In the bustling streets of Medellin, Colombia, an unlikely pair finds themselves in an immersive experience, embracing discomfort and relishing the unpredictability of a foreign culture. Stepping out of their comfort zones, they encounter challenges that become catalysts for personal growth. Discover the power of embracing change in this heartwarming tale of an entrepreneur traveling with his new bestie.
Change is scary but can be scary good. The only way real positive change happens is when there’s the right amount of anxiety, openness, and readiness that combines with an ‘enabler’ to make ‘the miracle occur.’
Prior to meeting my life partner, I was an emotionally removed obnoxious senior executive. 25+ years professional career loaded with affluence, entitlement. And emotional bankruptcy.
Then a ripple in the universe. My ex-sister-in-law calls, “There’s a problem with my sister, ya gotta get Twinkles, quick!”
Given past encounters, the 2kg, 6-year old chihuahua and I had feelings of mutual indifference. Contrasting personalities. ‘Tirade Tom’ vs. ‘Timid Twinkles’ and no budging.
In some ways, we were mirror images. Ok on the outside, miserable on the inside. The lap dog had never been on a walk. I remembered ‘The Jerk’ scene where Steve Martin drags his new dog out the front door against its will. The impasse needs to be broken.
Uncomfortable, but that would be the plan. That day everything changed.
Collar on, I dragged her out the door only to be met with downward dog, matador pose. Got serious when the cobra pose emerges.
Sorry dog, you do not have a choice, it’s for your own good (and my good too). Was not too tough for a 200lb dude to yank a 4lb dog out the door. Reticent at first, she grew to love it. The risk was worth it. Her confidence grew, felt safe, somebody there to help.
Pass Test One: Grow Through Change. Get Uncomfortable
New besties need some real accomplishment, a real challenge to add
intangibles to the CV. Let’s shatter some prejudices, live on adrenaline and curiosity, embrace daily variability and surprises.
Discomfort enables growth.
Go someplace you were afraid to go, learn to accept, embrace the rules of an unfamiliar culture. Be subject to a high level of scrutiny.
A brutal yet effective way to elevate our game.
Did some research, talked to friends, we decided to relocate to Medellin, Colombia. A curious yet virtuous ‘Mission Impossible’ begins.
As we went through immigration at Jose Cordova Airport, Medellin they always check your body language, same too as you enter customs. Especially with a dog!
This ‘El Jefe de perrita paquena’ was shaking from top to tail. Twinkles looked at me: “Gotta Shake it Off, Shake it Off.”
Pass Test Two: Embrace Change. It’s Ok to be nervous. Look confident.
Quickly realized that persona must change. No more ‘Tirade Tom,’ must become ‘Tranquilo Tom.’ Relax, go with the flow. An opportunity for ‘Timid Twinkles’ to realize her true state. Evolve to ‘Twinkle, La Princesa.’
When facing the torrent of change, everybody needs a stress reliever, so you fall back to your comfort zone. I said, “Vamos Twinkles, ir a parque.” And there we would learn a lesson critical to our integration. Enjoying a bucolic walk, Colombianas asked, “Como se nombre de la perrita?”
I replied, “Twinkles,” which was met by thorough confusion. Then realized there is no ‘kulz’ sound in Spanish, thinking quickly told them her name is Twinkle, como se ‘brilla.’
Expressions on their faces priceless, then they started singing (in Spanish), “Twinkle, Twinkle little star.”
Pass Test Tres: Keep growing. Unleash joy.
We are feeling increasingly more comfortable in our unfamiliar environment, but never TOO comfortable. As our fellow foreign adventurer, Ted Lasso said,
“Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, if you’re too comfortable you’re not doing it right.”
We ventured to Comuna 13, Medellin, known as the poorest area in town. It’s believed that notorious narco dealer, Pablo Escobar, invested insane amounts of money to repair this broken barrio. Apparently, he took from the rich and gave to the poor.
Proceeded to a back alley that had a series of small store-front restaurants, take-out only. Quickly spotted a place where hot dogs were the featured item. They had a sign, “Chihuahuas, el mejor amigo del hombre. De venta aqui.”
“Well, Chihuahua are man’s best friend for sale here, Twinkle!” She gave me a nervous look of “Que?”
They’re a mini value price hot dog!
I perched the chihuahua on the counter right next to the sign. Despite Twinkle having no idea what was going on, she looked nervous. As I snapped a pic, La Gente, (the working class people) got the joke and were laughing their ‘colas’ off almost as if to say, “We like these gringos.”
Paseo Prueba Quatro: Be likeable, find commonality, be ‘La Gente.’
So much fun, so much fulfillment from ‘doing what you think you couldn’t do, doing things you aren’t supposed to do’ was beyond euphoric.
Now this Prueba Cinco, muy cumplicado. Buckle your seat belts. Vamos a ‘coffee country!’
Rented a car, we drove to Manizales, tip of the coffee country. Magic of Colombia is its diversity of landscape, diversity of people. Start climbing the Andes foothills, then follow a riverside road that eventually leads to the Amazon. Maps claimed 4 hours. Sounds great!
Bienvenido Colombia!
Total nightmare! Dodging oncoming buses, hairpin turns, saying prayer crossing crumbling bridges, waiting for 20 minutes for one-lane road construction. At one point I asked Twinkle, “Would you rather die via mudslide or falling into the river?”
After three years we needed a break. Had earned a visa, knew we could return at any time.
‘Mission Impossible’ accomplished. Physically, mentally, spiritually.
Paseo Prueba Cinco: Transformed duo. Unleash new life.
Tirade Tom, Timid Twinkles returned home replaced by Tranquilo Tom (more patient, empathetic) and Twinkle La Princesa (more confident, bold, became even sweeter).
I was reading Thomas Wolfe’s classico “You Can’t Go Home Again.” An expat adventure of a disillusioned person who took a chance, moved to a foreign country, had an immersive experience, and returned a changed, more enlightened person.
I looked at Twinkle, said, “That’s us, I saved your life, you saved mine.”
Meet Tom and Twinkles...
Hi, I'm Tom. Stanford and Duke grad with a successful 25-year professional career. Started in consulting, migrated to corporate business, and worked my way to executive level. After years of high-level presentations, workshops, and keynote speeches, I got depressed and lonely.
That’s when a 2kg miracle, my furry companion, changed my life. She led me to a fulfilling path, increasing my empathy, humility, and coaching skills. Together, we embraced new challenges, getting unleashed, and finding new joy in our lives.
If you enjoyed my story, then checkout my website. I've got even more content for you to enjoy! www.getting-unleashed.com
Embracing Change ... I was an emotionally removed obnoxious senior executive. 25+ years professional career loaded with affluence, entitlement. And emotional bankruptcy. Twinkles led me to a fulfilling path, increasing my empathy, humility, and coaching skills. Together, we embraced new challenges, getting unleashed, and finding new joy in our lives.
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allowing myself to feel joy is always difficult due to my upbringing. My parents were not joyful people and seemed to do their best do stomp it out wherever they found it/.
Me too it’s awful, ain’t going away, can’t change them. Just figure out escape path.
I am convinced…adopting a pup right now!
Incredible story of discovery and adventure — with a furry friend! Thank you Tom for sharing your journey for others to enjoy.
This is such a beautiful post. I also had a dog that changed my life. We were together for 17 years.
I wish the best for you and Twinkle. May you find joy and happiness. Wishing you the best in all your adventures as you navigate in all of these changes.
Happy Dog Day!
This is an experience I would advise everyone to take at once in a lifetime. it is a perfect opportunity for our personal growth.
Sonia, it’s risky. But will help you develop an enlightened attitude.
Great to hear from Tom and Twinkles – I know Tom since 2001, wonderful guy, and he was a great executive, but I am so glad he found Twinkles and shares these wonderful adventures, change is good but its scary you need to embrace like Tom and Twinkles ! Cheers Erik
Aaawwwww…I bet Tom can never get back to his old life the same! Experiencing life from a new location always spices things up!
A simple story well-written – and as such a great reminder that change is tough. Tough experiences are best endured with another – and I think, in sharing the experiences they become more profound for both.
A very enjoyable and impactful read!
What a wonderful reminder that change can be good. It’s tough to step out of the norm, but with a pup, life is easier.
I saved her life, she saved mine!
Got great lessons from your post. Discomfort give us chances to grow. I love that message!
Embracing change can be tough, but it’s amazing how it can lead to unleashing joy. The way Thomas Corr navigated his journey shows the power of a positive mindset. Change often brings growth and opportunities we might not have imagined.
The hairpin turns and crumbling infrastructure are not for me. I’m a chicken at heart when it comes to driving anyway.
Just push yourself a little bit Rosey. You can do it!
Change is never easy, but it’s always better when you have a trusted friend by your side!
The whole time I miled while reading the story. It was truly inspiring.