Daring To Show Up
Fill Your Tank
Here I am … Day 1 of 40 for me on this enlightened journey toward greater awareness and compassion. I wonder, what will I do differently? Who will I become in the next 40 days? I have a feeling that when I look back nothing will be the same, life will carry greater meaning, and judging by today, I will walk more fully minded.
Recently I got into the habit of taking the time, attention and effort to connect with everyone I meet during the day. So far, I’ve gotten stares that I take to mean “Are you crazy?” or “Why do you seem to care enough to ask me about… me?” even, “What do you want from me?” And then there are those who so crave the attention of someone who asks, “How is your day going?” and actually cares to hear the answer. So, today I made it a habit to be totally present, to give to others with the intention that we met on this day for a reason and I have something to offer. So, I did.
I complimented the woman at the deli by ordering the delicious turkey sandwich she suggested. She lit up and suggested another when I got up and thanked her. I told her she had a great track record and I’d be back to try the next best sandwich. I enjoyed lunch with a friend I’d met only a week prior. It was a coincidence in meeting her, but we really hit it off and she suggested we meet again, so we did. She picked the place and I decided, I’d treat her to lunch. She’s such an outgoing person with a vibrant spirit that I felt the gift of being in her presence was worth every penny. She couldn’t believe I picked up the tab. This must have been what she needed because we talked for over 90 minutes.
I know this, because I returned to a car with a parking ticket for exceeding my 90 minutes. Not to worry, what I was creating here in this great energetic flow would surely make up the $34 ticket a thousand fold, I was certain of it. I quickly pulled out my checkbook, wrote a check and mailed the ticket immediately so I wouldn’t lose energy on something seemingly negative every time I looked at it.
I ventured to get my car serviced, tires changed, and upholstery quote and it turns out that my Uncle, owner of the service station, needed a big pick-me-up today. He sat and “shot the breeze” with me, telling me all about what he’s been up to and asking me all about how to use his iPhone. I took it upon myself to help him with a simple task that was bogging him down. I edited his contact list to display the way he wanted. He was happy as clam.
As for the other service station fellas, they deserved a smile, a few laughs, and to be asked how they were doing too… so I did, I asked and no matter what the state of affairs is when I arrive each visit, they’re always smiling, laughing, and waving a joyous goodbye when I leave. My Uncle quickly calls my Dad to say, “Lacy was just in here. I always feel so much better after she’s been here. She just sits and listens, she taught me to use my phone and she’s doing such interesting things. She looks so good. What a great woman she is. I can’t hardly believe it.” And then, of course, my Dad calls me to share the joy. Hellooooo 1000 fold return… Turns out that when I looked down at my gas gauge on the ride home, my Uncle had filled my tank. Not only that, but he comped the battery my truck needed. So while he filled my gas tank, I filled his energy and heart tank. Heck yes, I’ll take that, thank you very much.
I ventured over to the upholstery shop for a quote and this fella seemed as though he may prove even more challenging, but I’m always up for a good challenge. In fact, when I sense someone needs a little spirit lovin’, I make it my mission not to leave until I’ve filled their life cup. Try it sometime with anyone, no matter if you know them or not. It’s ridiculously fun and so much more energizing than sinking to their energy level or battling it out otherwise… Anyway, upholstery guy was a mumbler and appeared standoffish, which being the consultant-coachy-trainer that I am, made me want to give him a quick run through on communication 101. But I didn’t. Instead, I took it as a sign to listen more fully. Turns out he’s a smart guy and really quite pleasant to be around! He’s been in business for over 30 years and loves what he does. He even has pictures of the boats, cars, trucks, motorcycles, and hot rods he’s worked on. I learned a whole heap from him, I even got him to laugh… and he’s saving me $75. Yes please and thank you!
As for myself, I think it’s important to start with compassion in the home and in the heart. So, I decided to honor myself by being more me. So, in addition to doing morning yoga, reading my favorite book, and dressing up in my business clothes, I started the day with a 3 minute video that I recorded of myself on the first go-round about the power of Living Your Legacy. Sure, it may seem small, even insignificant, but for the last 3 years I’ve hid behind the camera, allowing my voice and my writing to be heard, but rarely to be seen. So, today was a big day in the house of Lacy.
In all, my experience of compassion today came in the form of being fully present. Allowing myself to do the things I love, to live out the dreams I have and to express myself in new and wonderful ways. Compassion has also been showing up for people. Folks around me are having a rough go lately and instead of slinking away, I’ve decided to sit with them in their times of need and sorrow. I can do that. What a gift it is to sit in the experience and with the struggle of another, knowing it is exactly what they need and not having to feel like I need to fix one single thing.
See? Life always works out, we just have to keep going to see it through.
Until tomorrow…
