We have experiences in our lives for a reason, to help us grow, to help us learn, and to help us share with others. Too often we take these experiences at face value (and miss the meaning) instead of looking deeper to find the meaning for us at that particular time in our lives.

As I grow, change and become more aware of what is happening in the world around me, I begin to see the deeper meaning of my experiences. I don’t always see the full meaning at the moment of experience, but as I walk in I can see the image grow. There are still times when I miss everything. Sometimes the interactions are more about showing us where we’ve been, while other times they offer guidance on where we’re capable of going. We never really see the big picture of our lives, but if we look closely, we can glimpse the map.

I had a rather unnerving experience lately which gave me this perfect opportunity to take a look at the map. Two young gentlemen came to my door and wanted to ask some questions about my business, I gladly invited them in (very confident). Once inside, the young man began to question me quite forcefully about my practices, comparing that work to witchcraft, to being against God. At first I tried to talk to them, to find common ground, but then I realized that I was in a losing battle. I kept listening and searching for the reason I was here. He was very convinced that his way was the only way and that I should settle for it. I went within and made sure that I was on the right path in life, I could feel the light shine within me.

There was a time in my life, when I was in a situation like this, I either felt cornered, attacked in my defense, or turned into a turtle and gave away my power. In this experience, I listened, felt compassion for this young man, and then simply asked them to leave. I felt a very strange energy in the room, and the more he talked (preached), the more energy filled the room. I silently called out to Michael for protection. He had asked them to leave 3 times but once calling Michael, the silent young man took the leader’s arm and said it was time to go.

I happen to be a very spiritual person, I’m not religious, but I think whatever works for a person, they should definitely follow that belief. I don’t impose my beliefs on anyone, and I certainly don’t like others trying to impose theirs on me, especially in my own home. I also believe that no matter where a person comes from or who he is, there is a message in what he says or how he acts. I try to focus on the message or lesson, rather than the drama of the situation. I’m by no means perfect at this, but when I can pull it off, I find it very empowering, especially when I can pull it off in the moment.

I admit, I was scared when they left. This young man was so convinced that his way was the only way, and everyone else should follow his way. In fact, he took me back a few lifetimes where the punishment for doing the work I do was death. His views were scary, though maybe they’ll work for him, I don’t know. His first thoughts were of fear, fear of what he was capable of doing to my house, my business, my safety, yes, he really was convinced of his ways. I find this kind of thinking very dangerous in many ways in the world. My second thought, and almost immediately after the fear, was that I don’t allow fear to rule my day.
I sat quietly going over what had just happened and drawing the energy out of the room. I knew I had a choice, I could let the fearful thoughts take control, I could surrender my power and change who I am, or I could tune into that still voice inside and listen. I sew to listen inside. What I received was an inner strength, a sense of humor, and a vision of how much I had grown and changed. I have not changed nor do I need to change who I am/what I do to fit in with anyone. As long as I follow my heart and do no harm to others, I am on the right track.

There is never a need to give my power to someone else. In fact, the many times I’ve done this in my life, I’ve ended up struggling. I feel safe and strong in who I am, I feel a strong inner peace and guidance. When I look at this particular message and lesson from my heart, I am grateful for the experience. Thanks for the messenger. Thank you for finally being able to be me and be okay with it. My cup really is more than overflowing.