I recently interviewed Anne-Laure Le Cunff, author of Tiny Experiments, for my upcoming Force For Good book. As the former Global Marketing Lead for Google Fit, she thought she was living her dream life. She had everything she wanted. Rewarding work. International travel. Amazing pay. Her career trajectory was all mapped out.

But then, a health scare caused her to realize that she didn’t want to lead a mapped-out life. She actually wanted to lead an experiential life.

Part of Anne-Laure’s premise (and epiphany) is that it’s easy to get locked into a prescribed, linear life. To opt for the certainty and security that comes from knowing where you’re going.

The thing is, that can leave curiosity on the table. What if sticking to our plans (many of which were made years ago), we do the new? What if, instead of doing things the way we’ve already always done them, we do things… differently?

Anne’s insights are a form of “existential shock therapy,” as she calls them. Her evocative call to action inspired me to do the new yesterday.

I was drawn to get these pink lavender roses at the store while stocking up on provisions for the ice storm that was coming. I thought they’d be a beautiful contrast to the cold, rainy, gray days ahead.

When I got home, I pruned them, arranged them in their vase, and put them on the dining room table, where I always put my flowers.

But the thing is, I don’t really see them there, except when I pass through the living room on my way somewhere.

Hmm. What if I brought these exquisite roses into my writing room where I spend most of my time, so I can see them throughout the day?

Voila. A tiny experiment that is already reaping rewards. Every time I look up, I am re-astonished by nature’s bounty.