Need Something…ASK For It!
Of course, you probably already know that ASKING for what you need can make a difference in your life…Right?
As I sit this morning enjoying my café mocha with hazelnut creamer (tastes like chocolate covered hazelnuts – how good is that!) it reminds me of one of the first books I read that introduced me to meditation and spirituality. I say one of the first because I can’t remember which one actually came first! I was looking for something to read at lunch (still working at the time) and my friend Julie gave it to me, saying it was her favorite book and she wanted it back! That is usually a great recommendation, but I wasn’t sure as the title suggested it was a silly love story. I’ll tell you the title in a minute, but first I have to tell you how much it affected my life.
At that moment in time, I was struggling with a lot of confusion, doubt and pain – both in my Heart and my Soul. My children had grown and were going off to do their own thing. And just as I was hopeful that my husband and I could heal our relationship – he gave up and succumbed to lung cancer. He LEFT me! (I leave that story for another time.)
I had a job, but ultimately came back to an empty house! I WAS ALONE for the first time in my life! I was depressed, felt lost and was searching for a Purpose in my life. At this low point in my life I asked Spirit/God/Universe (take your pick) for Help!! But ya know…it works! In walks Julie with this great little book, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.
I know…it’s very popular now…she’s been on Oprah…and if that doesn’t make you famous, nothing will! But back then, it was just this little book that came into my life at the Perfect Time! I immediately felt connected to Elizabeth Gilbert. She has a wonderful writing gift and a unique way of looking at her world crumbling and seeing humor in it! I laughed and I cried throughout this book…she inspired me and gave me hope that there really was something better out there. I just had to do a little searching – my Soul, my Spirit and the Universe, which now usually means the internet!
As I started to read this wonderful little book, I realized I must have my own copy! Then I began highlighting passages that resonated with me. It didn’t take long for my book to take on the appearance of a pin cushion…full of little Post-its sticking out among the pages. I completely resonated with her when she felt out of sync and unhappy, as she ate her way through Italy, and as she began the Journey of discovering her Self!
At the beginning she has so many doubts, fears and is totally confused about her life. She has the Perfect Life – loving husband, beautiful home, and well-paying job she loved – a life many women would be very grateful for. But she is Miserable!!
When she gets to India, she questions her motives for studying and meditating in the Ashram , and her ability to Find her True Self – not the person she had allowed others to form for her. This is the section where I discovered how meditating could help ME…even though I had never meditated before!
Finally, in the third section, she searches for LOVE. But she learns that Love really means loving yourself first…that’s the hardest part, I think, for many people – it certainly was for me. If you don’t love yourself, how can you truly love someone else? And how can you attract LOVE if you don’t love your Self first? (This is where I first heard about the Law of Attraction – I know, I’m a bit behind the times!)
I know…it seems that I’ve given away the whole story. But believe me it is just a beginning…there is SO much more to this book! This precious little book provided many “firsts” for me and truly helped me believe I could find my Path. For this I will always be grateful to Elizabeth Gilbert!
If this story resonates with you, I highly recommend you read the book “Eat, Pray Love
And please leave your comments here too!
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