Making a major decision? Put it in Spirit’s hands ‘they say.’ Worried about outcomes? Give all fear to Spirit ‘they say’ or it will muck up the flow. Fine. I’ll put it to the test.
Recently, I returned from a two-and-a-half-week adventure in Alaska. It was beautiful, awe-inspiring, and (to be honest) a bit over the top for me. Lots of wining and dinning on the cruise portion, and lots of cliff-hanging wilderness amidst forest and mountains on the land side of things. Whether I watched sheets of glacier float by or was peering from the side of a train from the top of the world, one persistent question kept coming to my mind ~ ‘What now?’
At 65 I’m pretty much retired, except for a few Zoom clients per week. In fact, I’m on a complete sabbatical until later in the year. It’s time to delve into the next chapter of my life. I love my little house close to the shore of Lake Michigan, and have deep appreciation for the grounded sense of home it has always provided for me. But my son moved to Georgia last year to pursue a fabulous job offer. And, my daughter and three grandchildren live in Texas. My mother is in a safe senior living apartment that offers amenities to meet her needs. Plus, she has three other children to help out. My husband and I already have done the lion’s share of caregiving for my parents, especially when my father was still alive. So, I ask you Spirit, ‘What now?’
Caregiving, in one form or another, has been the major theme of my life. It was a set-up from the get-go as two of my siblings are much younger than I. I laugh that my mom named me Penny ~ coming from a nurse in one of her favorite soaps. So, a piece of my puzzle is the love of caring for others, especially children.
In deep mediation over the last few months, I have offered up this prayer: ‘Dear Spirit, what would you have me do in this phase of my life to my highest good and deepest joy?’
The persistent answer is, ‘Take good care of You!’ There was also the urging to search my heart for true desire, and to weed out all the ego distractions from my mind. This is the process that leads to taking action steps that are in everyone’s best interest.
My twin grandchildren will start a 4K program in August and are in need of after school care. Hmm. My oldest granddaughter has three more years of High School. Wouldn’t it be nice to see more of her activities before she turns into an adult? Hmm. Wisconsin last spring seemed unusually cold and long. Hmm. Maybe, I’ll just see what apartments are available in my daughter’s neighborhood.
A new apartment complex shows up on google overlooking a small lake. Hmm. My daughter has summers off from her teaching job and won’t be needing childcare then, so I can still be in my home port during the mild months. Hmm.
After all the cons magnified in my mind and I gently laid each one in Spirit’s hands, I signed the lease. I never imagined being a snow-bird, but I’m so happy that Spirit found the best answer for me to take care of Me! Thank you, Spirit!
Happy Independence Day everyone!
May you all experience the freedom to live your life to your highest good and deepest joy!
Pen Augustin is author of Waves of Light and The Priestess Tale series. Pen loves to give messages about how we can heal ourselves and bring balance to our beloved planet. Living near the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, she enjoys spending time in nature and communing with the local wildlife.