When I was pruning my library, I came across a book called The Way of the Traveler by Joseph Dispenza which I had never read. After spending time reading it last night, I’m wondering why I didn’t make the pleasure of Dispenza’s company sooner.
He talks about travel as a journey of self-discovery. Many of the things he says are equally true of self-employment.
He writes, “Acknowledging the necessity of material provisions—especially money—is the great reality check of travel. The challenge in preparing financially is to not allow money, or the lack of it, to limit your journey.”
Believing that our dreams are supportable is essential, of course, but we also must trust that support will come when we need it—and be open to however that happens.
Thinking about this, I flashed back on a trip to Switzerland that Nick WIlliams and I made in 2004. We spent a week riding trains, meeting some wonderful people, and doing business planning.
Since we both believe that inspiration often hangs out in beautiful places, we spent a day in Chamonix, France, home of the glorious Mont Blanc. The entire trip turned out to be even better than I’d expected.
The next day we were heading back to Zurich where Nick was scheduled to fly home to London. I was spending another day before departure. “Do you know where you’re staying tonight?” Nick inquired.
I laughed and admitted that I didn’t have any idea, but had learned during my itinerary-free sabbatical that I always could find a place for the night no matter where I was. “I assume there’s a room waiting for me, “ I said. “I have never had to sleep on a park bench.”
Applying this philosophy goes way beyond locating a hotel room when I need one. In fact, it just happened again this morning and in a most unexpected way.
On my way to Trader Joe’s, I decided to stop at the Goodwill drop-off spot in Lowe’s parking lot. I was greeted by a delightful man wearing a jaunty straw hat.
When I drove up, he promptly came over to my car to assist. I only had one bag to donate, but we started to chat. When I mentioned I was moving from a house I loved living in, he said, “There are a lot more wonderful houses out there.”
Then he surprised me by saying, “Moving.That’s what I do when I’m not volunteering here.” That got my attention, of course.
I asked him more questions and knew immediately that I had found my perfect support team for the move. Even better, the three-man moving company is called Smiley Enterprises. I’m pretty sure I was smiling as I drove away.
Do you trust that support will appear when needed? Or fear you’re unworthy of receiving what you need? Either way, you’re right.
Lovely story.
I am a firm believer that good will always show up. I know I’ve had little nice surprises all my life like the one you had finding a mover.
If we expect it, we seem to have plenty of evidence to show it will come. I especially love it when support arrives from a place I hadn’t expected…like at the Goodwill truck.
I agree with the basic premise, Barbara, but with all due respect, I’ve always found the “either way you’re right” tag too facile, and ironically, not very supportive.
Sometimes we get support in life, sometimes we don’t.
If we’ve had support from an early age, it’s easy to trust more will be forthcoming. To the degree we haven’t been supported in life, especially if we’ve eschewed the “safe” and traditionally “trusted” ways, the more likely that cycle can be hard to break. It can be a lifelong battle to expect support from what should be our strongest supporters.
Again, I agree with maintaining a positive outlook, and expecting the best, but it can be pretty hard work sometimes.
That’s where we get in trouble, Jay, when we predetermine where it’s supposed to come from. Support often arrives in a package we weren’t anticipating. It’s up to us to recognize it when it arrives.
Oh, and it’s never too late to decide that “I am supportable” is a worthy mantra.
I’m sad that you’re losing your house, Barbara, but it’s true, there’s probably an even nicer one in your future. Perhaps a Tuscan villa!
Iris, I’m not losing my house in the normal sense, I guess. I also know that every time I’ve moved (which I’ve done pretty regularly) I always went to a better place than the one I left. This time has been a bit more stressful since I didn’t anticipate moving at this time, but now that I’m into it, I’m finding many positive things to celebrate. And I always had a sense that this unexpected plot turn was leading me to something fabulous that I hadn’t foreseen.
Tuscan Villa has such a lovely ring, doesn’t it?
I really enjoyed your story. I felt like I was there with you in France, trusting the Universe. What a lovely way to live.
Frank Clayton
HI, Barbara 0
This is so true! It’s really all about trust and trusting that everything we need will be provided to us when we need it. This applies not only to travel and business, but life as well! I am reminded of Peace Pilgrim who walked all over the country and only ate when she was given food and slept when someone offered her a place.
Blessings and Keep the Trust!
Patricia
Great story, Barbara. And, I love the part about finding your moving help. It is a simple example of how being clear on exactly what we want in our lives will help us see it and grab it when it presents itself. Great reminder!
“Do you trust that support will appear when needed? Or fear you’re unworthy of receiving what you need?”
Goodness, it hits a nerve. Thank you Barbara.
Happy moving! : )
Appreciate your stories and all the posts. Most of the time I believe, and sometimes fear gets the better of me. It always helps to hear others’ stories to be reminded again.
I truly believe that when you are open, your path can be gently guided to the right people, places and things, and find it to be more and more true everyday.
Moving, they say is one of the most stressful things in ones life, especially when there are emotional strings to be carefully disconnected and spooled up for the journey.
On the positive it certainly puts you in the position to view everything from a new perspective, even stagnant items such as furniture can take on new meaning, use and memory.
Good luck in your move and may your path guide you to the people, places and things you need.
Absolutely, Meg. Both stressful and revealing. Of course, I think one of the most fascinating qualities of entrepreneurs is our capacity to manage paradox…and my capacity is certainly being tested right now.