A little over eight years ago I left my condo in Stuart, Florida, to rent a home in Ojai, California. It was the second time in less than a year that I moved to a distant state. I realized two “wants” on my recent trip to New Zealand: I wanted to be closer to family and I wanted to live in the shadow of mountains. Did it matter that I’d just put the finishing touches on a major condo remodel? No. My heart pulled me elsewhere.
Full of anticipation and excitement, I packed the car, locked the house and headed west. Along the way a couple of girlfriends joined the trip and together we visited national parks, enjoying the spectacular fall weather. Halfway across the country in the middle of my merriment, I learned that my accommodations in Ojai fell through.
The news took me by surprise. No, I didn’t panic. No, I didn’t rant and rave. I firmly believe everything happens for me and is in my best interest.
I thought over the situation calmly. Without the fog of fear, my mind could think more clearly. I pondered what to do. Returning to Florida wasn’t an option; it simply didn’t suit me. What did pop into my head—right on cue—was to call my best friend Paula who lived in Northern California. Maybe I should make a right and not a left when I crossed the border into the Golden State.
With her characteristic graciousness and generous heart, my friend invited me to stay with her while I figured things out. With absolutely no idea of what might unfold, I entered California feeling like a child eagerly waiting to open a pile of Christmas gifts. Inexplicably, I was filled with joy and a sense that good things were coming my way. No planning, just maintaining a “wait and see what presents itself” attitude.
My “setback” led to a chain of events I wouldn’t have believed possible. Quite effortlessly—organically and unexpectedly—I met and became dear friends with Judy Skutch Whitson, the original, scribe-approved publisher of A Course in Miracles (ACIM). In my world this is similar to meeting a major rock star. Judy’s devotion to disseminating the message of ACIM enabled me to embrace a spiritual path that radically changed my life. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine meeting her.
Also unimaginable was finding and then settling in the lovely community of Sonoma, California. This too unfolded in the simplest and most unassuming ways possible. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect place to live —physically, emotionally, or socially. The foothills embraced my still-tender, post-divorce heart and nourished me back to myself.
At the time my plans for Ojai unexpectedly changed, I was experimenting with a response suggested by Byron Katie when things don’t go the way we plan. “Not this? Then something better!” she taught with delight. The idea integrated well with teachings I’d accepted earlier from ACIM and experienced as true. Admittedly, this concept contradicts what most of us are taught to believe. My results, however, are consistently positive, and continuously amaze me, so “Not this? Something better!” is now my conditioned response.
Recently I had the opportunity to witness the truth of this mindset play out with my dear friend Michelle. For over a year, she and her husband have been looking for a home in Washington State. More than once they found a house they liked and made a move to purchase but for various reasons the deals didn’t close. We kept reminding ourselves, “Not this? Something better!” Other, more “logical” choices didn’t satisfy the mantra Michelle attributes to me: “I’m not settling. I want nothing less than amazing.” With housing supply extremely limited, and demand overwhelming, the real estate market entered the twilight zone for Michelle and her husband. Opportunities to keep fear at bay became more frequent.
Feeling perhaps that a move might not be in their best interest after all, Michelle decided to suspend her active search. We discussed the lessons of the experience. It appeared that being unattached to the outcome, getting back up and swinging again, and knowing when to put the bat down—all put into play by her internal guidance—were the biggest ones. At this point, and with a sense of peace, Michelle felt compelled to suspend her search. We hung up the phone and accepted the outcome gracefully.
An hour later I was surprised to receive an email from Michelle with another listing. I was puzzled. I opened it up and was amazed with what I saw. It was the perfect house, in the best possible location, at a great price! I immediately called Michelle. “What the heck?” I asked. As she explained, I got “chills” all over my body. This, for me, is a psychic confirmation.
She was closing out automatic notifications for new listings when this one popped up, unsolicited, on her screen. It was for sale by owner and would not have been included with the listings she received. We both took it as a sign and jumped into action. Because the listing was only on one real estate site in an “other” category, it could easily be missed, which meant…no competition! What seemed impossible became possible.
Michelle’s heart’s desire, and my amazing journey to northern California, manifested because of a set of principles we’ve accepted and continually practice. They are:
Love what is – embrace what comes your way. Pain and suffering are optional and caused by fighting against what we’ve been given and focus instead on what we want and don’t have.
Detach from outcomes – expectations are disappointments waiting to happen. Be open to, not controlling of, how things unfold. Stay curious and observe. Adopt an “I don’t know what I don’t know” attitude.
Know the Universe has your back – when we defer to our logical minds and give in to fear, we shut ourselves off from the infinite possibilities working on our behalf. Let go and let God show you the way. Accept the loss; recognize something better is just around the corner.
Don’t settle – good enough is not good enough – let your heart’s desire guide you in your decisions and don’t settle for less. Your heart wants only to express love to you and to all you meet.
I encourage you to try these ideas for yourself. Watch with wonder as they gift you with far more than you can imagine. Feel, and enjoy, their blessings of love, happiness, and peace along the way.
Theresa says
Not this? Something better!! Absolutely!!! 😉 Thank you Dear Friend for always instilling this and reaffirming this affirmation!
Marguerite LaDue says
The Universe wants to give us EVERYTHING! We just need to let ourselves be open to receiving. Love you xoxoxo
Michelle says
Right on! Yes! Always learning….and re-membering.☺️
Marguerite LaDue says
That’s what makes life so interesting…and fun! xoxoxo