“No need to worry! You will always have everything that you need.” ~ my fortune cookie of May 22, 2011
That just about covers it! Like most everyone else these days, I have been going through some of my own personal, professional, and economic challenges. The stresses associated with these experiences range from near-peace to panic. When at near-peace, I am at my highest level of trust that everything I am going through is all part of a great opportunity to learn and grow. And, panic is just that – a high level of frustration, fear, and pain as I struggle to find peace, confidence and trust that everything will work itself out. After all, it always has.
If you could only appreciate the timing of this message. I am in Michigan and was wrapping up a fun weekend and preparing for a very productive week of training at several businesses. Yet, there is a cloud hanging over me back in Arizona that I have been dealing with for several months now. As I continue to patiently and confidently work through these challenges, the pressure to resolve them have been growing significantly. Deadlines are looming, answers are not clear, options are non-existent, and I am not really willing or able to make a decision on these matters. Despite all the good that is going on in Michigan, is being significantly offset by the pressures in Arizona. I am not in panic mode, yet; but, I am clearly worried and concerned.
Enter the fortune cookie. Though I am not one to put a lot of stock in messages, especially from a random fortune cookie, the timing of this one and the message it contains is significant. In earlier 100 Pedals posts, I have written about faith and hope. I have written and shared my belief and perspectives in how we need to trust and embrace our journey and the challenges, experiences, and opportunities contained in that journey. And, despite the range of stresses and concerns I feel about my situation at times, I continue to hold tight to the belief that there is a purpose for my particular path these days.
The poignant reminder that I received from this message was, I do always have everything that I need. Sometimes, especially lately, I have received what seems like the bare minimum. Regardless, I have always received everything I need and, according to my “fortune”, I will continue to do so. Instead of living in panic over the struggles in my life, I need to continue to face forward and trust that those things I am worrying about are being handled. With that, I am free to return to focus on engaging in those activities that keep me moving forward toward my goals and my commitments and in fulfillment of my promise.
Sometimes we worry about things that have no answer, yet. Sometimes we worry about those things that we are concerned could happen to us. Sometimes we worry about things that are actually distracting us from those activities that we need to be engaged in to accomplish our mission. You may not find the answers in a fortune cookie; but, this particular note is a pleasant reminder that, whether you realize it or not, you always have everything you need. Stop worrying about it!
