Stepping Into The Unknown

How One Opportunity Changed Everything

There was a time when I felt completely lost, drowning in hopelessness, and uncertain if I even wanted to let myself exist anymore. And then, an unexpected email arrived—one that would change everything. It was an invitation from Hal Elrod, the author of Miracle Morning Millionaires, about a personal development event in Toronto, Canada. Under different circumstances I might not have ever opened it. In this email, he mentioned that he was giving away tickets to this event he would be speaking at: the Archangel Summit. When I signed up, I saw the theme for that year: “Change Your Story. Change Your Destiny.”—a message that felt like it was speaking directly to me.

The Decision to Go

For years, I had invested in self-help books, motivational podcasts, and anything that promised growth. But before this opportunity appeared, I felt trapped—paralyzed by uncertainty and afraid my life was destined to crash and burn. My marriage was ending, and I was beginning to see how much I had sacrificed for someone else’s comfort. The future felt uncertain, and I wasn’t sure if I had the strength to rebuild on my own.

Then, this email arrived like a beacon of light. This event wasn’t just about learning; it was about proving to myself that I could take risks and chase something for me. 

As I drove toward Toronto, the sky transformed into a breathtaking sunrise, the first light of dawn began to break through, casting a golden glow over the highway. It was a masterpiece of fiery oranges and soft pinks stretching across the horizon. For a moment, everything felt still. The weight of my uncertainty lingered, but so did something else—hope. No matter where this journey led, I was moving forward. It was about reclaiming my independence and making choices that aligned with my personal growth. More than that, it became an opportunity to strengthen my faith in God. I had been struggling to find peace amidst everything happening in my life, and this experience felt divinely orchestrated—like a reminder that I was never truly alone.

Facing the Challenges

The excitement I felt about the trip was quickly met with the reality of making it happen. The logistics were daunting—I had never traveled alone this far, and I didn’t have the money readily available. I had to trust that the pieces would fall into place.

Doubts crept in constantly. I didn’t even have the funds for my hotel until I received my paycheck, which happened to be the day after I had already left. I worried about whether I would even have a place to stay. The reservation page had warned that no check-in extensions would be granted, yet when traffic delayed me, I had no choice but to call and ask. To my surprise, they made an exception. Time and time again, things aligned in ways I couldn’t have predicted. It felt like every obstacle was met with a quiet reassurance that told me to just keep going. I began to recognize these moments as God’s way of guiding me forward, teaching me to lean into faith instead of fear.

Connections Made Along the Way

One of the unexpected gifts of this trip were the people I met along the way. As soon as I sat down at the event, I struck up a conversation with the woman next to me. We immediately connected, laughing as she joked about how she was old enough to be my mom and that she felt like she should watch out for me since I was traveling alone. She, her co-worker, and her boss quickly became my companions throughout the event. We went out for lunch and dinner together, sharing stories and reflections about our personal journeys. Since they were from the Toronto area, they took the time to show me around and share some local insights that I wouldn’t have known otherwise. There was something incredibly comforting about having that sense of belonging in a place that was completely unknown to me.

Later, at the after-party, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with several business owners and some of the event’s speakers. Engaging in those conversations was inspiring—they shared insights and experiences that reinforced the very lessons I was beginning to embrace. The people I met weren’t just passing acquaintances; they became part of my story, each interaction a reminder that I wasn’t alone on this journey of growth and transformation.

Even though I didn’t get to meet Hal Elrod in person, I met someone at the event who let him know that he was the reason I had made the trip. This led to me receiving a personal message from Hal, where he told me he was proud of me for making the trip. That moment was incredibly meaningful to me, as it reinforced the significance of taking risks and following opportunities even when the path forward isn’t entirely clear.

The Transformation

Somewhere in the midst of the uncertainty, I found a kind of peace I had never known before. I learned that I didn’t need absolute certainty to move forward. I realized that my determination and faith were stronger than my fear. This trip taught me resilience—not just in terms of pushing through, but in understanding when to let go of control and trust that things would work out. More importantly, it rekindled my trust in God’s plan for me.

I used to think resilience meant holding on, pushing through, and always having a plan. But sometimes, resilience is about knowing when to release expectations and allow life to unfold. And as if the universe—or rather, God—was confirming it, I later found out that next year’s event would be called DestinyFest. It was almost poetic—this trip wasn’t just about attending an event, it was about stepping into my own destiny, a path that was already laid out for me, even when I couldn’t see it.

What This Means for My Relationships

This newfound perspective hasn’t just changed the way I approach challenges—it’s changed the way I navigate relationships. I’ve always been someone who seeks clarity and certainty, wanting to understand exactly where things are headed. But just as I learned to trust the process on this trip, I’m learning to trust the process in my connections with others.

I no longer feel the need to force things or hold onto relationships just because I’m “supposed to.” I recognize that sometimes, the best thing I can do is let things unfold naturally. And sometimes, walking away is the most resilient choice I can make.

Final Thoughts

Taking this trip wasn’t just about attending an event. It was about stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing uncertainty, and learning to trust myself. It was about proving to myself that I could create opportunities even when the odds weren’t in my favor. 

That morning, as I drove toward Toronto, the sky was still dark. But slowly, light began to break through, painting the horizon with warmth and color. In many ways, that sunrise mirrored my journey—reminding me that even after the darkest nights, the sun still rises. And just like that sunrise, faith was leading me forward, even when I couldn’t see the way ahead. The moments of doubt, the obstacles, the fear–those were the shadows that tried to hold me back, but faith was the light that kept me moving forward.

This trip was the beginning of a new chapter—one where I don’t wait for the perfect conditions to take action. Instead, I move with faith, knowing that even when I can’t see the whole picture, the pieces will fall into place.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s the lesson I needed all along.

Is there something in your life that you feel called to do, but fear is holding you back? What’s stopping you from taking the leap?