The older I get, the more I appreciate the 'little things' in my Life. You know, stuff like people who 'get' who you are. People who love you 'anyway', even when you're being a stubborn pain in the rear. People who, no matter WHAT, will patiently listen and then offer perspectives you might otherwise not see. I am blessed to have several people like this in my world. And every time they 'show up', I'm still amazed at how blessed I truly am.
I have one such person who is, for lack of better word, my 'sage'. She's one of those people who've gone through more than any one person should ever be asked to go through. Still she remains kind, patient, and unconditionally loving. She is the one I call when the going gets tough. She is the one who I know, without question, will provide little pearls of kind wisdom to guide me back to my Self. She does it without telling me 'what' to do. She guides, she doesn't push. She does this because she's known me all my life and knows that I can be, at times, quite obstinate. So, rather than saying, "You know, what you should do is....", instead she simply offers a view from outside the forest. Never ever does she say 'should'. Smart lady.
During a recent conversation, while I was asking about something that was really stumping me, she let me go on and give her the details of this particular conundrum. She listened with great patience until, finally, I paused. Before she said anything else, she asked, "are you done?". I said I was. She then went on to remind me of things that I do know...things I've learned the hard way in recent years, and then she said, "you know, you're really just tired. It's been a great challenge, I know. And I know you're really trying to stick to your principles. All of this is good. But now, now that you've tried so hard, maybe what you might like to do is just take the day off. Turn off the phones. Stay off your computer. Lock the doors and draw the curtains. Watch some funny movies. Read. Meditate. REST. Things will look differently in a day or two. Don't worry. The world will still be there when you've refilled your tank."
As usual, this simple yet profound perspective was exactly what the doctor ordered. I giggled at how simple it really was. Yet, without her saying so, I'd have never thought to do just that. She offered one more thing before we got off the phone. She said, "get something to write with. Put it on your bathroom mirror or the fridge. And leave it there for the next 2 days. Ready?" I said I was. Here's what she told me to write:
Dear Olivia, Take the day off. I gotcha covered. Love, God
I laughed out loud. Simple. Yet utterly profound. And you know something? Every time I looked at that note, I laughed out loud again. For 2 days I looked at that tiny little note and it made me grin from ear to ear. Because sometimes we forget. Sometimes we think that we have to do it ALL and do it alone. Truth is, we never do. We're always wrapped in the arms of Great Love. We're always surrounded by this Love, never working alone. Just remembering this makes everything easier. It makes me feel lighter. It makes me dance in the music that is gratitude. It makes my Life rich with Love and Grace and Joy. To her, my beautiful sister, I am forever grateful.
Camille Olivia Strate is an author, Critter Keeper, and founder of a new Non-Profit called The RAJA Project (visit her site for more info). She spends much of her time with her beloved animals, her greatest connection to Source. When she's not writing, she can be found in the garden or on a trail, soaking in the marvels of Mother's offerings. Her latest book, "Whispers" is now available in eBook format. Hardcopy to follow soon! Visit her personal site at http://www.joyzachoice.com
Camille Olivia Strate is a writer and critter keeper who lives in the foothills of Southern California. Her greatest passion is helping people care for their critters. Teaching folks the language of animals so the can 'hear' what they need is among her greatest achievements. A new non-profit called The RAJA Project is about to launch, offering financial assistance to elderly citizens who might otherwise be unable to pay for their pets' Veterinary needs. Visit her personal site at http://www.joyzachoice.com
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» left by Teresa Ortiz (101 days 2 hours ago.)
Hi Camille! What a beautiful tale of friendship- those who know us best-know what we need to hear at just the right time. I just spent the weekend with my bestest friend in the whole wide world. She lives in CA so we only see eachother once a year, or sometimes once every other year, but we talk at least 5 times a week. Thank God for friendship. Thanks for sharing this encouraging story that we can all learn from. Love & Hugs, Teresa
» left by Camille Strate(1,248) Camille Strate (101 days 2 hours ago.)
Hey Sweet Teresa! Thanks for your lovely words! Yes, thank God indeed! I don't know what I'd do without my beautiful sister. She inspires me at every turn! Hugs and Blessings to YOU! Camille Respond to this comment
» left by Dianne Lehmann(2,545) Dianne Lehmann (98 days ago.)
Camille, thank you so much for the reminder. My sister is one of those people for me and so is my husband (lucky me!). Neither of them ever give me "shoulds" even when I'm being really stupid. And that note...that's a great one! Beautiful article, beautifully written. Dianne
» left by sue thom from nj (97 days 22 hours ago.)
hi camille, you have a great writing style. i like everything you write. thanks for sharing,
best regards,
sue
» left by Ken McCreless(238) Ken McCreless (97 days 22 hours ago.)
Hi Camille!, Hey, what a great article! Profound truths and sage advice. SOunds like his awesome book I read called "Whispers..."
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