Guided to Leave My Car

February 18, 2011

Sometimes we are guided to do things and know why and other times we are led and aren’t sure what it’s all about… until later. The bigger picture may escape us. Here’s a story where the “why” is up for question.

Recently, we took a trip to Western Maryland to enjoy an activity that was on my bucket list. All my adult life, I’ve wanted to ride in a real husky dog sled, and I finally got the chance. Last fall, I came across an article in my local town magazine about a woman who owned a Siberian husky and how she volunteered to support the Iditarod race in Alaska. The article provided resources for interested people to learn more about the sport of husky racing as well as for those wishing to actually ride in a husky dog sled. I was surprised to learn that one such organization was within a three-hour drive from my home in Northern Virginia. Wow! I didn’t have to go to Alaska. (I did try to take a sled ride while travelling in Switzerland, but when we arrived at the top of the mountain, we were informed that the temperature was too warm for the dogs to run!) The date finally came and we were off, prepared to hit a bad snow storm sometime during the three days of our trip, (one day to drive up, a day to take the sled ride and do a bit of skiing and then a day to drive back).

Paying attention to guidance

After about an hour and a half of driving my slightly aging 2002 Volvo, I turned off the cruise control as we came upon some traffic and I wanted to have more driving maneuverability. Unfortunately, the car continued to respond as if it was still controlled by the cruise capability. I put my foot gently on the brake and the car slowed down, but when I used the accelerator, the car stopped at 60 mph, the speed at which I had set the cruise feature previously. This became frightening since I wasn’t sure how the car would respond to my actions, particularly in light of the normally delicately sensitive reaction to which I was accustomed. I told my travelling company of the situation and he kept asking me questions to which I answered, “The car isn’t responding. It’s like it has a mind of its own!” I felt that I had to pull off the highway to figure out what was going on, so I took the next exit, and pulled over at a nearby fast food restaurant. I turned off the car engine hoping to reset the cruise control, but it didn’t have the desired effect. When I returned to the highway, the car was still not under normal functioning.

This time, I was even more afraid. I knew that we had two more hours to drive to reach our destination. What to do? Again, I told my companion that I had to pull off the road. I took the very next exit, which was Hagerstown, a rather old railroad town. Immediately as I left the main road, there were two car dealerships, one with a service center and an associated car rental company. Pulling into the Toyota Center, I entered the service area and commenced to explain what was happening. Rhonda, one of the technicians, in trying to help me, provided instructions to pull my car into one of the service docks right away even though other people were waiting in the outer area. Rhonda couldn’t have been nicer. Toyota diagnostics aren’t much use on a Volvo so she started to work with my service manual and even called the nearest Volvo dealer (about 25 minutes behind us), but to no avail. Finally, my travelling companion and I decided to leave my car and book a rental car to continue on to our destination. We knew that about 10” of snow was predicted the next day and that driving in a bad storm with a car acting questionably would not be advisable. So off we went with the rental car, knowing that my “baby” would be safe in the hands of the Toyota Service Center’s parking lot and Rhonda’s watchful eye.

The rest of our drive up to the Western Maryland resort area of WISP went very smoothly now that I no longer was concerned about our mode of transportation. I could relax and leave the driving in the capable hands of my travelling companion as he’d taken over once we switched cars. Relaxing is something that I need to do more of and now I could get comfortable. We reached the resort in late afternoon, checked in, and surveyed the grounds. It was snowing lightly and rather chilly with the temperature hovering around 30 degrees. For the rest of Tuesday, we enjoyed our brief respite which included making plans for rental skis and a lift ticket for each of us for the next day after our husky dog sled ride. While we had time, we were fitted with skis, books and poles and put our rental equipment in the lockers provided by the resort for use by the guests. It was all very convenient. We also enjoyed dinner in the restaurant and watched the evening skiers on the slopes while wondering from where all their energy materialized.

The Ride of my life

The next morning, I jumped out of bed quite excitedly, prepared for the ride of my life. We were early to the Husky Power Dog Sled location as it was snowing quite heavily and we could hardly see to drive. Luckily, we only had a few miles to travel. Upon arrival, I realized how cold my hands and feet had become but I just had to be tough. After all, I was about to do something that was on my bucket list – a line item that I wanted to do before I died! And it was fast approaching. First, we heard the dogs barking in anticipation of the opportunity to pull a sled. These Alaskan husky dogs just live to pull and in addition, they love the cold weather. Today they would be very happy as it was cold enough for them and they would get to pull on an 11-dog sled team first for my friend and then for me. How fun!

Our husky ride was amazing; nothing short of spectacular, as we curved through the woods over fresh powder snow. I normally don’t like cold weather, but I braved a snow storm and for me, very cold weather to do this ride and loved every minute of it. My husky dog sled ride was all I’d hoped for and more.

Husky Power Dog Sled Ride

Afterwards, we drove again through a snowstorm to get back to the resort just in time to make a few ski runs down the beginner slope. It was quite funny how I was a bit scared to take the lift and the operator stopped it in order to allow me to get on. I felt like the whole trip was planned just for me! Ok, so I’ve slowed down over the years. I can’t do the heavyweight slopes anymore, but that’s ok, I still got down the hill without getting hurt and it was fun.

Back inside the Resort we heard people in the hallway saying they were going to drive home in what was by now a terrible snowstorm. We were so glad that we had decided to stay over an extra day during our trip planning so were not concerned about driving in such bad weather. Later, we heard the horror stories of people being stuck in their cars for upwards of 10 hours on highways around Washington, DC. But fortunately, we were not among them.

 Instead, we left Thursday morning with a clear sky and smooth sailing all the way back to the Toyota Dealer to pick up my car. There was Rhonda, on duty. We were grateful for her support and attempts to help. As a thank-you to her, I offered a copy of my inspirational memoir, The Circle of Life – A Journey through Grief to Understanding, asking, “Are you spiritual?” She replied, “Yes, my son has had issues since birth and we almost lost him a few times.” Rhonda thanked me for the autographed copy of my book which she assured me she would read.

After having a quick lunch and saying good-bye, we quickly moved all of our things from the rental car back to my car and continued on our way. At this point, I figured I would have to drive slowly, keeping my car below the speed where the cruise control had been set previously. But, to my surprise, the speed of the car inched up normally. I told my companion, “The car appears to be driving normally. How is that possible?”

Understanding comes

Then it hit me. We were supposed to stop at the Toyota Dealers. What’s the probability that my car would act up, then I would decide to pull off the road exactly in front of a location where a woman had a son that might die any time? I believe I was supposed to give her my book as there is information in it regarding life after death that will be reassuring for her. I only hope that she understands that death is not the end and that it is possible to communicate with loved ones after they cross the veil of death. I was guided to leave my car. The universe, once again, provided a perfect plan for all concerned.


The Divine Plan at Work

September 15, 2010

Once again I find myself being guided by divine providence. Or, perhaps, I’m manifesting what I’ve already created? Just a couple months ago, I found that I needed more money than I was bringing in. Not an uncommon situation. In my case, independent health care and pre-existing conditions resulted in an astronomical monthly premium after my 18 months of COBRA ran out. The additional expense was excessive and I decided to “ask” for help in the way that I know best. I sat down on my bed and said, “God I need help paying for my healthcare”. That’s pretty straight forward. Well, right on schedule, a friend sent me an email and then followed up with a phone call, insisting that I apply for a government position as a project manager. She and I had worked together on a prior job a few years earlier and she was still working at the same location and knew of the need for additional staff. I wasn’t keen on the idea of going back to work for the FED, since I’d already been there and done that, so to speak. But after some consideration I determined that it certainly would be a good way to get my healthcare covered.

 Besides, perhaps this was what I was supposed to do… as in being led by my own guidance to get my prayer answered. I never looked for a job, the opportunity came to me.  Completing the application was quite a chore, as it took several days. I dutifully answered all the questions after looking through my many years of experience. Sometimes I think that one gets a government position through sheer fortitude of will to maneuver through the paperwork process.

Several weeks went by without any word. Then on a most auspicious day, I got an invitation for an interview. It would have been my father’s 93rd birthday, had he not passed on three years earlier. From my vantage point, this was a domino falling into place letting me know that I was on the right track. It was a sign.

 The interview is tomorrow. We’ll see how it goes. The right thing is the one that works out.


Want one to chew on?

April 30, 2010

Ever think about how you use your gut to guide you on a daily basis without thinking about it?

Sometimes we just don’t feel like getting up. There’s this little voice inside our heads that tells us to roll over and get a few more winks. Usually, it’s just that we stayed up too late watching a good movie, but perhaps on this one day, it’s especially loud. Don’t get up. Stay in bed! Then you find out that the place you were going to work got blown up! Wow! That’s what happened to many people that didn’t go to work the day the plane hit the twin towers or the day the plane hit the Pentagon.

There are lots of stories like this. My mother was supposed to go to a party and decided at the last minute not to attend. Those that went together were in the same car; unfortunately, the car stalled on a railroad track as a train was coming and they were all killed. They couldn’t get out of the car fast enough. My mother was saved.

I was driving during the early morning hours towards an intersection and a little voice told me to “look left”. As I turned my head, I immediately put my foot on the brake in time to stop the car I was driving just prior to hitting another car that was zooming towards me. Had that voice not provided the warning, I might not be here today.

Don’t under estimate the power of your inner guidance system to give you warnings. But it’s important to pay attention and listen. Be vigilant and let your guidance guide you.


Our energy invites what we give out

April 18, 2010

We manifest whatever we need at the moment based on the energy we give out. Without realizing it, we are attracting whatever we are thinking. So it’s like the law of attraction in reverse. What we are getting, is whatever we are giving out. That’s how we know where we are. This can be very useful if we are paying attention.

It can be as simple as love from an animal. My cats respond to me exactly as I am giving out to them. When they want to be around me, I know that I’m tending to them properly. If my female cat prefers to stay in the other room, I know that I haven’t paid enough attention to her. How amazing our furry friends are to be a litmus test of our emotions. Sometimes, I’m sitting on the sofa and I feel this little tap on my arm. It’s my female cat Judas letting me know that its time to pay attention to her. Wow, how she lets me know.

Meanwhile, my male cat Hercules was crying during the night and my vet said he was having panic attacks. While I was writing my book, I was staying up late and not wanting him to fuss with me. He was reacting like a small child not getting his way. Once I settled down and started loving him properly did the little guy totally calm down. Now he’s back to his old self. We are back to our normal pattern and both of us are getting more sleep.

Animals are wonderful mirrors for our patterns. But people are too. They often aren’t as obvious in letting us know when we are kind, mean, or otherwise not responding properly. But if we pay attention to their reactions, we can figure out how our energy is bringing us exactly what we give out.


Overcoming the Fear of Change

March 24, 2010

There is an expression that the only thing to fear to fear itself. Us humans like things that become routine and simple (at least many of us do). We become complacent in our every day world and are happiest when things settle down and simplify. Why fix it if it isn’t broken? Sometimes we stay in relationships past the point when they need changing. They can be with spouses, with friends or with businesses. Today, I’m addressing the latter. It’s often difficult to establish a good working relationship with our business partners – the dentist, doctor, cleaners, tailor, etc. and alot easier to just stay with the same individuals or organizations than to change even when their customer service starts to go south.

But, the divine plan is perfect in all ways. Sometimes we are lead to make changes even when it’s not comfortable. This can happen particularly when it’s in our best interest. Lately, I’ve had a few issues with my dentist’s office not respecting my personal situation. They called and canceled appointments due to problems in their office just before their vacation, cutting me off from end of year/or end of period benefits. I let it go the first time but was in a real pickle the second time.

The situation was such that I had to schedule with a different dentist. The particular work had to be scheduled as I was going to lose my benefits by the end of the month and they were going on vacation. I quickly checked my plan’s on-line provider listing, found a dental office within 3 miles and made an appointment. Wow, how fast it was! Then I wondered why I had been so reticent to change earlier. The next day I went to the new office and the staff was terrific. And, this new office turned out to be less expensive so my out of pocket expense was even less than expected. I was totally satisfied. After leaving the new office, I quietly thanked the universe for guiding me to a quality, reasonably priced and close in dentist that could adequately serve my needs.

Why had I been so afraid to change? Now I feel more open about other changes in my life. Once we start changing in one area and it goes well, we feel free to make changes in other areas. I wonder what will come next? There’s nothing to fear for the universe supports me in all that I say and do!


Are You Getting Your Messages?

February 11, 2010

The first step in  getting your messages is to listen. Yes, I’ve said this before, but it is still the first step.

One Saturday morning, I was lying in bed really wanting to sleep. My cat was crying during the night and just being fussy. At age 16, I guess he’s entitled to be that way. In any case, due to his carrying on,  I didn’t sleep well. I had planned to go on a group walk . When I walk with the group, I not only walk longer – so it’s more of a challenge for me to get additional exercise, I have people with whom I can converse. Exercise and social interchange – both good reasons to get up. However, I was tired.

Then this voice inside my head said, “Get up and get out”. It was quite loud inside my head – as my clairaudient messages often are. However, I was determined not to listen, so I rolled over. The time moved forward. I looked at the clock. Perhaps I had stayed in bed too long to get to the group meeting point in advance of their departure time – 10:05 AM. It was now 9:30 AM. How could I possibly get out of bed, wash up, put on clothes, throw something to eat in my mouth and drive to the departure point all within the allotted time?

By the voice said, “Get up and get out”. Ok, Ok, so I threw the covers off the bed and called the contact phone number which I had printed out from the night before to ask for five extra minutes. The voice on the other end gave me a reprieve. Now, could I really do all that was needed to get me there? I’d really try.

When the universe pushes, it really does so. Perhaps even times collapses, since I made it. However, I noticed that a warning light came on my car dashboard “engine”. Oh, no. Well, there were lots of people on the walk who knew about these things and they began to ask me questions. Had I recently done this or that? I quickly figured out that my gas cap most likely hadn’t been screwed on tight enough which then caused the engine to register a fault. What fortune – luck? I don’t think so. I would not have know what to do if I’d seen this light on my own. Going to a gas station and hooking the car up to machines would have cost me $100. Upon returning from the walk, I merely unscrewed the gas cap and replaced it tighter. The next day, the light went out.

The universe forced me (figuratively via this message) to “Get up and out” in order to gain important information that not only saved me money but peace of mind. Looking up I say, “thank-you”!


Help Comes When You Need It – But How to Ask?

January 16, 2010

Life is full of challenges. If it were easy, we wouldn’t appreciate what we had. Sometimes we have to ask for help. We may want help, but do we actually ask for it? There’s actually a right way to ask for divine help. Here’s my approach.

First, one must be connected to the source. This is very much like plugging the TV into the wall. Although the access to channels is remote once turned on, the actual flow of electricity requires that the unit be plugged into the wall recepticle. And so it is with us. Our bodies, which contain our divine essence or soul, must be connected to our source. We do that by slowing down, get out of our left brain which allows us into our right brain or intuitive, creative side. Once in this quiet mind set, we open our channel to the divine essence.

“Slow down to hear one’s self go by”.

Second, allow yourself to be open to the communication. If you don’t believe you can, you won’t! More on this meditative state and the connection in another post.

Next, ask for what you are looking for. What problem do you want to solve? You don’t necessarily need to know the answer. The universe will provide the solution for you.

Here’s several recent examples that occured in my life:

I decided that I needed additional income, as coaching wasn’t bringing in the sum I had been used to working in corporate America. Because I wanted to continue to assist people with intuitive life coaching and pastoral counseling, according to what I now believe is my life mission, a full-time position was out of the question. What I put out to the universe during a meditation was, “I need additional income. Help me find a way to obtain it so that I can continue to assist people as well as complete and promote my forthcoming book”.

Within a few days, I received a request to do part-time consulting work. The timing looks like it will work out so that I can complete the most demanding aspects of the book production and then be available as a sub-contractor. The final results are TBD, but it would seem that the universe answered my request for help. Please note, I didn’t “do”  anything, other than ask and this opportunity came to me in an email.

The other request for help had to do with my book cover. Things with my current designer got a bit hairy one day, causing me great consternation. At one point I thought I might need to have someone else redo my cover. I thought it would be at great expense. I went on the internet searching for graphic artists who do book covers and found a site advertising very reasonable-priced ones. The next day I contacted the graphic artist and she offered to take a look at my file. She blew me away when she offered to fix it, if required, at no charge. The only possible answer is that universe sent me someone that would understand the expense already outlaid and would be kind enough to help me – possibly to get additional business in the future, but help nonetheless. I was floored. This is a backup plan, but she’s an angel for sure.

These are two good examples of how the universe delivers answers when we are connected, in good faith.

Comments as well as the sharing of your experiences are welcome.


Life Lessons – Being Heard?

December 4, 2009

We all have life lessons. If we were perfect, we wouldn’t be here. We’re on the earth to learn and move forward toward perfection. So, until then, there’s lots of stuff to be dealt with. Every once in awhile, this stuff pops up and we wonder where it came from. When we sit back and think about it, usually it refers back to a life lesson.

What was the situation? I decided to join a women’s social group and to show my support, I opted to attend a Sat. afternoon organizational meeting. Often, I have client coaching sessions, so to give up a rare free Sat. was a real show of interest. However, once there, I didn’t feel particularly good about the interactions or the outcome. After spending close to two hours with the other women in attendance, my ideas were either not included, shot down or somehow worked around. To make matters worse, the dates selected for the events, were already taken for me. I couldn’t even attend the events I was supposedly helping to plan.

What did I learn from this? I went home a bit frustrated and then sat down to think about it. I realized I hadn’t been heard, nor was I being included (since I couldn’t attend the programs). Something felt very familiar. It reminded me of childhood – I grew up as a baby boomer with parents who expected me to be “seen and not heard”. My opinion wasn’t important. I realized I was in a situation that touched on a life lesson from long ago – whereas in youth I couldn’t choose to stay or leave, now I had a choice. I decided this was not the right group for me. The energy just wasn’t right. I’ve not been able to attend any of there events.

The next step-
I let go of being sorry and looked for other groups and venues were the energy was more welcoming.

Once I made the decision that I only wanted to be in groups that wanted me and with people that wanted to listen to what I had to offer, lots of new people began to come into my life. In just a few short weeks, there have been several new people that I’ve met and interacted with that are genuinely interested, ask questions and remember what I tell them. Wow, what a difference! I might have this life lesson under my belt.

Does it feel familiar to you? Feel free to share your experiences.


The Universe Has Perfect Timing

November 22, 2009

There’s a saying that there’s no loose ends in the universe.  Everything happens for a reason. It’s all a perfect puzzle. How does it all come together? Ever wonder how you plan a lunch date with a friend and both get to the restaurant at exactly the same time – perhaps even pulling into parking spaces next to each other? It’s happened to me. Here are some examples that happened to me over this one weekend.

Events come together perfectly – Over the last two weeks, I’ve had a series of important tasks that all needed to be finished by this weekend – by Nov. 21 to be exact. I worked fevorishly to get them all done, sometimes wondering if I had the ability to do it, then gaining confidence that I could do it and finally seeing the home stretch knowing that I would be able to do it. I also knew that I was doing what I was guided to do –  that right action was happening – I was following my life’s purpose and these activities were part of the master plan. One by one things fell into place. Thurs. Nov. 20 was an eventful day indeed – I finished one task by 5pm, another by 1AM and then took a breather to get the rest of my monthly newsletter complete by 5pm the next day. All was done by Nov. 21 as required.

And then I realized that although I was packed to go out of town on Saturday Nov. 22, it occured to me how perfectly the timing turned out. I completed these tasks and then got a “gift” of a weekend away. How wonderful! I was able to enjoy a lovely fall weekend in the fresh air, with some spiritually-minded people and had the chance to shamelessly promote my forthcoming book. Even a couple of offers to hold a book signing.  Almost too good to be true.

Perfect arrival – I arrived at the hotel on Sat. suitcase and other bags in hand, thinking, “it would be great if someone would come along to open the door for me”.  At that moment, a hand opened the door and totally took me by surprise. It was the friend I was meeting! There he was at the door, holding it open for me, as if on queue. There’s no way we could have planned it.

Perfect drive And to top off such a wonderful weekend after completion of tasks, with a total sense of accomplishment, I realized the Universe had perfect timing in one more way. My car – in the shop being repaired from the deer collision (see prior post) – wasn’t ready on Friday as promised. Although I didn’t want to drive a rental car 80 miles each way, preferring the familiarity and comfort of my own car, it wasn’t ready. I had a premonition Friday morning so when the shop called to tell me of the delay I was disappointed but not surprised. Then it dawned on me – the miles were included on the rental program that the insurance company was covering – and not on my own car. Sure, I had to pay for the gas, but wear and tear on my car was saved.

There are no loose ends. The Universe has perfect timing! It’s awesome!


Guided to be a publisher

November 4, 2009

Over the last few days, the universe has been guiding me on how to publish my book, The Circle of Life – A Journey Through Grief to Understanding. There are so many options to consider when publishing a book. Of course, I tried to get a standard contract but when one appeared, it wasn’t particularly attractive. Several local author’s told me to “CREATE YOUR OWN PUBLISHING COMPANY!” while others recommended just about every method possible. But the loudest voices in my head were the ones to CREATE for myself. I kept mulling the figures, the issues, the circumstances over in my head until I was surely in to the classic analysis paralysis.

So what happened?  The universe set me straight. A couple nights ago, I was driving along the road near my home, deep in thought, when my car was rocked and there was a loud thud on my driver’s door. As I turned to my left to see what caused the impact, I saw the face of a deer directly in my side window. Luckily, I was only going about 30 mph, but the deer hit the car directly. How badly was it hurt, I wondered? Pulling around the next bend, I turned around to search for the deer hoping not to see him (or her). At first, I didn’t see anything, but when I made another turn to come around again full circle I saw the deer in the same spot where it had been impacted by my car, still alive and sitting up.

What did I do?  Not wanting anyone else to get hurt, and hopefully wanting to help the deer, I drove another block to the local fire station to report the incident to the police. Inside the fire station a very nice fireman calmed me down, as I was visibly shaken – I felt bad for the deer – then we began to chat while waiting for the police to arrive. After about 30 min. I realized that the police hadn’t responded to the call made by Max, the fireman. Max and I were involved in a spiritual discussion about near death experiences and other interesting happenings of firemen. He then offered to check out my car to determine is there was any damage (not much – just the front bumper was scraped and bented a bit) and informed me how lucky I was not to have been hurt.

What was the result?  Although Max called the police again, this time a different dispatcher informed him that a deer hitting a car wasn’t a reportable incident (for my insurance company) and if the police found the deer they’d put it down. Oh no!  So Max agreed to go with one of his fireman buddies to check out the deer and see if he could help it (perhaps call the animal control). I left the station and was pleased to not find the deer – at least not in the road when I did another drive around. So the deer didn’t die in the road, and was only bruised by the impact (one can hope).

How was I guided? what does all this mean? people impact deer all the time. why was this incident so special? I was about to leave the house at 7:45 pm dressed to go out for the evening to a favorite dance place I hadn’t been to in a long time since my legs were bothering me. As I was leaving my bedroom, something pulled me back to my computer to search for a logo for my newed named publishing company (I went to the court house yesterday to file for my company name). I didn’t leave the house until 8:15 pm as a result (having created my new logo with an on-line service. I’ve been driving for over 30 years and have never hit a deer. But my timing was so perfect this night that I hit one. WHY?

Perhaps the universe was telling me that my decision to go out was not a good one. My legs were not up to dancing (hence I turned around and went home after the fire station). I got some nice conversation with Max anyway (one of the reasons I wanted to go out in the first place). What’s the probability of that? And, perhaps the other reason is that deciding on which publishing option is….

not a life or death decision. the deer might live or die.. I wasn’t killed.. but I could have been… so could have the deer. but deciding on this option or that, this number of copies or this paper or that website is not life or death…. the precision with which all this occured reminded me once again that nothing in the universe happens by change…. there are no loose ends…. it is all perfect. I also found out that I was totally covered by my insurance company for the damage to the car… again I got the message… it was all perfectly arranged..

I knew at this point the message was clear. The answers to all my questions would come as I needed them. I got into bed knowing this.

This morning everything fell into place. I called my editor, we talked and one by one each decision seemed to be made. Today everything seems so much easier and alot less expensive than I thought. The universe is coming through for me.

 Just listen to your messages and the answers will be there also.