Are Those ‘Change Your Life’ Moments More Common than We Realize?

Does something you experience have to change your life to be good?

To be worthwhile? To be worthy?

Let’s explore the concept…

When most of us hear something about Washington DC, it’s on the evening news and most hasn’t been particularly good of late. Fortunately, that’s not always the case.

Here in DC, we’re more than politicians and monuments.

We have many other special people and places too.

Magruder’s is one of those places. A landmark establishment specializing in fine wines, craft beers, distilled spirits, fresh produce and a deli (It seems like an odd combination to me too. But why not? It’s worked for them since 1845).

Some years ago, Lanette and I found ourselves in that very store (not in the existential sense), during an afternoon of exploring DC… probably just to take a break and cool off.

We of course immediately gravitated toward their wine section which they’re somewhat known for in the neighborhood. (Some locals even go for the produce).

In near-perfect unison, we both noticed a prominently displayed bottle of Cain Cuvée.

“I wonder if it’s anywhere near as good as Cain Five?”

We both loved Cain Five, a knock-your-socks-off, iconic blend of the five classic varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.

Another shopper within earshot interjected without eye contact or even a pause (DC locals are quick to do that with anyone who will listen)—

It’s good! It won’t change your life, but… it’s good.”

—local DC woman

We all had a good laugh. And… that line has become standard Jeff and Lanette vernacular from that day since.

“It won’t change your life, but…“

And yes, we promptly grabbed a bottle to take home. (I think we both were secretly thinking… but mayyyybe, it will change myyy life?)

So I realize this has been a long introduction to get to my underlying theme for this post…

Oh sorry, you must be wondering… here’s your answer… Cain Cuvée did not, I repeat, did not change lives that day.

Do we expect too much and do our expectations too often drive us toward disappointment?

We were both hoping for a Cain Five twin sister. But the best part of that wine was the experience with the woman in the store and the story we love to tell to this day.

But now that I said that… I guess in a sense, it did. Change lives, that is.

I’ll wrap this up and put a bow on this post with one of my favorite “inside the cover” notes I’ve ever come across… it’s from a little book I picked up one day at Eddie Bauer. (Yes, some people actually read the cover notes).

This book won’t change your life. It won’t solve any of your deep-rooted psychological problems. It won’t make you rich. And it definitely won’t make you sexy. It may, however, remind you that we, as humans, are basically okay. And that it isn’t very difficult to get a little balance in our lives. So, have fun. Slow down. Take a deep breath. Things are gonna be fine.”

— Bob Kerstetter and Steve Stone in “Balance: A Guide to Life’s Forgotten Pleasures” Bob Kerstetter and Steve Stone (c) 1996 Eddie Bauer

Sometimes the best stuff is right there waiting to be discovered. You just have to give it a try. You know, go ahead and take a look. Or have a little taste.

Be untucked.

Hope you got something from your visit today… thanks always for stopping by. Maybe scroll down and leave a comment… share a story about something that’s changed your life. 

Copyright © 2019 Jeff Meister

Final thoughts…

The next time you’re in DC, be sure and pay Magruder’s a visit. You’ll find them in the Chevy Chase neighborhood. (Not named after the actor and comedian. But you just never know around here).

A few other posts you may enjoy…

Of All the Finer Things in Life What are the Finest and How Do You Find Them?

How To Have Best Parts in Your Day

Are You Skipping the Good Parts While You Go Through Life Like a Robot Stuck in a Do Loop?