Day 14 – Being open to receive

Today’s affirmation:

Today I give with creativity.

I think I really need to stop being surprised by the Universe or be more open to the fact that each moment in everyday is an opportunity to choose to let Love in or not. Moment to moment either we Love or we don’t.

As I was leaving home for work this morning, I said very tongue in cheek and out loud, ok Universe, I need your help today. I really want to give creatively. You gotta help me out.

Just as I locked the gate and stepped into the street there was a taxi passing and the driver indicated that he was going my way. Getting in, took some manoeuvering, because I had my handbag, gym bag and travel mug. I hit snooze a few times this morning, which made me late so I had to have my morning smoothie to go.

The driver enquired about all the bags I had with me and if I went to a gym? I said yes and that was all the encouragement he needed. We talked the entire trip. He shared with me some of his history, that diabetes and hypertension runs in his family and he had major surgery a few years ago and because of that he had to leave his 8-4 job, change his lifestyle, start eating clean and exercising more. After getting in one mention about my own lifestyle change and green smoothie, I was content to listen with the murmured uh huhs here and there, learning and soaking up all he had to say.

As we approached the taxi stand, he said that he would drive down to my building since I had all those bags and the mug. I was so grateful, because I was late and getting dropped off at my building would shave off precious minutes. He then asked, why type of milk I used in my smoothie…just the opening I needed to expound about how I use yogurt instead of milk and it’s a very simple and customizable recipe that he should try.

He said to me, that “it’s good to share the good things with others”. I thought it was so poignant and true. Usually, I use my morning commute time to check email, reply to messages and read my daily inspirations, ignoring everyone and everything around me. Today, however, I never looked at my phone once. Instead, I thoroughly enjoyed this random yet insightful conversation about eating better and exercising a little more.

My one regret was that I didn’t get his name but that’s the way this morning was supposed to go. Of course I was happy to not have to walk the four blocks from the taxi stand to my building in high heels. I was extremely thrilled for the opportunity to share a bit about my green smoothie which I love so much. But it was only upon reflection about what happened this morning I understood that being present and open was the gift for today.

This 29-Gift journey is teaching me everyday, to stop and savour the moment. I have to be present to the present to recognize the opportunities to give and to be open to the gifts given to me. Of course all this wisdom came right after I snapped at friend who was only trying to compliment me last night. Sometimes, this journey can really feel like it’s a one step forward, two-steps back dance. But each baby step forward, gets me closer to the authentic me who is better equipped to deal with the eventual two steps back.

You are blocking Love when you don’t let people give to you. Open up and let it in. – Mastin Kipp, The Daily Love.

…and I will add to those words, the more Love you let in, the more Love you will have to give, especially when you enlist help from the Universe.