I’m lucky enough to have several people in my life to whom I can go to for advice and a reality check. It’s important for me to be able to talk through my problems or worries. I’ve discovered that the quicker I can get out of my own head, so to speak, the easier it is for me to put things into perspective. One of my favorite quotes is “Wherever you go, there you are.” I first heard that when I was kid watching The Adventures of Buckaroo Bonzai Across the 8th Dimension, and it’s always stayed with me. Even as a child, I got the deeper meaning of that. The idea that you can never be away from yourself. Essentially, of everyone in the world, the only person you’re really stuck with is you. That’s why I’m all for self-improvement. And I’ve had a lot of self to improve over the years.

One of my biggest lessons and ongoing struggles is with patience. I’m not so bad with the daily, hurry up everyone! kind of patience (except in the car), but the big picture kind. The when is everything going to make sense?kind. Once I have something in mind that I want to move forward on, I want to do it NOW. Or if I’m waiting for events to come together, I want to intervene and prod them along.  I told someone the other day that if I were given a crystal ball, I’d probably look at my future, just to know the highlights. See if I’m on the right direction. Verify that what I’m doing is working. I have not been the best at sitting back and letting life percolate. But I’m learning. I’ve had people in my life that I think entered just for me to practice on. And then I’ve had people enter who have encouraged me to practice what I’ve already learned. There’s one lady in particular who has been helpful to me lately in that way. She’s so very wise and articulate that talking with her is a blessing. She has a wonderful way of being straight with me, giving advice but in an affirmative way, reminding me that I need to enjoy the process of becoming. Just last week, when I expressed some anxiety over a relationship that’s been complicated, she gently encouraged me to simply let it evolve at its own pace. Apparently, I have a knack for getting in my own way. She’d never say it that bluntly, but in so many nicer ways, that’s what she’s able to remind me to stop doing. And she’s been right. When I’ve taken a deep breath, slowed myself down, and stepped back instead of stepping in, things have had a way of working out smoother and sometimes even quicker than I expected. I’m immensely grateful for her non-judgmental openness and beautiful spirit. Her insight and reminders. I’m thankful today that our life paths crossed when they did. Just when I needed her.