“Don’t be in such a rush to figure everything out. Embrace the unknown and let your life surprise you.” The Red Fairy Project by Genevieve Colmer
Are you someone who likes their life to be carefully planned and has no room for surprise or have you allowed room for the unknown to bring magic and surprise into your life? I have to say that for most of my life I was more comfortable with having a plan. Maybe that was reinforced through my professional life too; however, I remember the time that my mom sent a 10 year schedule to me and my siblings identifying the holidays that she and my dad would spend with each of us. Yes, little room for surprise at that time. I like to think that I’m embracing, allowing and welcoming more of the unknown and surprise now after many years of learning to ‘let go’ of old habits and behaviors. How about you?
Author Napoleon Hill has said that, “It is strange, but true, that the most important turning-points of life often come at the most unexpected times and in the most unexpected ways.” Looking back and reflecting on the many twists and turns that I’ve experienced during my ‘awakening journey’ I find this to be true. When I least expected it, major turning-points in my life appeared. Some were magical and joyful and some weren’t. Yet in every case I had a choice to make. Continue to go forward or not. Make a course change or not. Learn from the experience or not. Every experience created a foundation for who I am now and becoming more of.
I was asked by a friend recently, “What are you working on?” I paused before I answered. In the past I could have responded, “I’m creating a book, CDs, class, or workshop. I’m volunteering. I’m teaching. I’m doing something with tangible results!” Guess what? My answer this time was, “I’m creating inner peace, love, kindness, compassion, and more self-awareness. I’m waiting to feel inspired before I want to create more.” Wow, so different. I’m physically active to maintain my health but the compulsion to ‘do’ isn’t there like it was in the past. I find I value my relationships more and notice more of my surroundings. There’s so much beauty in nature. Hearing birds singing, smelling the earth and blossoms along with feeling the gentle breeze touching my skin is magical and a pleasant surprise.
Recently I watched a clip of Britain’s Got Talent. It highlighted a talented young man from South Africa who had moved to the U.K. He had cancer as a child and had a leg amputated. He was on crutches and when asked why he was there he shared that he always wanted to dance. His friends encouraged him to learn to dance and think of his crutch as his missing leg. He wanted to inspire others. Nothing was impossible. The audience and judges were surprised and so was I. The music began and he began to dance. It was magical. I cried. Goosebumps were all over my body. I was surprised at how deeply this young man and his performance touched me. I was inspired! Everyone was stunned and the standing ovation went on for a long time. The audience wanted the judges to let him proceed in the competition with a ‘Golden Buzzer’. After much discussion among the judges and special consideration he received what the audience wanted – the ‘Golden Buzzer’. A turning-point was reached!
Catholic priest, writer, and theologian, Henri Nouwen, has said that, “Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let’s not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise; whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy, it will open a new place in our hearts where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.” This week is a wonderful week for self-reflection as the Summer Solstice nears. Will you open to, embrace, and cherish the unknown and let your life surprise you? Cherish the surprise!
I will hold space for you. I’m sending lots of love to each one of you!
I’m available for private coaching and channeled information sessions at Storm Wisdom on Tuesdays from 1p – 6p by appointment. Please call Storm Wisdom, (602)334-1204 to schedule. I’m also available by phone or Zoom. To schedule please go to victoriabarna.com.