanks Marcelo

    appreciate it brother

    I dig the long haired cartoon on your site BTW

    Reply
Red Molly says August 28, 2013

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!

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    Chris McCombs says August 29, 2013

    Ahhhhhhh

    CRAFT STEAK!

    yeah it’s little pointers and answers along the way

    some of the meetings carried great lessons, some small, and some I have no idea it

    Beautiful Randomness like you talk about

    Weird how life is

    But the flow, being open, is always the better path in my experience

    thanks Red Molly

    ( your name sounds like an brand of MDMA btw )

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Anonymous says November 11, 2013

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

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Lori says November 24, 2013

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.

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rala says February 6, 2014

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!

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    Chris McCombs says February 6, 2014

    oh hey rala thanks so much for sharing this with me

    love the honesty

    and checked out your site, looks like you’re doing great things (=

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Tonya says March 21, 2014

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

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Lisa says November 26, 2015

“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.

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    Haleygum says February 13, 2018

    Is it ever too late to get on your path? I feel I have had the opportunity to turn things around countless times and haven’t

    Reply
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