ser·en·dip·i·ty
noun: the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
“a fortunate stroke of serendipity”
synonyms: (happy) chance, (happy) accident, fluke; luck, good luck, good fortune, fortuity, providence; happy coincidence
(Thank you Google)
Do you listen to your intuition, that “gut feeling”?
Do you notice the little things and listen to that little thought that just jumps into your head?
Or the little voice that seems to come from the vicinity of your shoulder?
Have you noticed when you allow yourself to be open to positive possibilities, things just “arrive at the right time”, just when you need them? Some might say serendipity…
Experience has taught me it’s usually a very good idea to notice, because once you start noticing, you’ll begin to notice more. It can take a very long time for things to align and for me to connect the dots to see opportunity. Often I am completely unaware of the process unfolding before me until it’s completed.
For instance, my mum loves to read, so, I tend to scan the used book tables for treasures. It was on one of these excursions that Tuesday’s With Morrie by Mitch Albom caught my attention. I’d heard of the title and accolades about the book. It was twenty-five cents well spent.
When she gave it back to me it was with the gentle recommendation “you really should read this, it was excellent! It’s the kind of book you’d love.” I smiled and said thank you. I was very glad she’d enjoyed it. At home, I put it in the bathroom thinking I’d get around to reading it some day.
When guests have visited our washroom they’ve often commented, “Oh, you’r reading Tuesday’s With Morrie! Isn’t it a great book!” To which I’ve responded honestly, I hadn’t read it yet.
Each time I cleaned I’d move the book as I dusted and then put it back with the bathroom reading material. Sometimes I’d think “Maybe I should read it” but most times I simply ignored it. This was my routine for more months than I care to count.
Then a couple of weeks ago as I picked up the book as I was dusting. I had a distinct and very loud thought, “You need to read it now.” I really wasn’t in the mood. As a matter of fact I was in a bit of a funk, but I’ve had enough experience with myself and those loud thoughts. I picked up the book and opened to the first page. I smiled and said a little thank you to those thoughts. It was exactly what I needed. Serendipity.
I am so grateful I’ve learned to listen to myself, well, at least some of the time. The book is filled with tidbits that I was ready to hear now – not six months ago, not in a year, but right now. Although, no matter when I read the book, I would still learn from it, NOW is when the words sunk in. Now is when I was ready to receive it.
“I’m going to say it again,” he said, “Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live.” He smiled, and I realized what he was doing. He was making sure I absorbed this point, without embarrassing me by asking. It was part of what made him a great teacher. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
I certainly recommend the book, but what I recommend even more is allowing yourself to be truly aware and open to the serendipity around you. It is always there if you are open to it. The problem is most of us aren’t. We ignore the messages that surround us, and virtually put our fingers in our ears and sing lalalalalalala I can’t hear you.
It can take a while to get tuned in to recognize and trust the messages and signs around us. But once you make that first connection and recognize it, it becomes easier each time until they jump out at you like a friend waving a welcoming hello!
So when you get that nagging jolt of “maybe I should”, or “maybe I shouldn’t” …. maybe what you should do is take a moment and check it out. Just maybe, exactly what you need is actually right there in front of you patiently ready and waiting for you to simply take the time to pause, listen, and recognize it so you can own it.
Because in the end, it really is all good. It’s just how you choose to look at it. Go on, be open and let yourself Rise Like Air.
© 2018 JFries/Rise Like Air
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