Have you ever asked for a sign and then had something happen that felt almost too perfectly timed to be a coincidence?

What does synchronicity mean? Are coincidences meaningful? How do you know if something is a sign from God or the universe? And what happens when a major life crisis forces you to completely rethink your identity, career, and purpose?

In this episode, I talk with Chip Scholz, an executive coach, author, storyteller, woodworker, and student of leadership, legacy, and what he calls “handoffs.”


What Is Synchronicity? A Real-Life Story of a Meaningful Coincidence

One of the biggest questions explored in this episode is:

What is synchronicity?

Psychologist Carl Jung used the term to describe meaningful coincidences — events that appear connected by meaning even though there is no obvious causal relationship. Contemporary discussions of synchronicity similarly focus on the strange experience of inner thoughts or circumstances lining up with unexpected external events.

Chip has a story that brings that question to life and will have you believing in an intentional and life-giving Universe! (you'll just have to listen to see!)

What Does It Mean When You Ask God for a Sign?

Chip's spirituality is an important part of the conversation.

When his business was struggling, he essentially said:

Show me that I'm going in the right direction.

Then came the gas-station encounter.

For people who search for phrases such as “signs from God,” “how do I know God is guiding me,” “how do I know I'm on the right path,” or “what does it mean when I pray for a sign,” Chip's story offers a fascinating real-world example and again, will have you believing in a Universe and God that has our backs!

Here are other questions this episode answers beautifully, because honestly, Chip's life is an example to us all...

How Do You Find Purpose After a Stroke?


How Do You Find Meaning After A Major Life Crisis?


And Finally, Can Getting Laid Off Change Your Life for the Better?


You Can't Give What You Don't Have!

One of my favorite moments in the conversation comes when Chip explains that if you're going to help other people become their best selves, you have to continue developing yourself, too.

You can't give what you don't have.

If your own tank is empty, it's difficult to help someone else move forward.

That's a powerful idea for coaches, leaders, parents, teachers, mentors, and anyone whose work involves helping other people.

Why Do Meaningful Coincidences Happen During Life Changes?

One particularly interesting thread connects Chip's story to a larger question about synchronicity.

Why do people sometimes notice unusual coincidences when they're going through major transitions?

Recent psychological writing on synchronicity has explored how meaningful coincidences may become particularly noticeable during periods of illness, career change, retirement, grief, and other identity-shifting transitions.

That makes Chip's story especially interesting.

His most striking “sign” happened while his business was uncertain.

His life changed after a layoff, his life during and after his stroke, and his life continues to change, but Chip has learned that being in the flow, and watching for the magic and the mystery in life, is all about creating greater connection and belief in that great Spirit that weaves this Universe into being!

What If the Unexpected Event Is Exactly What You Needed?

This may be the biggest question in the entire episode.

What if you don't know what an event means while you're living through it?

A layoff can look like failure.

A health crisis can look like devastation.

A career change can look like instability.

An unexpected encounter can look like a coincidence.

But what if the meaning becomes visible only later?

Chip's story suggests that sometimes the twists and turns of life don't simply take us away from our path.

They create the path.

And sometimes we only understand that after we've traveled a considerable distance.

If you've ever experienced a coincidence that felt like more than a coincidence…

If you've ever asked for a sign…

If you've wondered whether you're on the right path…

If you've experienced a career setback or health crisis…

Or if you're trying to figure out what your next chapter is supposed to look like…

this conversation with Chip Scholz is for you.

Listen for the story of the gas station.

Listen for the story of resilience.

Listen for Chip's philosophy of purpose.

Listen for his thoughts on leadership, legacy, retirement, and woodworking.

And most of all, listen for the possibility that the unexpected turns in our lives may sometimes be taking us somewhere we couldn't have found on our own.

Because sometimes the thing you think is taking you off course…

is the very thing that puts you on your path.


And if you want to listen to additional conversations from delightful human beings who are on their path and have had signs and wonders show up in their lives, listen to the episodes below:

Darlene tells a charming and fun story about meeting the love of her life, all while seemingly playing musical chairs. Listen to this enchanting tale of love and fun, "Synchronicity and Finding Love, (Musical Chairs Style!)" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE!

Russell tells a powerful story of having an angel enter his life when everyone around him thought that all was lost! He was dyslexic, intelligent and undiagnosed. Then, his Angel arrived. Listen to "The Mayflower and Living Into Our Ancestors Tricksterness" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE.

Reed Thomas Lawrence tells about a crazy encounter that he had while hiking, barefoot, on the top of the mountain, that quite literally changed his life! Listen to "The Mysterious Man On The Mountain" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE.


And here's all about my delightful guest, Chip! His magic extends far and wide so be sure to check out his website!
As well as his Instagram, for more nuggets of gold!

There's no doubt that his kindness, his wisdom, and his determination to help the next leaders in the world become great, is shaping and changing the world for the better.

And to find out what I'm doing in the world, here is my website: Byte Sized Blessings
And my Insta, which is cloud pics and other amazing things, AND, my YouTube, which is woefully, horribly behind!

AND REMEMBER, PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW...IT MEANS EVER SO MUCH!

Your bit of beauty is this: This Instagram reel that show that just 6 days ago, Tibet was gifted (as well as Chinese astrophotographer Dong Shuchang) a rare glimpse of red sprites in the atmosphere...check out this short reel and witness nature's magic in action! (You know I'm a sucker for atmospheric beauty!!)