Surprise!!!! The new newsletter name is here...

Primary Source

This is your primary source for stepping beyond expectations, thinking independently, and building a richer, more meaningful life.

Every week, you'll get bite-sized ideas, insights, and stories that offer a new perspective and help you shape your reality so it truly feels like yours. My hope is that every time you open this newsletter, you gain something that helps you think about life in a new way, even if it makes a subtle difference.

And because I love books, I'll share one new book recommendation every week. Something I've read, something I'm reading, or something I have on my to-be-read list. Regardless, it will be thoughtfully picked to support you in expanding your life beyond the status quo and evolving into the person you're capable of being.

I'm excited to share the first issue of Primary Source with you! Enjoy 🙂

Unexpected lessons and surprising my wife

A few weeks ago, my wife and I hopped on a bullet train in Florence, Italy and headed north to Milan for the Olympics. We got to watch the USA men's hockey team play Latvia, and it was electric.

This was also our first time in Milan, so we wanted to spend the day after the game exploring the city and immersing ourselves in the Olympic buzz.

Everywhere you looked was either an Olympic activation or someone dressed head-to-toe in their country's colors. The best outfit we saw was three guys from Canada wearing onesies that read "Snowball Fighting Team." I wish that were a real event.

But before we were buzzing from the buzz, we had an unexpected experience that made me rethink how I'm approaching life.

As we were leaving our Airbnb, we stopped to take a photo together (to make sure our future kids know we were cool, of course). We didn't have a tripod, so we put our phone on a ledge and did our best to make it look half-decent.

We tried a few photos, but it wasn't cutting it. Right when we were about to give up, an Italian man approached us on the sidewalk, as he was on the phone with his hands full of groceries.

He pulled the phone slightly away from his face and whispered, "Want me to take a photo for you?"

We were both confused because he was clearly preoccupied. We hesitated out of shock, but he insisted. I handed him my phone, and we stepped back for the photo.

He proceeded to put all of his groceries on the ground, continued talking on the phone, and squatted like a pro to snap a photo. He handed the phone back to me, and then off he went.

My wife and I both looked at each other and said, "What just happened?"

We were moved by his unconditional generosity. He didn't need to do that. He was busy on the phone and had his hands full of groceries. But even still, he wanted to slow down and offer his help.

Being on the receiving end of his generosity made me want to lead with a more open heart and offer kindness to the people around me. It inspired me to slow down my busy life and create space for more thoughtfulness.

To put this inspiration into motion, I surprised my wife with something unexpected the other day in Florence (you can see the surprise in the YouTube video). Watching the joy it brought her made me realize why he offered to take our photo in Milan.

The feeling you get witnessing someone feel seen, loved, or supported might be one of the best feelings in the world.

Book recommendation of the week

​A Philosophy of Walking​ by Frédéric Gros

I've recently started going on a morning walk to start my day, and it's made a stark difference in how I feel. Our society has long overlooked the power of walking, when it can inspire creativity and quiet a troubled soul. This book explores how walking can become a philosophical practice in your life.

Thank you for reading. I hope to see you again next week!

Jordan Tarver
Author of ​You Deserve This Sh!t​ and ​Pursuit of Purpose​

p.s. ​Text "INSPO" to 707-289-7047​ to receive free weekly inspirational messages directly from me to your phone. Your data is always secure and kept private. I'll never charge you a penny. I'd love to have you!