Welcome to the Blooming Mindset, a weekly dose of clarity, mindset, and practical wisdom to help you stay consistent, think more deeply, and build a life aligned with your identity and purpose. I'm Ruth Rieckehoff, and I'm so glad you're here. Please share this newsletter with a friend!
Beloved Architect of Identity,
Ever felt like life finally cracked open the door for you…
…and you whispered, “Oh, water’s fine,” when you could’ve asked for a full glass of wine?
Yeah. Same.
Let me tell you a story.
We were in Zagreb, Croatia. A bit tired, a little lost, trying to check into what we thought was our hotel.
Only... the building looked like a fortress. Doors shut. Windows covered. Not a single "Welcome" sign in sight.
It turns out that I’d actually booked an apartment, not a hotel room, and we were supposed to call ahead to be let in. Small problem: I didn’t have a working cell phone with me.
After standing there and considering our options, somebody opened the main door. We sneaked in.
So we roamed the halls of this eerie, dead-silent building like characters in a European thriller. Zero signs of life. No clue where to go.
We were about to give up and go search for Wifi…
When someone opened their door.
My husband, bless his extroverted heart, knocked, smiled, and asked if the gentleman knew anything about short-term rentals in the building.
He did.
He even offered to call the apartment manager on our behalf.
We were relieved. Saved. But it didn’t stop there.
He invited us inside to wait. Introduced us to his wife. Sat us down at their dining table.
Then he asked:
“What do you guys want to drink?”
And my husband, ever the polite guest, goes,
“Water’s fine.”
The old man paused. Squinted. Smirked.
“Water? Water’s for cleaning shoes. Let’s open some wine.”
And just like that, we were sipping white wine from Dalmatia and swapping stories with strangers turned friends.
Wild, right?
But here’s the part that stuck with me...
We’d walked through confusion. Uncertainty. A whole lot of “What now?”
And when the door finally opened, when we were in the room, with good people ready to help, we asked for less than what we actually needed.
We asked small.
Safe.
Predictable.
And they were ready to offer something better.
It hit me: This happens all the time.
You work. You push. You make it through the complex parts.
And when life finally gives you an opening…
You hesitate.
You shrink.
You ask for water when you’ve earned the wine.
But here's what I'm learning:
Preparation isn’t just about endurance, it’s about readiness.
Readiness to receive. To ask. To take up space.
Sometimes, the thing holding you back isn’t a lack of effort... it’s the belief that you’re not quite ready for the good stuff.
So if you’ve been putting in the work,
If you’ve made it through the maze,
If the opportunity is finally in front of you…
Don’t play small.
Ask boldly. Receive fully. Trust that you’re meant to be here.
Even if it feels a little weird at first.
Even if your instinct is to say, “Water’s fine.”
You’re not a guest in someone else’s story. You’re the main character in your own.
Here’s to being ready for the breakthrough, the wine, and whatever’s next.
Until next week!
Keep blooming,
Ruth
Reflect
- When was the last time I dismissed an opportunity because I didn’t feel ready?
- Am I preparing myself, not just to work hard, but to recognize and receive what I’ve earned?
Reframe
Old mindset: “I just need to keep my head down and work. Eventually, things will work out.”
New mindset: “I need to prepare for the moment things start working out, so I don’t fumble the breakthrough when it arrives.”
Aim to become someone ready to receive and respond when life opens a door.
Actionable Transformation
- Practice asking for help: The next time you feel stuck, ask someone directly, even if it feels bold or awkward. Especially then.
- Visualize your next breakthrough: Picture it. Then ask yourself: What will I need to receive it well? (Confidence, clarity, a plan?)
- Say “yes” to the wine: When someone offers you more than you expected, stop minimizing your presence. Accept it with gratitude. You’re ready for more.
P.S. Follow me on X for more stories like this: honest, reflective, and designed to help you unlock what’s next.
