Time to Berth

It has been a while, well, all of about two weeks since I last wrote anything in this space. 

 

So much has been happening in my life in the last few weeks (and all positive) I am happy to report. 

 

The business of letting go has freed me from the shackles that have been keeping me back from moving forward.

 

As you might remember I made a conscious decision at the end of 2013 that I was not going to have a repeat of what came before and almost did a few days into the new year, but came to my senses very quickly.  I am so glad I stuck with my decision as tough as it was in the beginning, over Time it became a little easier to let go.

 

Far too often, as I wrote recently on my FB wall, we spend too much energy on waiting and thinking about what could have, would have or should have been, when we should just be letting go and moving forward.  If something is meant to be, then it will be.  If not, then all that time you "wasted" could have been spent on living and enjoying your life.

 

While writing this blog a very good friend sent me a very profound story which I would like to share with you (not sure of the author, so I hope I don't get into trouble).  It reads as follows:

 

Long, long ago all feelings, values and emotions decided to vacation together on a beautiful but remote island.

 

The holiday progressed really well with all present relishing spending time together to reflect on how they could better understand and appreciate one another.

One day, though, came the announcement of an impending storm, severe enough to force them to flee the island.

Panic ensued and all the feelings, values and emotions rushed to the harbour to board boats and make their escape before the storm arrived.

Only Love chose not to hurry as there was so much still to do on the island. However, as the skies darkened and the wind picked up Love decided it was finally time to leave. Love arrived at the harbour only to find that all the boats had already left.

Just then Prosperity sailed by in a very upmarket and well appointed boat. Love called out: “Please can you take me in your boat, Prosperity?”. But Prosperity replied: “My boat is full of gold and other precious possessions. I’m afraid there is no place for you“ before sailing on out to sea.

A short while later, Vanity passed by the shore in a very flashy looking boat. Love waved to attract attention: “Vanity, could you please pick me up and take me in your boat?” Vanity replied: “Look at you. Your feet are all muddy. I certainly don‘t want my boat to get dirty” and sailed on by.

Sorrow followed later in a somewhat dilapidated, yet still seaworthy boat and Love called out again for help. But Sorrow answered: “I am so sad, I just want to be by myself” and kept on going.

A brightly coloured boat followed with Happiness at the helm and once again Love shouted out to ask to be picked up. However, Happiness just smiled and laughed, too jolly and carefree to be bothered by the concerns of others.

The advance of the storm and the sea spray made it difficult to see any other boats. Love could just make out Hope disappearing from view and earshot.

But then, as Love’s chances of rescue wore increasingly slim, a voice called out: “Here, Love, jump aboard and I will take you with me”. Feeling truly grateful, Love leaped aboard the passing boat without seeing who was piloting it.

Finally when all the feelings, values and emotions had reached the safety of a distant shore Love disembarked and went to meet with Knowledge. Love asked: “Knowledge, please can you tell me who it was that chose to help me when all others declined?“

Knowledge smiled: “That was Time. It takes Time to realise the true importance of Love and why you are the most powerful, yet underrated of all feelings, emotions and values!"

I have always believed and still do that the Universe looks out for me and each and every one of us.  The messages we send out are heard by someone even when we think no one hears them.  Sometimes our cries for help or just a little caring is not meant for the ears of those near and dear to us but for someone far beyond our wildest dreams. 

With every new awakening comes a lesson and I have come to the realisation that I no longer need to be the rescuer or need rescuing, I just need to fulfill my purpose of being me and being accepted for who I am, warts and all.  After all how many lifeboats can one ship hold? I guess, only as many as  the passengers it can accommodate on board.

So after setting down all the lifeboats filled with friends, lovers (not that many, but no regrets) and family who all needed rescuing, the alarm sounded on the ship of which I am the captain that it was no longer sinking. This gave me the option to gather all the lifeboats with its passengers or to change course.

 

I have chosen to change course, and am now heading towards the harbor where a new beginning awaits me.