Just typing the word serendipity brings a physical response.
I smile. My heart beats a little quicker. My fingers type faster. There’s this eager anticipation of delight, and suddenly my eyes are darting here and there, looking for the magic to unfold.
Magic really is how I think of it.
Like a fairy’s wand sparking my creativity and intuition, serendipity brings a whimsical lightness to me.
It’s that unexpected person who appears at just the right time.
The conversation that sparks an idea.
The book you happen to pick up.
The sentence you overhear.
The opportunity you weren’t looking for.
And sometimes, it feels like a little sign saying, “Yes. Keep going this way.”
A few months ago, I changed my title to Resilience Coach.
It wasn’t simply a new title. It is a better description of who I am and the work I’ve been doing all along.
And since then, something interesting has happened.
People have appeared. Conversations have opened up. Opportunities have come my way.
It feels a little like I turned a corner and found a sign saying, ”This way.”
Everything feels more in sync.
More serendipitous.
Then it happened again last week.
I was writing about two completely different things: 1) serendipity and 2) why it can be so hard for us to ask for help.
A few days later, someone in my grief group brought up that very thing: how difficult it can be to ask for and accept help.
I smiled.
There you are again, serendipity.
Maybe it was simply a coincidence.
Or maybe it was an invitation to pay attention.
That’s the part of serendipity I find especially fascinating.
Researcher Sanda Erdelez says serendipity is about more than being in the right place at the right time. What matters is whether we recognize the opportunity—and then do something with it.
She even has a name for people who become especially good at this: Super-encounterers.
I love that!
Serendipity isn’t only luck.
Some of it’s curiosity.
Awareness.
Being open enough to notice what crosses our path.
And then being willing to follow it a little way and see where it goes.
“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”— W.B. Yeats
A Gentle Reflection:
Think about the last few weeks.
Has someone or something shown up unexpectedly?
A conversation? An idea? A book? An invitation?
A coincidence that made you stop for just a second
and think, Hmmm…
You don’t have to know what it means. Just notice it.
And stay curious about where it might lead.
Tiny Self Care Tip:
Leave a little room for the unexpected.
Not every hour needs to be planned and productive.
Take a different route. Wander through a bookstore.
Sit somewhere new. Talk to someone you normally wouldn’t.
Serendipity needs a little space to find us!
My Favorite Things
My friends’ sheer delight in eating my carrot cake!
Getting lost and finding a beautiful new area to explore.
The dragonfly hovering and peeking at me through the window.
A call or text from a friend I was just thinking about.
Upcoming Events
What is Good Grief?
Tuesday, September 15, 5:00-7:00
Destinations Lynnwood 19501 40th Ave W., Lynnwood, WA
Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a career, or navigating a life transition, this session offers valuable insights, compassionate support, and practical resources to help you move forward with strength and resilience.
Sponsored by Kelvin Chiang, Certified Senior Advisor.
Register by emailing melody@melodywestconsulting.com
The Good Grief Group
The first Saturday of each month
(Oct 3; Nov 7; Dec 5)
9:00 AM Pacific Time
Anyone experiencing any kind of loss is welcome to attend the first Saturday of each month.
Soften your grief by planning for it to visit and identifying ways to cope with it more effectively. In this space, you will have opportunities to share your story, if you choose to, learn strategies to help you cope with your loss, and connect with others who are grieving.
*Registration is suggested, not required. It's okay to just show up!
The Well of Resilience: What fills your well and what drains it?
September 21, 12:15-1:15
YMCA Mill Creek – 13723 Puget Park Dr., Everett,
Come explore your resources, common sources of depletion, and consider what you may need to replenish your resilience.
FREE Register by email: pleahy@ymca-snoco.org. Please bring a photo ID and check in at the front desk.
Sometimes there are tech issues. If you have any problems with registering or receiving a link, please contact melody@melodywestconsulting.com.
Stay Connected
Are you enjoying the newsletter? Is there something you’d like to see more of? Do you share it with others? I’d love to hear what resonates with you. These small connections are often where the spark starts.
Thank you for allowing me to walk alongside you for a few moments each month.
Until next time, may you notice the little surprises, unexpected connections, and possibilities along the way.
Warmly,
Melody
Melody West, LLC | Melody West Consulting | Bothell, WA 98012 US
