Underline This Podcast

Our experiences are gold mines—we just have to dig.🪏

When we take time to reflect on our past, we uncover moments filled with meaning. Stories, like metaphors and allegories, help us teach lessons to ourselves and others. It’s like sifting through memory with a gold pan—searching for the flakes of wisdom buried in the dirt. ⛏️

Let me show you what I mean by sharing a recent story—featuring three characters: me, the Everglades… and an alligator. 🐊

This happened a few weeks ago in Shark Valley, part of the Florida Everglades. There’s a 15-mile trail, a single paved road cutting through wild wetlands to an observation tower and back.

Now, this wasn’t my first rodeo. There are no water stations, only restrooms at the start and halfway point. I came prepared—9 bottles of water, an energy drink 🔋 , trail mix, sunscreen, insect repellent 🦟 , playlists, and a full phone battery.

I hit the road early Saturday morning to beat the heat. While driving, I sipped a mango energy drink, cranked up Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and took in the views—lily pads on one side, endless swamp on the other.

I arrived before the trail opened. A park ranger greeted me. When she learned I wasn’t biking but running the 15 miles, she raised her eyebrows. “Watch the heat,” she warned. “Thunderstorms this afternoon.”

But between caffeine, music, and the beauty of the landscape, I was mentally armored. I thanked her, parked, sprayed myself down with insect repellent and sunscreen, stretched, and started running.

It was stunning—water shimmering, birds soaring, and the untamed wilderness pulsing with life.

About 10 minutes in, I was cruising along to Sweet Child of Mine by Guns N’ Roses when I heard what sounded like a motor. I pulled out my headphones, expecting a tram or park truck.

Nothing.

A few moments later: (aggggggggggg)—a low, terrifying rumble.

I froze.

The Everglades are home to panthers and countless alligators. (agggggggggg)—there it was again.

I was caught between turning back to Miami—or staying calm and figuring out what I was dealing with.

I slowly scanned the bank.

There it was.

A huge alligator slid off the grass into the water. Its eyes broke the surface—staring right at me—and it let out one more growl. (agggggg)

My internal alarm dropped from DEFCON 1 to DEFCON 5 ☢️. The gator wasn’t chasing me. Just giving a loud, prehistoric “stay away” notice.

I took a breath. I kept running.

And it turned out to be a scorching, challenging, and unforgettable day in the Everglades.

Let’s now sift through this experience and pan for the gold—those nuggets of insight that apply far beyond the swamp.

Golden Nugget #1: Don’t react before you reflect.
If I had turned around in fear, I would’ve missed a full day of memories, exercise, and growth. Sometimes fear shows up loud—but that doesn’t mean it’s a true threat. Pause. Size it up. Then decide.

Golden Nugget #2: Obvious danger is obvious for a reason.
That alligator wasn’t hiding. It was hissing loud and clear. In life, some choices come with growls and red flags—ignore them and you might get bit. If it looks like a dinosaur, sounds like a dinosaur, and you live in Florida… it’s an alligator. The same can be said about decisions. If it looks like a bad decision, it sounds like a bad decision, and feels like a bad decision, it’s a bad decision.

Golden Nugget #3: Be willing to pivot or be adaptable.
I love my routines—especially weekend runs—but when the wild gets too wild, adaptability can save you. As author Michael Chabon said, “Man makes plans, and God laughs.” Be prepared, but be adaptable.

So here’s my challenge to you: Think back on your own experiences. What memories are hiding golden nuggets of wisdom?

As you reflect, you’ll gain more than just insight. You’ll find stories worth telling—and lessons worth sharing.

Let your life be your metaphor. Pan for the gold. And pass it on.

Thank you.

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