Where to Now?

I recently had a chance to revisit the word friendship. A friend who I had not seen in fifteen years telephoned me--literally out of the blue. I was overjoyed to see her again. It was like I had just been with her last week. The reconnection was instantaneous.

The first thing that happened to me was the flood of memories that returned. I remembered the times when I cried on her shoulder about how the world was conspiring against me. The thing I remember most was her question: "How or why did you "create" the situation you are in?" This is a very disconcerting question when you're up to your knees in alligators and sinking rapidly!

Our conversations involved my early exposure to the concept of empowerment and the fact that if I create my own reality, then how could I possibly be a victim. That was very strange talk then and equally strange to many people today. What I tried to do was not struggle with concept but adopt that way of thinking. Then observe what my actions would be: empowering or victimizing!

I remember the first time I applied for a research grant and was rejected. It was like a personal rejection of me as a person. I couldn't make a distinction between my potential as a research scientist and my inherent value as a human being. My accomplishments were inseparable from me--at that time.

That's where my friend came in. These were the lessons she reminded me of at that time.

Lesson One: There are some things you can't control, no matter how self-determining you are. You can only do your best and rejoice or learn from the results you get.

Lesson Two: Life is a never-ending series of tests. Sometimes you pass "GO" and get a reward and sometimes you have to pay for something even though you have no money. Both situations are tests!

Lesson Three: Hanging in there by your fingernails in the midst of confusion and doubt will create a space for unforeseen miracles to come to your rescue. Your commitment to prevailing is mysteriously noticed by the world and the world, in turn, provides the support you need. (This is a leap of faith in something greater than yourself!)

Lesson Four: Continue to move forward by taking actions in your own behalf even though it will seem that you are making no forward progress.

Lesson Five: Maintain a positive attitude by visualizing your goal of success. (This difficult to do when the swamp is filled with alligators.)

And most amusingly of all, remember this is just a test. If it were the real thing, you would have been given instructions! These are the words of a true friend. Thanks

Tomorrow begins the free download of the vintage audio book Rodney--A Young Person's Story. Ten chapters, one posted each week. Each chapter is about 8-9 minutes in duration. This audio book is intended for "children of all ages!"