Behind the clouds, the sun always shines
This week I had a day full of surprises and unexpected events.
After weeks of rain, the sun was shining! I was excited to walk in the woods on a clear, crisp spring morning. I laced up my runners and headed out.
Wait a minute!
What is that I see?
A flat tire on my car. Not just slightly low on air. No. It was flat. I knew I could not drive anywhere on that tire.
So, instead of enjoying my ‘date with Mother Nature’, I phoned the Automobile Association and waited for help.
That is when another unexpected thing happened. Instead of a long wait, the tow truck arrived in record time. A friendly expert quickly and cheerfully put on a spare tire. A short while later I drove to the Tire Shop where my flat tire was repaired and I was set to go.
[pullquote width=”300″ float=”right”]I am much happier when I respond rather than react[/pullquote]
Ease and flow surrounded me as I dealt with what could have been a major upset for me. I was happy for how quickly the tire was fixed. I was never in danger. All was well.
Another surprise awaited me that day.
I have been feeling into the best time for me to visit my parents. My mother is frail physically and mentally. She doesn’t always recognize my father or other family members. The ‘dark’ days outnumber the days of ‘light’ and comprehension. I am grieving the loss of the mother I no longer have.
On this day I felt a strong sense that I wanted to book a flight for a visit in the next few weeks.
And, this didn’t fit with ‘my’ plans.
What about my client sessions? The Women’s Circle I lead? And, the Retreat I am hosting in less than a month. How can I go away now?
And, yet, my heart is saying ‘Go’.
Then the magic happened. I called my travel agent who is also a dear friend. She effortlessly booked my flights. As I completed the transaction she said, ‘Oh, that is the last seat on that flight’. The wonderful gift in this is that my two sisters were booked on that flight. Now we will travel together and I will share with them the beautiful mix of emotions as we visit our mother and father.
What could have been a stressful process was an experience of lightness and ease. And I have a joyous partnership with my travel agent and my sisters.
What is the secret to the way in which I was able to face the stressors of that day?
I have times when I get angry at events that are not in my plan. When my schedule is changed unexpectedly I don’t like it. I enjoy being in control of my life and having my plans unfold as I envisioned them. I also notice that I am much happier when I respond rather than react at these times.
Here are some actions I am practicing in my life to support me when ‘stuff happens’.
1. I notice my experience
I take note of what is happening and my reaction to it. Sometimes I ask myself, ‘what am I making this mean?’ Often it is not about me! I feel my feelings and accept them without judgment. Then I choose to focus on what I want.
2. I put my energy into what I have control over
I do not want to have a flat tire. However, that is already the case. So, I take action to get it fixed, rather than just complaining about it.
3. I remember what I want to feel
I want to have ease, joy and play in my life. This means being willing to expect the unexpected and to remember what is important to me. This is how I chose to visit my parents at this time. I got clear on what I wanted and then took steps to create that experience for myself.
I am learning that I am strong. This does not lead to the kind of behaviour that ‘pushes’ through, ignoring my feelings and what I want. Instead, I see myself in the light of beautiful feminine strength.
[pullquote width=”300″ float=”right”]Let go of control and surrender to what will be[/pullquote]
I am no longer the ‘Marjorie that Manages’ at all cost. I am the Marjorie who allows herself to feel emotion deeply and authentically. I am not a victim. I see myself in a favourable light and from this place of love and self-compassion, I attract all kinds of abundance and relationships to support me.
This support came to me in the person of the tow truck driver. And, in my friend, the travel agent.
I am filled with gratitude and joy as I reflect on my day. I am not alone! I have a choice as to how I view my life circumstances, and I celebrate this beautiful day of surprises and love.
I am curious to learn more about the impact of PLAY in my life as I explore ways to be calm in times of stress. I believe that Play includes letting go of my control and surrendering to what will be.
What is the impact of Play in your life? Does it support you in the times you are faced with a stressful situation?
[disclaim]At my Day Retreat on April 29 we will be exploring this and other aspects of Play. Check out the poster below and come over and join me and the other women for a day of pleasure and play![/disclaim]
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