Cindy and Chris—two different lives—two different stories; each similar in their truth. Today, gathering ingredients for the mango salsa, I made a trip to the newly opened Fresh Market near my home. It is really not a grocery store, but more of a delightful shopping experience. As, I approached the check out register, a short grey haired woman wearing glasses and dressed in the market’s trademark colors stood waiting as I approached. Smiling she asked, “are you ready to check out? “Yes”, I said, and continued, “this is a dangerous store with all the wonderful temptations around each turn of my shopping cart”. She nodded, and I push the metal basket into the designated parking spot by her register.
Sometimes, short conversations ensue as customer stands—and clerk works quickly sliding bar codes over the red laser lights and typing in proper codes. We exchanged a few words about salsa—her husband making a batch made with mangos the evening before; their tree full with bounty.
And, how are you today, I politely inquired about half way through the process. Well, confessed, Cindy—as I read her name tag, “I am getting over a cold”. Hum, I thought—and then spoke. I guess your biology is catching up to your new higher vibration”. She stopped and smiled. “I am happy again”, she replied in earnest. I looked her in the eyes. And in a few minutes she told me her story. “I used to work at Fresh Market—the one down by Broward,” (Ave) she told me. “Things got unbearable and I left. I worked at a call center as a supervisor for three years and would be pacing in the hall getting yelled at. (My mind drifted and I pictured a hallway with plainly painted nondescript walls and squares of dull vinyl tiling desperately needing to be cleaned and waxed.) “I came back here when this store opened. I am so happy—in fact all the weight I gained just fell off” and she rubbed her hand across her belly. I was astonished for she was a rather thin woman “I believe you; you are saying my vibration rose because I am happy—and the cold is proof.” Yep, I said smiling. Pretty cool, huh. I know it’s true. I haven’t been this happy in a long time. We parted smiling. I headed for home, I would be back.
My friend Chris is another story. Another career experience. What was being tested? What wisdom did he gain? Offered an opportunity to work in St. Croix several months ago, he sold or gave away everything he owned, except two suitcases of basic necessities, his cat and 2000 lbs. of tools, heading to the Caribbean for what seemed to be a dream job. Six+ weeks later, he is heading home. “The guy doesn’t have an ounce of integrity—and I don’t ever see it changing,” he told me over the phone. The apartment he was supposed to have wasn’t ready for several weeks after he arrived. The job was not what he went down there to do—and his beloved companion and familiar friend, Tigger got sick. It was then that he made the decision to come back to Florida—and start over. “I think this is one of the toughest experiences of my life”, he said in another conversation; I could certainly hear that in his voice. But, just like Cindy, a new job awaits him here, with a company he knows that works with honesty; a prerequisite for him and was for Cindy too.
We all seem to survive the bumps in the road. It is part of life that we don’t really understand, but adds flavor to our ride. I guess we could say, it might be quite boring in the other direction. Gilda Radner once noted, “Some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity . . .” Each “adventure” we take always brings choice—do we make our decision based from the standpoint of love or fear—which is it that guides our way? Gary Zukav, well known author of the book, The Seat of the Soul, says this, The choice that frees or imprisons us is the choice of love or fear. Love liberates. Fear imprisons.
In the end, it’s about being honest with one person—our self. Stay strong and do your best with whatever situation you face following your instincts. Remember, to somehow enjoy your ride, difficult as it is in the moment; temporary as the weather. You must pick the path that’s right for you; after all it’s your own story and your truth. But do it with love because love liberates you and sets you free, especially when taking the leap into the vast unknown. We’re all stronger than we know.
“Inspired Wellness From Within”
Cathrine Silver, HC, AADP
Filed under: 2016, Doing what we Love, fear, Food for Thought, Getting what we want in Life, Healthy Living, Living our truth, Love and Life, Love and purpose, Primary Food, Self-love, Well-being |
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